This year’s ball was one for the record books!

We are so grateful to the Bloomstine family – and all our sponsors and guests – for making Shining Bright, Winter Night our most successful Christmas Ball fundraiser ever!

See you next year! – December 14, 2024

2023 Photo Booth Gallery2023 Ball Event Photos2023 Consumer Ball Highlights

About the Barber Christmas Ball

A holiday tradition for almost 60 years, the Barber Christmas Ball is a festive gala that benefits the mission of the Barber National Institute. The event features live music, delicious food, and spectacular decorations in a beautiful setting on Erie’s bayfront. Plan now to celebrate with friends, family, and neighbors to ring in the holiday season for a great cause. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

The Barber Christmas Ball is a community event open to all! You do not need a formal invitation to attend, but if you would like to receive one, please send your name and address to events@barberni.org

Thank you to our 2023 Barber Christmas Ball Host Family!

Family is important to John and Colleen Bloomstine. It’s one of the reasons they are looking forward to welcoming you to the 2023 Barber National Institute Christmas Ball as this year’s host family. John and Colleen will be joined by their son Joe, daughter-in-law Jill, son Will, daughter Ellie, son Jack and son Peter- making it a true family affair!

The Bloomstines are Erie natives who have a tremendous dedication to their hometown. Together, they own Insurance Management Company where their four sons also have found careers. Their daughter Elise lives in nearby Cleveland as a Channel Account Manager for a Norwegian video technology company.

Graduates of the former Cathedral Prep and Villa Maria Academy, the Bloomstine family value community service and investment. “We’ve been attending the Christmas Ball for many years and always have a wonderful evening with family, friends, and coworkers. Best of all, it supports a world-class organization right here in our community and throughout Pennsylvania that really makes a difference in the lives of children and adults with intellectual disabilities and autism,” said John Bloomstine.

“Dr. Barber’s dream of a good life for all children and adults has been brought to reality through the love and dedication of parents, staff, volunteers, advocates, donors and community and government leaders,” said John. “She believed that all things are possible if we set a goal, persevere and put wings on our dreams.