Primary Beneficiary

Junior Achievement of New Mexico's (JA of NM) mission is to inspire and prepare young people to own their economic success in a global economy.

JA of NM envisions a world where young people have the skillset and mindset to build thriving communities. JA of NM students practice the principles of financial management, along with developing the 21st-century skills necessary to succeed in a global workforce. 

Proceeds from the Montezuma Ball will allow us to impact more New Mexico students and further our mission of inspiring and preparing young people in the areas of financial literacy, workreadiness, and entrepreneurship.

Secondary Beneficiary

At R4Creating, our mission is to provide support for those organizations making valuable contributions to increase the number of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) opportunities for students. 

R4 Creating connects STEM educators with valuable resources in order to prepare students to enter the STEM Workforce Pipeline. We also promote the growth of STEM education and enrichment through award-winning robotics teams and a Robotics Leadership Academy.

The Montezuma Ball began more than 100 years ago. It first debuted in 1902 as part of the New Mexico Territorial Fair, showcasing exhibits and activities from around the state. The Ball continued to be held annually until 1968, when the last historic Ball was held at the Alvarado Hotel in Albuquerque.

In 2000, Heritage Hotels and Resorts restored the hallowed New Mexican tradition to inaugurate the new Alvarado Ballroom at Hotel Albuquerque in Old Town. For the last 22 years, this signature gala event has provided an opportunity for community members to celebrate and uplift impactful work in New Mexico and has raised millions of dollars for nonprofits throughout the state.