News

Beebe Medical Foundation Sets $100,000 Goal for Thanksgiving Ball

10/05/04

The 2004 Thanksgiving Ball Committee is putting fundraising experience and new plans in motion to help the Beebe Medical Foundation surpass last year’s proceeds of $66,000 with a goal of $100,000.

"Beebe Medical Foundation is no rookie in the arena of fundraising," commented H. Keith Henry, Chairman of the 2004 Thanksgiving Ball to be held Saturday, November 6, at the Baycenter in Dewey Beach. "I've been involved in many of the Foundation's fundraising events since I moved to Lewes ten years ago. I continue to marvel at how they have grown and evolved into a level and character typical of much larger metropolitan areas. Each involvement has been a combination of leadership, fun, dedication, and hard work, pretty much in that order."

"Best of all," continued Mr. Henry, "the teams of volunteers become a kind of extended family, determined to have fun while they go about planning, organizing and implementing these events. We are always delighted to welcome new volunteers who bring their unique energies and areas of interest and expertise to the table."

Inside Story
Planning any fundraising event begins with an open slate of possibilities. From decor, theme and ambience, to food and entertainment, making an event fun, memorable and financially successful is the challenge faced by organizations, event chairs and volunteer committees.

Drawing on a rich tapestry of volunteers, many of whom have relocated to the area from Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Wilmington, Beebe brings to each event a host of creative and professional talents, which individually and collectively, have resulted in positioning Beebe fundraising events as the most anticipated and successful endeavors in southern Delaware.

Jennifer Robino, Co-chair of the Decorating and Theme Committee, is another seasoned Beebe Foundation volunteer. "From a decorative standpoint, we are always attune to the importance of first impressions," commented Ms. Robino. "Usually from the moment guests walk into a venue, they can tell if they're going to have a good time. Both the Thanksgiving Ball and spring's “Best of the Beach” Art Auction, have evolved into spectacular, multi-sensory experiences that create a level of excitement and set the tone for people to have a good time."

"The interpretation of themes in table decorations and backgrounds is so creative that it's actually become pretty competitive, with table sponsors and designers vying for 'Best of Show' and other prize designations awarded by our distinguished committee of judges," continued Ms. Robino.: This years' Thanksgiving Ball moves from a “Broadway Show” theme to “Countries of the World.” I have no doubt it will be a wonderfully colorful and magical, cosmopolitan experience. Once again, our guests are in for a real treat."

Beebe deliberately keeps remarks, announcements, presentations, and formal programs to a minimum so as not to disturb the momentum of the evening. Another component that distinguishes Beebe Foundation events are the unparalleled silent and live auctions, which contribute significantly to an event's bottom line.

"The quality, diversity and merchandising of hundreds of gift items, accessories, jewelry, furniture, and gift certificates, all donated by local and regional merchants, businesses and individuals, springboards an early-evening level of activity and involvement which later crescendos into dinner and dancing," added Mr. Henry. "The auction and set-up committees redefine the word 'diligence' in orchestrating bigger and better auction components each year. And, just like the friendly competition in table decorations, auction bidding can become quite lively and very competitive."

Corporate Sponsorship
One of the most dynamic volunteer committees is corporate sponsorship, chaired this year by Lewes resident Lacy Letonoff. "The generosity of our sponsors and underwriters at all levels and categories allows maximum net proceeds from events like the Thanksgiving Ball to benefit Beebe's Vision 2005 capital campaign, and specifically the expansion and renovation of the Emergency Department at Beebe Medical Center," explained Ms. Letonoff.

For more information on the upcoming Thanksgiving Ball, November 6, or to inquire about volunteer, sponsorship or underwriting opportunities at Beebe Medical Foundation, please call Eric Davison at 644-2951, ext. 10, or email edavison@bbmc.org.