A holiday tradition is back, but with a twist. After hosting the Winter Ball for two years, the Auxiliary to United Hospital Center invites locals to attend the 2019 Holly Ball. Not only is the original name back, but the event has returned to Bridgeport from Fairmont’s Robert H. Mollohan Research Center.  

 

To be held Saturday, Jan. 12 at Bridgeport Conference Center in Charles Pointe, the dinner/dance will feature the music of “Crimson Reign.” The local band, which includes some UHC employees - including vocalist Shannon Shields Harvey - has offered to play free of charge. That gives the event a huge jumpstart for profit, further benefiting the Auxiliary to UHC, said Holly Ball Chair Virginia Rockwell.

The theme is “Renewing the Past – Investing in the Future” and proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the hospital’s Neurosurgery Robot, Pediatrics and Hospice departments.

 

“The hospital will be putting in a children’s wing, so we wanted to buy Xboxes or other electronic games for children,” Rockwell said. “We will also spend some money on the Hospice Garden or put in a new one.”

 

The biggest ticket item requested from the hospital this year is a surgical robot to be used for spine surgery. Rockwell said it is hoped that the Holly Ball will raise $25,000 toward that endeavor, with an overall projected goal of $40,000.

 

This year’s Holly Ball atmosphere will be quite elegant. The color scheme is black and white with a touch of silver. The walkway leading to the Conference Center will be accented with twinkle-lit trees, said Rockwell, who will design the table decorations herself.

 

Dinner will be catered by Bridgeport Conference Center and a spectacular dessert table will include specialty sweets made by various individuals associated with UHC and the Auxiliary to UHC, Rockwell said.

 

Both a silent auction and life auction will be held; the live auction featuring a week at Canaan Valley, an antique Scotch collection, Cuban cigars and tickets to “Phantom of the Opera,” among other nice prizes. The silent auction will feature an array of items donated by local businesses, including gift cards to restaurants and retailers.

 

Photography services will be provided by Ben Queen Photography.

 

Tickets are $100 per person/$200 per couple. Dress is formal to semi-formal. A cash bar will be open and both silent and live auctions will be held. Individuals can RSVP at www.volunteeruhc.org/HollyBall, where payment can be made and table wines ordered. Reservations must be made by Jan. 4, but Rockwell suggests securing them as soon as possible as space is limited. Individuals can request an invitation through the mail by calling the Auxiliary to UHC 681-342-1640, Rockwell 304-672-1863 or Co-Chair Mickey Petito 304-626-0372.

 

To donate cash toward the above-described projects or items for auctions, call the same phone numbers. All donations are appreciated and needed to make the Holly Ball an ultimate success, Rockwell said. 

 

Proceeds from last year’s event were used to purchase a People Mover - a six-passenger enclosed golf cart, complete with heating and cooling system – that is being used to transport patients and guests from parking lots to the entrances of UHC, spine center, physicians’ office building and cancer center.The Auxiliary to UHC is currently accepting volunteers for driving shifts. If you are interested, call 681-342-1640.

 

Editor's Note: Photos above were taken by Ben Queen Photography at the 2018 Winter Ball at the Robert H. Mollohan Research Center in Fairmont.