Gala Apart to Gather Again
Pivot. Plot twist. Call it what you will. The annual Beaufort Memorial Hospital Foundation Valentine Ball is going virtual. But fear not, the fun isn’t canceled.
story by KATE PARKS SCHAEFER photos by JOSH GIBSON
Throughout 2020, healthcare providers and their teams continued to innovate and respond to the Covid-19 pandemic with the high standard we’ve come to expect from Beaufort Memorial Hospital, but with a new sense of urgency, research, and testing. For their signature fundraiser, the Beaufort Memorial Hospital Foundation will flex new muscles too as the 32nd Annual Valentine Ball is reimagined on February 6, 2021.
Virtual Valentine Ball 2021 will continue its long tradition of philanthropic support for Beaufort Memorial and will be made new by your individual take on dinner parties and at-home celebrations. This year funds raised will benefit Beaufort Memorial’s Surgical Pavilion Renovation Project.
“Support for the Valentine Ball will enable BMH to continue making improvements to the Surgical Pavilion, including implementing the newest technology, greater patient comfort post-surgery, and additional capacity to respond to Beaufort County’s growing demand,” said Dr. Heath Simmons, along with his wife, Chilton, who are co-chairing this year’s ball with Mr. Bill and Mrs. Josie Paddock.
No black tie is required for this year’s premier pandemic party on February 6, 2021: just a commitment to high-quality health care and the company of your family and trusted “quaran-team.”
What is a Virtual Valentine Ball?
Get out your laptops, cell phones, iPads, or smart TVs and go to https://valentineball.cbo.io to watch the virtual program from 6-7 p.m. that will highlight the skills and expertise of Beaufort Memorial. Holly Bounds Jackson, director of operations at ETV Lowcountry, will host the event that will feature hospital and community leaders, live performances, surprise guest appearances, and you.
Since tickets are not required for this year’s celebration, the Beaufort Memorial Hospital Foundation kindly asks you to consider donations in lieu of traditional tickets or expenses associated with a black-tie affair, and instead, join with family or close friends to celebrate the value that our community hospital brings. Your reimagined “dinner party” can build on the much-loved tradition of pre-ball parties with your own flair. You will be able to submit photos from your own socially distanced event to be featured in the virtual program. Familiar faces will grace the livestream across Beaufort, showcasing the power of the community when we celebrate both apart and together.
“The long-standing tradition of pre-ball dinner parties has been a big hit time and again. This year, we challenge the Valentine Ball’s many supporters to reimagine the dinner party,” remarked Chilton. “Perhaps you will tune in to the ball at home with family in black tie or blue jeans, or with a small group of friends at your home over oysters.”
This year’s celebration offers sweet and savory ways to show your support. Pre-order a Cupid Charcuterie Box, curated by Corks on the Vine, and a bottle or two of wine to bring home and enjoy or send to friends and loved ones. Guests can donate $35 to receive a bottle of wine valued at $25 or more, or donate $75 to receive a bottle valued at $50 or more. Join us on the morning of the Virtual Valentine Ball at the Beaufort Memorial Administration Center (990 Ribaut Road) from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. to meet your most loved physicians and pick up your Cupid Charcuterie Boxes and a bottle or two of wine.
“We look forward to supporting Beaufort Memorial by buying wine and charcuterie boxes for our friends and bidding on the silent auction items,” said Bill and Josie Paddock.
Needing a change of scenery, this year’s silent auction is full of driving distance get-a-ways, tailgates, outdoor activities, and family fun! “Don’t miss the many creative and often unique auction items that can’t be purchased anywhere else!” said Chilton Simmons while perusing this year’s silent auction items.
The silent auction, online only, will open Friday, January 22 and will close on Saturday, February 6 at 9 p.m.
State-of-the-Art Surgical Pavilion
“Beaufort Memorial is a vitally important part of our community. They provide so many services that most small towns don’t have, using the most advanced technology and equipment. The renovation of the Surgical Pavilion is a necessary step to be able to continue doing that,” said Bill Paddock.
All funds raised will go toward the Beaufort Memorial Surgical Pavilion Renovation Project. In 2020 alone, Beaufort Memorial performed over 9,000 surgical procedures, and Covid-19 continues to highlight the need for increased efficiencies, equipment upgrades, and provider and patient facilities. Funds are used to employ the new Mako Robotic Arm-Assisted Surgery System, HVAC improvements, new technology, and renovations for larger operating rooms. To date, the community has raised $3 million toward this project.
Since its inception in 1990, the Valentine Ball has raised nearly $4.2 million for the nonprofit hospital. For more information on the Beaufort Memorial Hospital Foundation fundraiser, visit valentineball.org or call the Foundation at (843) 522-5774.
