Ballas Family Celebrates Life

Mark Ballas' mother is celebrating her 50th birthday this year -- but the only gifts she wants are donations for what the family considers "a vital cause."


Shirley Ballas, with the help of her son, is dedicating her birthday party to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention -- and wants to present the organization with "a great big check" on her special day.

The cause is an important one to the family -- Shirley's brother David, Mark's uncle, took his own life eight years ago. Mark wrote the song, "All For Nothing," as a letter to David after his death.

For anyone who wants to help, the family is asking for donations to be sent to:

Design Line Studio,  Inc.
Shirley Ballas & AFSP  Fund
213 Turner  St.
Clearwater, FL 33756

Or wired to:

Bank: BB&T (Branch Banking &  Trust)
Account Name: Design Line Studio Shirley Ballas &  AFSP
1299 S. Missouri Ave.
Clearwater, FL 33756-4174
Tel: 727-449-1448
Wiring Code: 263191387
Account #: 0000148047308
International Transfers to US require a Swift Code:  BRBTUS33

Shirley's birthday is September 6 -- and she promises a personal thank you to anyone who contributes.