Snoballs host second ball to offer arts scholarships

On April 5, the sNoBalls are putting on their boogie shoes to raise scholarship money at their disco ball.

Dressed in every color under the rainbow, this Tangipahoa-based parade group welcomes women who are dedicated to supporting the children's arts community through scholarships.

Founder and director Marcia Arceneaux said, “Our inaugural season was a dream! We started with 15 ladies and a lot of faith. From our first season, we were able to award three arts scholarships last summer.”

Featuring flavors such as pink bubblegum, and rainbow, each member decorates their own themed snowball-shaped hats. With their silver dresses shining along parade routes, the crew has doubled with over 30 members this year. With the larger group, they have tripled their scholarship goal.

“We are aiming to award 10 scholarships this summer. We know there’s a need, and we’re going to throw a huge party to meet it.”

Arceneaux knows the power of the arts. She has more than 30 years of classroom experience as an arts educator, but the arts gave her much-needed refuge as a child.

“I’d have been a runaway or worse from the abuse I experienced. If I hadn’t had the school band to anchor me, I wouldn’t have found the purpose and security I needed.

Now as a mother, grandmother, and arts educator, I see the opportunity every day to bring hope to others' lives.”

To bring these life-changing and often life-saving programs to more children, Arceneaux launched the nonprofit in 2023, starting with friends and colleagues.

Attracting like-minded women, the sNoBalls have grown a remarkable community that funds scholarships through paid appearances and the donations raised at their annual ball. The group and its mission are catching on.

New member Cari Caramonta said, “As a business owner and a mom of two young children, I knew I had limited time, so the flexibility and the purpose of the sNoBalls appealed to me. I joined with a friend, and it’s been so great to have this community of dedicated women who want to have fun while helping children explore their arts dreams.”

Returning member Wendy Savarino, an elementary music teacher, agrees.

“We have the best time, and parade judges agree as we won best dancing/marching group in the two Christmas parades we appeared in this season. More than performing, I love getting together to share ideas, learn routines, and support each other. I also love that I can refer students to scholarships to further their studies.”

Upcoming parade appearances this season include stops in Hammond, Slidell, Morgan City, and Ponchatoula.

The sNoBalls will host the Baller’s Ball at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Ponchatoula. Tickets are currently on sale at thesnoballs.com for $50.

We have a DJ ready to spin disco tunes,” Arceneaux said. “We’ll have gumbo, jambalaya, drinks by Benny’s, a silent auction, and a performance by our members. Put on your sparkles and come out for a great time for a great cause.

For more information about the group and the scholarship opportunities or to donate please vist thesnoballs.com.