Four years ago, when Phenix City Mayor Eddie Lowe and his wife Deborah held their first charitable ball, they hoped the event would be a success—what they experienced was overwhelming.

The event sold out in its first year, and has done so every year since despite moving to larger venues.

“It’s been amazing,” Deborah Lowe said. “When we first started, we didn’t know what to expect, but it just keeps getting bigger and bigger. People want to attend, because they know the cause is so important.”

To date, the Phenix City Mayor’s Annual Education and Charity Ball has raised more than $300,000 for college scholarships and local charitable organizations.

Troy University is the latest beneficiary of the annual charitable event. The Mayor’s Education and Charity Ball Committee recently presented TROY with $15,000, which was matched by TROY’s Alumni Association. The money will endow a scholarship that will help Phenix City residents attend TROY.

“We have a great partnership with TROY,” Eddie Lowe said. “This is something that will benefit the city and the community.”

Eddie Lowe said the money raised through the annual charitable balls has helped dozens of students from Phenix City attend college, many of whom might not otherwise have been able.

“This has been one of the most intrinsically rewarding things that I’ve been a part of,” Lowe said. “Who knows? One of these young people may save our lives.”

Deborah Lowe, who works as a job coach at Central High School, said it has been rewarding seeing local students get the opportunity to attend college.

“I see so many students that are qualified to attend college, but financially can’t afford to go,” she said. “It’s always heartbreaking for me.”

Bill Hopper, president of the Troy University National Alumni Association, is focused on reducing the number students who experience the heartbreak of being unable to attend college due to financial constraints.

“As I began my term … one of my goals was to increase the funding available for scholarships for our students” Hopper said. “This new partnership with Mayor Lowe of Phenix City is a major step in that direction. Mayor Lowe and his wife Deborah’s willingness to endow a scholarship at Troy University demonstrates their commitment to providing deserving students an opportunity to continue their education.”