Guests appeared at the Carl Morgan Convention Center dressed in their best Friday night, ready for the Dallas County Court Services’ Justice for All Charity Ball.

Designed to provide assistance with rehabilitation services, the group fell short of its $7,000 goal, raising $5,600. After weeks of planning, event organizer Miah Jackson was more than pleased with the outcome.

“When you see the finished product, the number of people that support it and the amount of contributions that the businesses, leaders, city organizations as well as churches are making, you can’t do anything but rejoice,” said Jackson, the executive director of the Dallas County Court Services.

The nonprofit program handles all specialty courts in Dallas County, such as family drug and mental health court, under the leadership of District Judge Bob Armstrong.

“I feel strongly about doing things that are smart, not just locking people up,” Armstrong said prior to his Friday night speech. “We’re giving people a real chance and the tools to succeed, and it works.”

About 100 to 150 were expected to attend the Justice for All Charity Ball, based on the ticket sales.

“Some people bought tickets as just a donation, and some people bought and gave to others,” Jackson said.

Among those guests was Selma resident Melody Sellers, who said she was eager to support a group dedicated to reaching out to the community.

“Everyone is in need,” Sellers said. “I think this is a great organization to help out.”

The Justice for All Charity Ball serves as the kickoff to Dallas County Court Services series of events it’ll host this September to commemorate the 25th annual National Recovery Month.

On Sept. 19, the group will hold a Rally in the Park from 5 to 7 p.m. at Phoenix Park, located on Water Avenue.

The events will include food, entertainment and games.

On Sept. 28, the group will hold its first Recovery Unity Service at 6 p.m. at Tabernacle Praise, located on Woodrow Ave.

The event theme is “Join the Voices for Recovery: Speak Up, Reach Out!”