MCCS is running its 2nd Annual Unit Birthday Ball Fund Contest, and ten units will each win $5,000 to put toward their Marine Corps Birthday Ball celebration. The contest is open through July 31, 2026, and units can enter once per day. More entries means a better shot at winning.
Heads up: Entries close July 31, 2026. You can submit one per day, so enter now and keep entering.
Who it affects
Any unit that wants to throw a Birthday Ball and could use $5,000 to do it. The contest has four categories based on unit size:
| Category | Examples | Prizes |
|---|---|---|
| Remote and Isolated | Recruiting stations, Inspector-Instructor staffs | 5 prizes |
| Small | Battalions, squadrons | 2 prizes |
| Medium | Regiments, Marine Aircraft Groups | 2 prizes |
| Large | Divisions, wings, Marine Logistics Groups | 1 prize |
Reserve units, especially those with Inspector-Instructor staffs, fall squarely in the Remote and Isolated category, which has the most prizes.
What you need to do
- Go to
www.mymcx.com/birthdayballgiveaway - Submit your unit's entry.
- Come back and enter again each day through July 31.
Get your Marines entering. More entries from your unit improves the odds.
Key dates
- July 31, 2026: Contest closes. Enter daily until then.
The official version
See MARADMIN 314/26 for the full message. POC is Amanda Ayers at amanda.ayers@usmc-mccs.org or (571) 329-5190.
This is written by a reservist, for reservists. It is not an official publication of HQMC or MARFORRES. Always verify guidance with your command or unit S-1 before acting on any article or summary.