A night at the races
The Blue Mountain Health System gala committee dons their Kentucky Derby hats during the media event on Wednesday, Committee members are, seated from left, Jeannine Siegmond; Dr. Richard Lizak and Alicia Shutack-Silliman, honorary hosts for the evening; and Romaine Biege. Standing, Nancy Matyas, Lisa Johnson, Sylvia Goral, Denise Kennedy, Dr. Deb Smith, Kay DeMatte, and Joe Guardiani.
"And they're off ..."
In honor of the 140th annual Kentucky Derby on May 3, Woodstone Country Club in Danielsville will be transformed into a smaller scale of the prestigious event during the 17th annual Blue Mountain Health System gala.
Cocktail hour begins at 6 p.m.; dinner is at 7; and the casino opens at 8.
The charity ball, which is the largest fundraiser for the hospital, will benefit the Summit Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Lehighton and the new 11-bed Summit at Palmerton.
The goal is to raise $100,000 during the black tie affair, to cover the cost of updating the remaining rooms in the two facilities to better accommodate the residents they serve.
This year's honorary hosts are Dr. Richard Lizak, medical director at the Summit; and Alicia Shutack-Silliman, administrator at the Summit.
Joe Guardiani, vice president of fund development and government relations at Blue Mountain Health System, said that this year's theme is a fun one because not only will it be a beautiful gourmet dinner, but it will include the fast pace of the races with casino games and horse racing.
"We're very excited," he said. "It's our cornerstone event."
Guardiani continued that this is about the fifth year the hospitals have been raising funds for the renovation project. To date, patient rooms at both hospitals as well as part of the Summit have been renovated at a cost of approximately $5,000 a room.
He said that this project is to help provide residents and patients with a more comfortable experience.
"We have a wonderful nursing home and the census is always around 98 percent," Guardiani said. "It's a component of our health system that we are proud of."
Guests are urged to don their best Kentucky Derby style hats. Prizes will be awarded to one male and one female guest for the best hat.
There will also be prizes awarded for the highest chip winners; as well as a silent auction that includes jewelry and vacations; and raffles.
The gala is open to the public. Tickets are $150 per person.
For more information, Guardiani said to call his office at 610-377-7183 and he will send them an invitation. Deadline to reserve a spot at the dinner is next week.
Sponsorship is also still available. Guardiani said that if anyone would like to become a sponsor, to call him.
The annual gala has helped the hospitals build a better equipped facility to serve the Carbon County area. Past projects that have benefited from the gala include a new Adult Behavioral Health Center in Lehighton; digital mammography equipment; and a 4D ultrasound machine.
Past themes included the Rat Pack; Casino Night; A Night of Decadence; The Galileo Gala; Lavender and Lace; and The Pink Ribbon Gala.
