The year was circa. 1992 and the lamé sleeves were puffy; almost as puffy as my hair. The occasion was the Holly Ball, sponsored by the Auxiliary to UHC. Back in the day, the event was held at the Nathan Goff Armory. Jeff wore a rented tuxedo and we carried a cooler filled with our favorite party drinks.

 

The fundraiser - which has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for various patient care enhancements and programming – has seen some evolvement over the years. That certainly holds true for the few decades I have periodically attended.

 

Locations have included Bridgeport Conference Center, Stonewall Resort and the Robert H. Mollohan Exhibition Center, High Tech Consortium in Fairmont. It has been held just before Christmas and just after, as well as in November, January, and February. The classic “Holly Ball” name has been utilized most years, but the event was marketed at least one year as a “Winter Ball.” Dress has been formal, semiformal and a mix of the two. It has been a dinner/dance and just a dance. Back in our early Holly Ball days, it was formal and held from 10 p.m. to the wee early morning hours.

 

Years ago, the event was mostly attended by physicians and other prestigious guests. But in recent years, that has not been the case. Although many members of the UHC medical community support the event – and for good reason – it is open to the entire community and everyone is encouraged to support the cause and get in on the fun.

 

This past year, the Holly Ball met its biggest challenge. The COVID pandemic began just as preliminary plans were being made for the 2021 fundraiser. The committee brainstormed as to what would be done. Regardless of the changes through the years, the Holly Ball had always been an in-person social event. The writing was on the wall in early 2020 that that was not going to happen. It would have to be reimagined. Thus, “Holly Ball Reimagined” was born. The Red Carpet theme that had already been decided upon would still be utilized. But instead of walking The Red Carpet to the dinner/dance, ticket holders would drive up to receive a high-end appetizer spread, complete with wine and a West Virginia handcrafted charcuterie board.

 

Would people go for that? Would they provide a significant donation for a party in a box? We weren’t sure. But when the information was released, the support came pouring in. The Holly Ball raised in excess of $50,000 this year; the second highest proceeds in the history of the event.

 

What about 2022? As the world has learned over the past year, we must be patient and see how things look a few months down the road. In the meantime, we can do some brainstorming; some further reimagining.

 

The committee would love your insight. What is important to you with regard to the event? Is dinner a must? What about dancing? Is part of the fun dressing up or would you prefer a more casual event, even one with a theme? Is the social aspect the most important or the amount of money raised?

 

There is a poll posted (right) and we ask for your input. Help us to continue to reimagine this very important event; one which has benefited the area and the health, wellness, and future of its residents.