The Tradition Continues: Valentine Ball is a family affair!

As a young bride and newcomer to Beaufort’s social scene, Allison Coppage has every reason to be anxious about hosting her first major dinner party—especially when it’s part of the much-ballyhooed Valentine Ball.
Her elegant dinner is one of 50 private parties that will serve as a warm-up to the February 8 black tie gala, the signature fundraiser of the Beaufort Memorial Hospital Foundation.
“I’m a little nervous,” Coppage conceded. “I want it to be successful.”
But the rookie has an ace in the hole: her mother.
Cindy Collins has thrown more than a few of the Valentine Ball dinner parties. Last year, she hosted the mother of all parties—the kick-off event for the 150 people hosting the pre-ball dinners.
“She throws a flawless party and makes it look easy,” Coppage said. “If all else fails, I’ll call her for help.”
Only Collins may be busy with her own party prepping. Once again this year, she and her husband, BMH pathologist Dr. Brad Collins, have volunteered to host a dinner at their home on Lady’s Island.
A member of the BMH Foundation Board of Trustees, Dr. Collins and his wife have been involved with the Valentine Ball for years. In 2002, they served as co-chairs of the fundraiser. (Allison volunteered as a valet that year, parking cars for the event.)
“This event is great for the community in so many ways,” Cindy Collins said, “not only does it raise money for the hospital, but it brings together people in the community that might not otherwise cross paths.”
The guest lists are carefully selected to create different and diverse groups each year.
The dinner party hosts not only provide the venue for the parties, they decorate their homes, plan the menus and foot the bill for all the food and beverages, leaving more of the proceeds for the Foundation.
Coppage already has her main course planned. She’ll be making Seafood Strudel, an entrée featured in one of her mother’s previous pre-ball parties.
“I used to help my mom cook,” Coppage said, “so, I’ve picked up a couple of her tricks over the years.”
Some 800 people are expected to attend the 25th Annual Valentine Ball. Traditionally held in the historic Lyceum on Parris Island, the gala is being moved this year to the new Beaufort Memorial Medical & Administrative Center (BMAC) on Ribaut Road across from the main hospital campus.
The evening will begin with the pre-ball dinners, followed at 9 p.m. by the main event, featuring dancing, dessert and a silent auction.
Since its inception in 1990, the Valentine Ball has raised nearly $4 million for Beaufort Memorial Hospital. This year, the proceeds will be used to expand the Intensive Care Unit from 8 to 12 beds.
Tickets to the Valentine Ball start at $150 per person and include several levels of contributions. The deadline to be included in one of the dinner parties is January 15. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.valentineball.org or call (843) 522-5774.