Over $50,000 raised at 9th Annual Silver Ball Gala

Above, singer-songwriter Jimmy Rose performed for attendees of Saturday’s Silver Ball Gala, held at The Corbin Arena. The event is sponsored by Baptist Health.

About $50,000 was raised for outreach efforts and other community health services after the curtain closed on Baptist Health Corbin’s ninth annual Silver Ball Gala, held Saturday night at the Corbin Arena.

Roughly 300 people attended the formal event that had the theme “A Night To Shine.” The Silver Ball Gala serves as the hospitals main fundraiser to support a whole host of programs that positively impact the area’s elderly, school-aged children and economically disadvantaged.

Jimmy Rose — a singer-songwriter from Pineville who became famous when he was featured on season 8 of America’s Got Talent — provided the main entertainment for the evening. Rose’s pleasant, homespun charm seemed to go over well with the crowd who sang along with his rendition of popular country tunes. He also played many of his own, original songs.

Rose finished third overall on America’s Got Talent and said he is working on producing a CD of music and touring.

“I know a lot of you voted for me when I was on the show and supported me and I want to thank you for that,” Rose told the crowd. “Without you, me fulfilling my dreams wouldn’t have been possible.”

The event also featured a silent auction, filled with items donated by local businesses. The auction brought in around $3,500 to the effort. There was also a live auction and a dinner.

Proceeds from the event go to support the hospital’s Community Health Services “FOCUS” Program, which consists of a cadre of programs including Project Fit America, Readi Fest, Baby Fest, Angels Unaware, Fitness Five and more.

The program helped pay for 753 prescriptions for medications to 192 patients this past year who could not afford them, at a cost of $12,118.99. It sponsored Lifeline, an emergency medical monitoring service, for five senior adults for $1,200 and provided 205 meals at a cost of $505 at the Corbin Senior Citizens Center.

In the past year, 1,105 meals were delivered to seniors in their homes at a cost of $4,980.

Through Project Fit American, FOCUS was able to have installed $27,400 worth of fitness equipment at Corbin Middle School.
And through the Angels Unaware program, Baptist Health Corbin ensured 242 children from needy families received Christmas gifts.

Larry Gray, President of Baptist Health Corbin, said money garnered from the Silver Ball Gala is a blessing to the community.

“These are the types of things that are being done with your support. Honestly, these are the things that would not be done without your support because the needs are always greater than the ability of any one organization to meet,” he said. “We are in this together — to better serve and support the creation of a healthier community.”

Lee Richardson, Community Health Services Coordinator for Baptist Health Corbin, thanks everyone in attendance Saturday at the Gala.

“We appreciate everything you all do for us,” she said. “It means a lot.”