More than 600 people are expected to attend South Florida Baptist Hospital Foundation’s 19th Annual Diamonds & Denim Gala, Sept. 24.
Reservations are required by Sept. 11. Tickets are $60 per person and sponsorships, ranging from $250 to $5,000, also are available. To purchase tickets or donate an auction item, contact Jana Butler, executive director, at (813) 757-1277.
This year, the event will be held at a new location: The Charlie Grimes Family Agricultural Center at the Strawberry Festival Grounds in Plant City.
“Since its inception in 1997, Diamonds & Denim has raised more than $900,000 for South Florida Baptist Hospital,” Kim McElveen, Diamonds & Denim chairperson, said. “The money raised each year benefits projects like the hospital’s surgery center, imaging center and community outreach programs.”
This year the money raise will support the building of a new Critical Care Center. The unit will open in 2016.
As the name implies, diamonds are a feature of the evening. Guests will have a chance to win a diamond ring. The reference to denim refers to the dress code.
Other highlights of the party include live music, six food and beverage stations, a silent auction, 50-50 raffle, complimentary, framed guest photos and valet parking. A live auction has been added to showcase many of the featured auction items: a Green Egg BBQ grill, beautiful handmade swing, beach and mountain trips, sports tickets and more.
Marsha Passmore and Debi Peacock join McElveen as vice chairs of the gala committee. Other members of the committee are: Kathy Baskin, Carmen Brownlee, Frank Cummings, Sylvia Knox, Gail Lyons, Cynthia Morselli, Brett Mueller, Glenda Raulerson, Bruce Rodwell, Margaret Rodwell, Rhett Rollyson, Tina Sikes, Phil Waldron, Faye Wetherington and Lori Yarbrough.
IF YOU GO
When: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24
Where: The Charlie Grimes Family Agricultural Center at the Strawberry Festival Grounds
Info: Tickets are $60 per person; sponsorships, range from $250 to $5,000. To purchase tickets or donate an auction item, contact Jana Butler, executive director, at (813) 757-1277. Reservations are required by Friday, Sept. 11.