Crystal Ball raises $145K for hospital
CRANBERRY TWP — A bright and shiny Saturday night at the Pittsburgh Marriott North raised around $145,000 for a healthy cause.
The cityscape decor drew more than 400 guests to its “Black White and City Lights” themed gala for the Butler Health System Foundation's annual Crystal Ball.
“Everything was sparkling with the lights,” said Kris Bowser, BHS Foundation events manager.
The proceeds from the event go toward the BHS' pathology laboratory to support the purchase of a new robotic biopsy staining workstation. The new technology will help better identify cancer by introducing robotics, which also will improve the speed and accuracy of diagnoses.
“We are honored to raise funds for state-of-the-art equipment, programs and services to benefit the patients of Butler Health System, and are thrilled at the continued success of this event,” Bowser said.
As guests arrived they checked into an area called the subway station, where they bought tickets for various fundraisers.
Bowser said there were five major fundraisers, many which offered prizes.
The event unveiled a new Bubbly and Bling fundraising technique, which had a volunteer wearing an extravagant dress with 140 purchasable champagne glasses. The glasses sat on tiers that lined a hooped gown, and each contained a number that entered the buyer into drawings that yielded prizes of a diamond necklace, a Michael Kors purse and Yeti cooler.
“People really liked it. A lot of people were getting their pictures with her,” Bowser said.
As they passed through different fundraisers and made their stops, the guests were encouraged to follow the streets and signs to an island-themed silent auction.
Bowser said it was amazing to see the location completely transformed.
“We have a lot of great volunteers that help us that night. It's a lot of support and participation,” Bowser said.
Besides checking out the fundraisers, guests got a meal, the use of the bar and dance floor, and plenty of photo opportunities.
Women of Legacy
Also an annual pairing with the ball is the Women of Legacy Award.
This year Dr. Kathy Selvaggi received the award. Selvaggi is board certified in internal medicine and palliative care, and she serves as director of the palliative care program for BHS.
Selvaggi is well-respected by her colleagues, according to Dr. Ira Handler, who serves as the medical director of the geriatric psychiatry inpatient unit at Butler Memorial Hospital.
Handler said Selvaggi regularly interacts and consults with BMH medical staff. He said Selvaggi's arrival in 2015 was critical to continuing the development of the system to where it is today.
“While these achievements of Dr. Selvaggi and her team are not the stuff of headlines or of high reimbursement, the impact they have, daily, on the compassion, trust, integrity and respect that our patients and their families experience is a gift to our community of the highest order,” Handler said. “I literally offer a thanks to the heavens every time I see Dr. Selvaggi or any member of her excellent team out on our wards.”
The award honors a BHS staff member who has notably contributed to the health and well-being of the community through excellent patient care, overcoming personal illness or crisis or improving some aspect of the community's health.
The award is supported through a donation from Dr. William DiCuccio in memory of his mother, Catherine Mae DiCuccio.
Bowser said the ball was again successful and they are thankful for the support from everyone involved, including guests, sponsors and volunteers.
“The event would not be possible without the continued support of our business community and the hard work and dedication of our committee and volunteers,” Bowser said.
