Cumberland University officially announced that its 39th Phoenix Ball will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2023 in The Dallas Floyd Phoenix Arena on Cumberland’s campus. 

This year’s Phoenix Ball chairs, Brad and Tasha Irby, have been hard at work for months, alongside their committee planning the annual gala. This year’s theme “A Black and White Phoenix Ball” ties directly to the traditional black tie elegance and prestige of the Phoenix Ball.

“We are truly honored to serve as the 2023 Phoenix Ball chairs,” said Tasha Irby. “Year after year, the Phoenix Ball proves to be the premier event that fosters the relationship between Cumberland University and our community. Students’ lives are changed and empowered by the benevolence of the patrons and sponsors of the ball each year. We are excited to carry on this tradition and raise money for Cumberland University. This year’s Black & White Ball will be a glamorous evening of dining, dancing, and making memories. We are so excited for everyone to see what we have planned!”

Net proceeds from the Phoenix Ball will be used to fund scholarships for deserving Cumberland University students. Additionally, the planning committee members have elected to honor the memory of Al Ashworth and Dallus Whitfield, two local photographers who played prominent roles in many of the past Phoenix Balls with the establishment of the Phoenix Ball’s Al Ashworth and Dallus Whitfield Endowed Scholarship. 

“This scholarship exists to celebrate the life and legacies of both Al “Pony” and Dallus and will benefit a full-time undergraduate student from Wilson County who is attending Cumberland and maintains a 3.0 GPA,” said Irby. Eligible students will submit an application and essay to the Office of Student Financial Aid. 

The university also announced this year’s Phoenix Ball presenting sponsor, Hunt Brothers Pizza. 

“Scott Hunt, the CEO of Hunt Brothers Pizza, and his wife Patricia have been loyal supporters of the Phoenix Ball the past few years and we are so very grateful for their extremely generous commitment to this year’s event,” said Cumberland University President Dr. Paul C. Stumb.

Following the Phoenix Ball, Jack and Susannah Lowery will host the 2023 Patron’s Party at their home on Saturday July 8th. This year Patron’s Party guests will dress in all white for the summer social gathering. 

For more information on both the Phoenix Ball and Patron’s Party, visit phoenixball.com.  

For those interested in supporting the Phoenix Ball’s Al Ashworth and Dallus Whitfield Endowed Scholarship, visit https://www.givecampus.com/schools/CumberlandUniversity/ashworth-whitfield-scholarship-at-cu.