The 2020 Holly Ball, a fundraiser for The Auxiliary to United Hospital Center, will be held Saturday, Feb. 15 at the Robert H. Mollohan Research Center in Fairmont. The event will feature dinner by Muriale’s Restaurant, live entertainment by Crimson Reign and the theme, “A Toast to You!”

 

“We are playing off Valentine’s Day with some activities relating to the holiday, but we’re also celebrating 10 years since United Hospital Center moved into the new building in Bridgeport,” said Denise Steffich of the Auxiliary to UHC.

 

Each person attending will receive a wine glass etched with ‘A Toast to You.’

 

“We hope people will keep them and toast each other throughout the year - birthdays, anniversaries and just because," Steffich said.

 

Following dinner, guests will be served desserts, provided by several different local bakeries.

 

“We’ll be having a guest singer during dessert and rumors have it that Cupid might even make an appearance given this is Valentine’s weekend,” Steffich said. “Who knows, we may even be privy to someone ‘popping the question’!”

 

Décor will also reflect Valentine’s Day, with shades of red and cream used to create a festive backdrop. Both live and silent auctions will be held; attendees having opportunity to win getaway packages to Snowshoe and Stonewall Resort, sports items, including autographed WVU football and basketball, jewelry, spirits and other items donated by area businesses and resorts.

 

Tickets are $100 each or a table of eight, with two bottles of wine included, can be purchased for $750. A variety of sponsorship levels are still available. All event proceeds will benefit the establishment of a new women’s center and program at UHC – a one-stop healthcare facility for women - part of a new center wing to be added to UHC.

 

The event is formal/semiformal, with both long and short dresses, tuxedos and suits appropriate attire.

 

The annual dinner dance fundraiser used to be held during the holiday season and changed locations through the years. For the last few years, it has been pushed back to after the holidays. The name was temporarily changed to the Winter Ball, but Steffich said feedback indicated that people preferred the traditional name as it has always been associated with the fundraising event. She said she and the rest of the committee is excited to host the event once again at the Robert H. Mollohan Research Center in Fairmont. The large facility enables a large crowd to enjoy the evening in a spacious environment.

 

To purchase tickets, browse sponsorship opportunities or get more information, visit the event Web site at www.hollyballwv.com.

 

Reservations must be made by Feb. 5.

 

Editor's Note: Photos by Ben Queen Photography were taken at the 2018 Winter Ball.