In a delicious twist on traditional fundraising, the Functional Management Directorate of the Integrated Personnel and Pay System – Army (IPPS-A) whipped up a campaign that’s equal parts hilarious and heartfelt. Soldiers and leaders are lining up to take pies to the face — all in the name of sending junior soldiers to the prestigious 2025 Black & White Gala at the Renaissance Arlington on October 3rd, 2025! Hurry up and get your tickets now, prices rise on 16 August.
Buy your ticket here: https://www.agcrapotomac.org/
The event, kicked off with a flurry of whipped cream, laughter, and good-natured rivalry. For a small donation, participants voted for their favorite (or least favorite) leader to get pied — and the top vote-getters were ceremoniously splattered in front of a live audience.
“We wanted to raise dough, but not just any dough,” joked COL Ali Pruitt, Chapter Secretary and one of the event organizers. “We figured if we’re going to get messy, it might as well be for a classy cause.”
The Black and White Gala, scheduled for October 3, 2025, is a formal event celebrating excellence, camaraderie, and the achievements of Army personnel. Leaders know that ball attendance can impact a budget, so the fundraiser aimed to ensure that junior soldiers can attend without financial strain.
Cream of the Crop
The fundraiser quickly gained traction, with soldiers from as far as TRADOC pledging support — and pies — to the cause. Rumors were swirling that even SGM Paul Smith; known for his stoic demeanor and starch-perfect uniform, were in line for a surprise splatter.
“[I]f it helps our junior soldiers attend the ball and be included and celebrated, I’ll take one for the team.” Smith quipped. SGM Smith ended up being the auction winner, taking the pie all the way up to $270!
Pie-Chart Progress
The Directorate has raised over $700 — enough to sponsor more than a half-dozen Soldiers for the Gala. Organizers hope to double that by the end of September.
A Sweet Recipe
When word got out that COL Becky Lust, the fearless IPPS-A Director and AGCRA Potomac Chapter President, was about to take a pie to the face, the IPPS-A team sprang into action like whipped cream on a mission. Armed with spreadsheets, HR analytics, and an alarming number of dessert-themed metaphors, they formed a human shield of personnel data and pastry resistance. In the end, COL Becky Lust emerged unscathed, her dignity intact and her uniform mercifully free of filling.
