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Dialysis dependents will benefit from MDMC ball
SIKESTON - To those who depend on dialysis, Saturday
night's gala will be more than a social gathering. To them, Missouri Delta Medical Center's benefit ball
attendees will be a group of individuals who cared
enough to help them receive the blood filtering
process they need to live.
This year it will be the Sikeston Jaycees Kidney
Dialysis Unit that will benefit from the proceeds made
from the event and both patients and staff members are
grateful.
As it stands, the number of patients needing dialysis
surpasses the space and staff available at the
hospital's small dialysis unit and the individuals
from out of the area are having to be referred to
other facilities. The new dialysis center's
freestanding building is an answer to many prayers.
Centered around the theme "Hollywood: Night Of A
Thousand Stars," the gala begins at 7 p.m. at the
Sikeston Armory. Tickets are still available by
calling 472-7601.
Serving as co-chair of the event, Amy Blanton pointed
out there are numerous items on which guests will have
an opportunity to bid and all of the money will go
toward the construction of the dialysis unit as well.
"We have 103 items to be auctioned off, ranging from
gift certificates to different restaurants in the
community to a trip to the Bahamas to jewelry," she
said. "Everyone in town is so generous to give us such
nice things for the auction."
The auction will take place from 7-11 p.m. Saturday.
Publicity Chairman Jackie Williams invites the
community to an evening of what she describes as
superb food, excellent entertainment and outstanding
auction items, knowing all the while the money will
help others.
"What people need to realize is that this ball
benefits our community even if you don't have to have
dialysis or you don't know anyone who does. It is not
an individual health issue because it provides a much
needed medical option for people in this area as well
as others."
Hosted every other year, the women believe what makes
it so successful is the community support and the
importance residents place on the hospital itself.
"I think people really appreciate the hospital being
in the community," explained Blanton. "If we didn't
have a local hospital we certainly wouldn't have the
convenience of getting good health care here at home.
I think people are really supportive of the hospital
and enjoy coming to the event. It's a nice way to get
out and get dressed up every couple of years."
Williams said another factor that plays into the
success the hospital ball has seen through the years
is that committee members work hard to keep the costs
down which ends up benefiting the cause that
particular event is focused on.
Two years ago approximately 450 guests attended the
hospital ball which raised $42,000 for the Medical
Scholarship Loan Program.
"I think the people who come will have a really good
time and really enjoy being around other people in the
community, knowing their money is going for a good
cause. I think they'll be impressed with all the work
that goes into it, especially the decorations, it's a
big production. The armory will be transformed into a
true hollywood setting, it's really going to be nice,"
Blanton said.
"Guests can expect a very elegant atmosphere, a nice
catered gourmet meal and a wide array of auction items
which will be displayed beautifully," Williams said,
encouraging those who have yet to purchase their
tickets to do so. "You can spend the night dancing and
being with friends. It's an elegant evening out where
you dress in ball gowns, have a great time and help others."