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by Cindy Abole
Public Relations
One of the Lowcountry and MUSC's most festive winter events is just around the corner.
The 26th annual Charity Ball and Silent Auction will be held Feb. 16 at Memminger Auditorium in downtown Charleston. The event, which was first established by College of Medicine (COM) students, faculty, alumni and staff, was created to support local charities and involve medical students in the community.
In addition to live entertainment, the Feb. 16 Charity Ball offers a silent auction.
The ball is co-sponsored by students with the COM Student Council and the Medical Student Alumni Council (MSAC). Student council members are responsible for organizing and promoting the event through ad sales. A team of 40 students, representing each of the college's four medical school classes, worked with assigned area businesses and community contacts seeking donations for the silent auction.
John Freedy, M.D., Ph.D., associate dean for student affairs, is a great supporter of this year's event. "More than a fun night out, the Charity Ball gives our medical students the opportunity to work together raising money for deserving community organizations."
Each year, the silent auction brings forth a variety of items, services and activities that participants can bid on. Money raised from this year's event will benefit five Lowcountry charities and three student initiatives: Crisis Ministries, Operation Home, The Charleston Area Children's Garden Project, Lowcountry Pregnancy Center, the Junior Girls Day Out Community Project, Community Aid, Relief, Education and Support, Crisis Ministries Wednesday Night Clinic and Fight for Sight. Crisis Ministries is a perpetual recipient of Charity Ball funds since the program's inception. The charities were selected through a subjective review process from an applicant pool of non-profit community organizations working with the MUSC Gives Back Program.
One organization new to the Charity Ball recipient charities is the Junior Girls Day Out Community Project. Founded in 2007 by Kathy L. Jackson, the volunteer-led organization celebrates girl power for Lowcountry girls, ages 7-12. The project's mission is to provide personal, social, educational, career and cultural development to girls through mentorship and activities. Volunteers teach girls how to cook, sew, learn to budget and save, shop, learn etiquette, physical fitness and a variety of other real-life activities.
"Girls are challenged all the time with violence, drugs, gangs, etc. We want to provide positive outlets that help enrich, nurture and encourage girls to move forward in their life goals," said Jackson.
Lauren Benner, a second-year medical student, has been busy since the summer of 2012 working with businesses to solicit a donation for the silent auction. Lately, Benner and MSAC members have been challenged in soliciting for items due to the economy.
"These are tough times, especially for some area business owners. But this has taught me and others to be more creative and inventive in what we can do." Benner wasn't afraid to contact family, friends and referrals for donations. One item that she was proud to collect for the auction is a donated Moo Roo purse by Charleston designer Mary Norton.
Other items that will be offered in this year's auction include gift certificates to restaurants, sailing classes, and trips to destinations including four African safari vacations.
"The charities that we work with are all so deserving. They're counting on the money we raise to help others who are in need in the community. Their everyday work is inspiring and encouraging. All of us have worked hard in this effort, and I feel this year's ball will be a great event," Benner said.
The event is open to anyone. In addition to hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar will serve beer and wine, and live entertainment will be on hand.
Tickets are $50 per person and available in Room 601, Clinical Sciences Building. Alumni may purchase two tickets for $45 each. Students may purchase two tickets for $20 each.
For ticket sales and donations, contact 792-5862 or visit www.musc.edu/charityball.
Friday, Feb. 8, 2013
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