Mercer Health’s Charity Ball returned for the third time since its reintroduction in 2015 on November 18. More than 350 guests enjoyed an elegant evening at the Galleria in Celina, complete with a social hour, a three-course meal and live entertainment.
The Charity Ball, reintroduced in 2015 to commemorate Mercer Health’s 65th anniversary, dates back to 1950. The original Charity Ball, orchestrated by the now disbanded Auxiliary of Mercer County Community Hospital, set a gold standard for local community social events while supporting the hospital. In its reincarnation, the Charity Ball, now coordinated by a committee of volunteers from the community led by MED Foundation coordinator and event chairperson Deb Hemmelgarn, continues to support the local healthcare needs of the community. All proceeds from the 2017 event benefit Mercer Health’s Building on a Promise campaign, the campaign to fund the West Wing Expansion at Mercer County Community Hospital.
“We try to create a unique experience each year with a new theme,” Hemmelgarn said. “We love to see our guests’ faces light up when they walk in.”
This year’s event featured an Old Hollywood Glamour theme complete with red carpet, a life size marquee and a champagne tower.
“It’s so exciting to see the committee’s vision come to life after a full year of planning,” Hemmelgarn said. “Above all, we are so proud to create an event that brings the community together to celebrate our organization and help us raise money for our future.”
In conjunction with the Charity Ball, a torch red 2017 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe was given away in a 1,000 ticket reverse raffle. Dr. Wilfred Ellis from Lima, Ohio, held winning ticket number 647. Several other prizes were given in affiliation with the drawing.
A record number of sponsors supported the event this year. Sponsors included:
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Diamond Sponsors |
Community Sports and Therapy Center Galleria & Remer Holdings |
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Sapphire Sponsors |
Cooper Farms Homan, Inc. Preferred Insurance Center |
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Emerald Sponsors |
Briarwood Village Celina Manor Celina Tent Coldwater Dental Drs. Amaran, Gill, Nallu & Vanan Drs. Chalasani, Neelati, Ranga & Roode Dr. James Reichert Midwest Rebuilds RCS Construction Schwieterman Custom Body Shop The Mr. Shoppe Weigand Construction |
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Ruby Sponsors |
Coverys Perry pro Tech Moeller Brew Barn The Messenger Press Quadax |
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Cocktail Social Sponsor |
Wabash Mutual Telephone |
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Signature Drink Sponsor Hors D’oeuvre Sponsor Dessert Sponsor |
Bella’s Italian Grille St. Henry Tile Co. Calico Café |
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Coffee Sponsor |
Hazelnut Coffee Co. |
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Decorating Sponsor |
Floral Reflections |
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Raffle Supervision Compliments of |
Moorman, Harting & Company |
The 2017 Charity Ball committee included Vennila Amaran, Shelly Bruns, Linda Finke, Sheila Gullett, JoAnn Hartings, Jaime Hawk, Connie Hein, Amy Kemper, Mindy Kremer, Lindsey Moeller, Morgan Post, Liz Schmackers, Melissa Smalley, Kathy Speelman, Nycky Stammen, Tafi Stober, Dee Uhlenhake, Mandy Wendel, Becca Wenning, and Mary Lou Wenning.
The 2018 Mercer Health Charity Ball will be held on Saturday, November 17.