Fun, food, philanthropy featured
MARSHALL TWP, Allegheny Co. — While the 19th annual Butler Health System Foundation Crystal Ball on Saturday night appeared to be all fun and games for the glamorous in gowns and suits, it also increased the chances of survival for women who have their annual mammogram at the BHS Women's Imaging Center.
A cocktail hour, high-end basket raffle, games, a photo booth, dinner, the presentation of two Women of Legacy Awards and dancing to the tunes of a big band at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel served to raise $150,000 for the purchase of an automated breast ultrasound unit for the imaging center at the BHS Crossroads Campus.
The unit gives doctors at the center the ability to detect small tumors in dense breast tissue, which will allow for earlier treatment of cancers, according to Dr. Ruthane Reginella, director of the Women's Imaging Center.
As in years past, the Women of Legacy Award was presented at the glamorous event.
Not one, but two women were recognized for their efforts to help those community members who may be feeling lost and alone.
Amy Hammonds was honored for spearheading the effort to keep the Assertive Community Treatment Team in Butler after it was announced the team would be discontinued.The ACT Team assists behavioral health patients with various activities as they live their daily lives.In her acceptance speech, Hammonds, the director of behavioral health at Butler Memorial Hospital, was quick to share the honor with her staff.She said the behavioral health team arrives at work every day prepared to enhance the lives of their patients.“The staff is very empathetic, very professional and truly love what they do,” Hammonds said.
Her co-Women of Legacy Award winner, Sharon Schneider, was honored for her Hang Tough: Stockings Stuffed with Love and Care program.The program sees volunteers fill more than 2,300 Christmas stockings with items for those undergoing cancer treatments throughout Butler County and beyond.Schneider, who is Mrs. Claus on the sleigh at the Butler Spirit of Christmas Parade each year, said she would not be able to successfully carry out the Hang Tough program without the support of her husband of 36 years, Gary, and the couple's children, Jared, Kelsey and Matthew, who is married to Erin.Schneider wore her Mrs. Claus cape to the Crystal Ball.“When the cape goes on, the magic spreads,” Schneider said.She also thanked those in attendance at the event. About 440 people attended the event, the highest turnout in its history.“Probably half of you have stuffed a stocking and it is a community award, not my award,” Schneider said. “It's great to have a beautiful team of elves who work hand in hand.”
Ken DeFurio, president and CEO of the 123-year-old Butler Health System, said its physicians work hard every day to ensure the community enjoys the best health possible.“I thank each and every one of them,” he said, gazing at a crowd containing several of those physicians.Dr. Thomas Shetter, a primary care physician, said he has attended all 19 Crystal Ball events because they are so important to the health system.“It raises money and awareness on the good things we are doing at Butler Memorial Hospital,” Shetter said.Patti-Ann Kanterman, chairwoman of the Butler Health System Board of Directors, appreciates those who turn out at the ball each year to have a good time and share their treasure with the health system.“Having community support is key in doing things we can't afford to do with our budget,” Kanterman said.She said the board is happy to provide a vital piece of equipment for the Women's Imaging Center.The automated breast ultrasound unit is the fourth piece of equipment funded by proceeds from the Crystal Ball.“That is an area we really feel could use additional support,” Kanterman said.
Marcia Segraves, a former BHS board member and president of the hospital's Women's Auxiliary, also has attended every Crystal Ball since its inception 19 years ago.“I just feel it's an important part of our community and we need to support it,” Segraves said.She praised the health system staff members who work hard to plan the multi-faceted and glamorous event.“I see behind the scenes and they work very hard to make it as nice as it is,” Segraves said.Jimmy Chiprean, co-owner of Miller Shoes in Butler, attended his second Crystal Ball on Saturday night.He summed up the thoughts of all the be-suited and coiffured people who attended the glittering Crystal Ball on Saturday night.“It's a great cause and I enjoy supporting the Butler Health System Foundation,” Chiprean said.
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