Emily Pierce’s daughter, Morgan, has been fighting cancer for six years, but Pierce wanted to do something that would help other families with the same struggle. That’s why she organized a fundraiser called the SweetHearts Gala.
The event was such a success when it was first held last year that it will be returning this Valentine’s Day.
“My family has been supported greatly by the community, and because the community helped us so much, I felt like this was a great way to give back,” Pierce said.
Morgan receives treatment at a facility in New York. The Pierces met another family there whose son, Jensen Byrd, was also being treated for cancer. Though Jensen lost his battle in 2010, the two families have stayed close.
Jensen’s family started a nonprofit organization called Jensen’s Heart of Gold, to raise awareness of childhood cancer and help organize fundraising efforts across the country. The SweetHearts Gala will be a Jensen’s Heart of Gold event, but 100% of the proceeds will stay in Plant City to help local children.
Some children who are currently fighting cancer will be at the gala, but the optional black-tie event is intended for adults.
“It’s Valentine’s night, so I think a lot of couples are using that as their couple’s night,” Pierce said.
In addition to dinner and drinks, there will be musical entertainment by two local performers, as well as a song performed by Morgan’s sister. At the end of the evening, there will also be time for dancing.
There will be a live auction for items such as a Charleston getaway, a night in Orlando and a cross bow and hog hunt. Local businesses have also donated many items for a silent auction, including photography sessions and various giftbaskets. Some of Morgan’s original artwork will be available at the silent auction, as well.
But one of the event’s unique features is the manner in which a piece of jewelry from RAOK boutique will be given away.
The jewelry will be in a locked case, and guests can purchase a key — but only one key will fit the lock. At the end of the night, when the guests try their keys on the lock, the person with the correct key will get to keep the jewelry.
The gala had this sort of giveaway last year, as well.
“The live auction is lively and very fun, but other than that, I think that was a highlight for everybody,” Pierce said.
Another fun activity at the gala will be a miniature golf game. Anyone who gets a hole-in-one can choose a prize from a selection of gift cards.
IF YOU GO
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14
Where: Keel Farms, 5210 Thonotosassa Road
Tickets: $75 per person
More information: jensensheartofgold.com
Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver.com.