From 2017 to 2019, the Ellis County Marine Corps League Detachment 1452 proudly shared this unique Marine Corps celebration with the community of Ellis County. Once planning for the 2020 Marine Corps Ball was underway, we were shut down due to COVID. We are starting this great tradition back up this year!

The Marine Corps Birthday Ball is traditionally organized by Marine Corps units and organizations. It is typically reserved for Marines and their guests. Sometimes, depending on location and circumstances, these events are attended by elected officials and other special guests. We are again honored to open our doors to everyone, as we have the three previous years, offering everyone a chance to experience this rich tradition, steeped in history.

Join us in celebrating the 250th birthday of the Marine Corps with an evening of elegance and camaraderie. Enjoy a cocktail hour, commemorative keepsakes, a Marine-led ceremony, the freedom to choose your seating and dinner preferences, music, dancing, and an opportunity to support the Toys for Tots program in Ellis County.

More than just a gala, the Marine Corps Birthday Ball is a meaningful event that transcends celebration; it is a fundraiser with a mission. Your support will play a crucial role in these various programs and initiatives:

1. Veterans and Their Families: We offer vital assistance in times of need through our Project F.A.I.T.H. (Funding Assistance in Trying Hours).

2. Scholarship Program: We are planning to roll out our scholarship program beginning this year and plan to give students throughout Ellis County opportunities for education assistance.

3. Toys For Tots: We are a major supporter and facilitator of the program's operations in the county, spreading joy during the holiday season.

4. Veteran Initiatives: We support various veteran initiatives, including funeral honor guards, veteran holiday event support, other veteran assistance needs.

While attending the Birthday Ball is a unique experience, you can provide lasting support to Ellis County Veterans and their families through sponsorships and donations.

Your donations or sponsorships...

Make a Difference: They directly impact the lives of veterans, their families, and our community, helping them thrive and succeed.

Gain Visibility: Enjoy prominent recognition at the event, reaching a diverse and engaged audience.

Join A Community: Become part of a network dedicated to supporting veterans and their unique needs.

Show Your Commitment: Demonstrate your commitment to the values of honor, courage, and commitment upheld by the Marine Corps.

SPONSORSHIPS & DONATIONS CAN BE FOUND HERE.

GUEST OF HONOR/SPEAKER - TBD

Details:

Monday, November 10th, 2025

Waxahachie Civic Center. Address: 2000 Civic Center Lane, Waxahachie, TX 75165
Accommodations: There are two hotels within walking distance of the Civic Center that can be utilized if space is available: Hampton Inn & Suites (Reservation Desk: 866-994-8422) and the Fairfield Inn & Suites (Reservation Desk: 866-994-8422).

Attire: This is a black-tie event. Civilians are encouraged to wear formal black-tie attire, while military members should don their appropriate dress uniform. Marine Corps League members or members of other veteran organizations may wear the appropriate dress uniform for their organizations.

Appropriate Marine Corps Gala Attire can be found here. Be wary of Military Ball decorum. Review our tips here.

Music/Sound:
- The Breckenridge Band's Sound Crew will be on hand for all of the sound needs for the evening.
- The Classic Swing Band will be there to play a wide variety of songs during the reception, dinner, and dancing.
- Custom Sounds DJ will be there to play songs in-between the Classic Swing Band sets, for the ceremony, dinner, and dancing.

VIP Reception: 5:30 pm - 6:00 pm - VIPs and invited guests of the Ellis County Marine Corps League Commandant will be hosted for a short ceremony and social.
- Professional Photography, Photo booth: Whether you want a quick snapshot or a professional photograph as a couple or group. We've got you covered.
- Toys For Tots Drop off: The Marine Corps Birthday Ball falls within the Toys for Tots season and the Marine Corps League, Ellis County Detachment 1452 is the host for the Ellis County Toys for Tots Campaign. We ask that each attendee bring a new unwrapped toy to support the local Toys for Tots mission. We will have a convenient drop-off location during check-in and the cocktail hour.
Cocktail Hour: 6:00 pm - 6:45 pm
Ceremony: 7:00 pm
Guest of Honor remarks: 7:45
Plated dinner *: 8:15
- Dinner will be announced once the final options are decided with the caterer.
Dancing: 9:15
- The Classic Swing Band and Custom Sounds will be our evening's entertainment. A WIDE selection of music may be requested for all to enjoy while dancing.

*If you have special dietary needs, you will be able to let us know when purchasing tickets

The Ellis County Marine Corps League Detachment 1452 reserves the right to adjust seating based on the number of tickets sold or other special considerations. We will make every effort in such cases to keep attendees in the approximate location they selected and with the other guests they wish to sit with. Couples will always be kept together.

*We do NOT send physical tickets. We will have a list at the door and seating charts posted at the event.

*Tickets are nonrefundable after 5:00 pm on Monday, November 3rd.

All ticket purchases, donations, sponsorships, and partnerships are donations to the Marine Corps League and are Tax deductible.

TICKETS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR