The St. Joseph's Hospital and Health Center Foundation is hosting the 25th anniversary charity ball on Saturday, Nov. 17, at the Dickinson Elks Club.
The charity ball is described as the formal social event of the year in Dickinson and the silver anniversary is especially important for the charity ball committee members, many of whom have served on the committee for years, said Jodi Bosch, community projects coordinator.
"It's our biggest fundraiser of the year," she said.
The evening begins with a champagne social hour at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m., followed by the silent and oral auctions and dance. The band is Betty Does from Fargo, whichplays a variety of music.
Guests at the ball will see how St. Joseph's has grown through the years.
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"This year, we celebrate 25 years of annual community support through the charity ball. We will remember the previous charity balls with displays from the past. We also will commemorate the history of St. Joseph's Hospital, and all the community support we have received over the past 95 years," said committee Chairperson Kathy Olin.
Olin said the charity ball in its present form was first organized by the Friar's Club to benefit the hospital.
In keeping with the theme "Celebrating 25 Years of Giving," the decorations and invitations are in the colors of black, white and silver. Twenty-five shadow boxes will be filled with memorabilia of previous charity balls.
Decorating Chairman Starla Odegaard described the decor as "very contemporary, very modern."
The menu includes an apple feta tossed salad, honey bread with butter, beef tenderloin, chicken with cream brie and apples over wild rice pilaf, steamed vegetables and an anniversary cake with raspberry accent.
Committee Vice Chairperson Laurie Strommen said the committee consists of 18 volunteers.
"This year's planning has been really fun," she said.
Auction Chairperson D.J. Charbonneau said the auction has many unique items.
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"We have the same businesses every year, but we've been creating new contracts from what we had in the past," he said.
The auction items include a globe featuring semi-precious stones, an antique-replica clock, a "candle place," a hay ride with dinner at the elks, wine from Assumption Abbey and weekly lunches for a year.
"I'd like to thank those who help with donations. Without the business community, we wouldn't have a charity ball," he said.
Charbonneau said the charity ball also features a unique wine raffle. Guests may purchase a bottle of wine, whose value ranges from $8 to $100. The 100 bottles are wrapped, and one has a coupon for a wine accessory basket.
"Everybody is a winner. They all get a bottle of wine," said Olin.
Proceeds from the charity ball are usually earmarked for the purchase of specialized equipment and services to enhance the medical care at St. Joseph's Hospital.
This year, the funds are be used to purchase a portable high definition ultrasound machine for use in the Trauma Center, anesthesiology and general surgery.
The charity ball is open to everyone in the community. Only 300 tickets are sold in advance for reserved seating.
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"It's a nice social evening, a nice meal and a great band. It's a fun way to kick off the holiday season," said Olin. "We think the hospital is vital to our community. This is a way we can contribute to it."
To request an invitation, please call the St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation at 456-4363.
