The Cheese Ball: A Semi-Formal Night of Flavor, Fundraising, and First Responders

Every May, something special happens on Isle of Palms. Neighbors, business owners, public servants, and local leaders gather in celebration — not just for a great time, but for a great cause. This year, the LENS Foundation’s annual banquet returns with a fresh twist: The Cheese Ball.

Set for Thursday, May 14, 2026, at the Wild Dunes Osprey Ballroom, the evening will include a wine and cheese reception, live jazz, a sit-down dinner, and dancing to a live orchestra. The event benefits the Isle of Palms Police and Fire Departments, providing critical funding for training, equipment, family wellness, hardship awards, and educational scholarships. What sets this banquet apart is its blend of local heart and creative flair.

Co-Chairs Lisa Mitchell and Betsy Reidenbach are helping spearhead the event’s community outreach, while four distinguished island mayors — Dick Cronin, Jimmy Carroll, Mike Sottile, and Phillip Pounds — will serve as Honorary Chairs.

“This year’s Cheese Ball will be the most exciting event yet and promises to be a night people won’t forget,” said Co-Chair Lisa Mitchell. 

“I love that we chose a semi-formal theme this year — it’s such a perfect balance of elegance and fun,” said Co-Chair Betsy Reidenbach. “Guests are going to love being wine and dined in such a beautiful venue, enjoying the jazz trio at the reception, hearing from a legendary keynote speaker like Doug Mills, and dancing the night away — all while giving back to our incredible first responders.”

Another highlight of the evening is the crowd-favorite Big Cheese Competition, where twelve local fundraisers compete to raise the most money leading up to the event. The winner will be crowned the “Big Cheese” on stage. Guests can support their favorite contestant at LENSIOP.ORG/BIG-CHEESE by donating and tracking the live leaderboard standings.

“The Big Cheese idea actually started as a joke over lunch,” said Ted Kinghorn, Director of the LENS Foundation. “But the more we thought about it, the more we loved the idea of combining a fun, lighthearted competition with something that really makes an impact. It’s heartwarming to see how many locals step up to the plate — not for a trophy, but because they believe in what we’re doing. Every dollar raised supports critical needs: equipment, training, scholarships for first responder families, and emergency hardship assistance. That’s what this is all about.”

The banquet will also honor those who go above and beyond. Four annual LENS Appreciation Awards will be presented:

• Founders Recognition Award

• Volunteer of the Year

• George Reeth Leadership Award

• Lifetime Achievement Award

Previous LENS banquets have brought the same energy with different flavors:

• 2025: Neighborhood Block Party at Islander 71

• 2024: Taste of the Island restaurant competition at The Citadel Beach Club

• 2023: Wild Dunes live auction night

• 2022: Islander 71 food-focused fundraiser

  
  

Each year brings a new twist — but the purpose remains the same: supporting the first responders who serve Isle of Palms with bravery and dedication.

Early bird tickets are $125 through April 1, 2026, and $150 thereafter. Proceeds help cover attendance for police officers, firefighters, and their families.

Get tickets or learn more at www.LENSIOP.org/cheese-ball