Some of the guests at the Butler Health System Foundation's Crystal Ball gala include, from left, Dr. William C. DiCuccio; Jana Panther, Butler Health System; Dr. William A. DiCuccio; Paula Hooper, Butler Health System; Ken DeFurio, BHS president and chief executive officer; Ned and Lynda Kerr of Riding for the Cure; Brian Hollefreund; and Amy Stivison, also of Riding for the Cure.

Butler Health System Foundation's annual Crystal Ball gala made a splash Saturday at the Pittsburgh Marriott North.

Hospital spokesman Connie Downs said the event, themed “An Evening by the Sea” with decorations featuring a large lighthouse in the middle of the hotel's atrium, drew 440 guests and raised $140,000 for the foundation. Downs said the money will go toward the development of a robotic surgery program at Butler Health System. Robotic surgery allows doctors to perform complex procedures with more precision, flexibility and control than conventional techniques.

The celebration included the presentation of the BHS Women of Legacy award, which honors those who have notably contributed to the health and well-being of Butler County through excellence in patient care, overcoming personal illness or crisis, or improving an aspect of the community's health.

This year's award winner is the Riding for the Cure group, an organization dedicated to raising funds and awareness for cancer care. The group's main fundraiser is an annual motorcycle ride held on the last Saturday of July. In the five years since it formed, the group has raised more than $129,000 to benefit cancer services in Butler and Armstrong counties.

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Gathering amidst the tropical decorations at the Crystal Ball are Bill Ford, Gail Paserba, Robert Pfeifer, Christie Hetes, Lori James, Bill James and Dr. Charles Spignola.

Guests enjoying the music at Butler Health System Foundation's annual Crystal Ball on Saturday are, from left, Brian and Patti-Ann Kanterman, Chud and Terri Fuellgraf, and Dee and Dennis Demby.

Nelson and Marianne Johnson follow the signs to the Crystal Ball on Saturday.

The Crystal Ball gala “An Evening by the Sea” attracts guests from Butler Ambulance Service, from left, Nate and Elizabeth Bacher, Jesse and Alicia Haas, Mike and Paula Schmidt, and Penny and Denny Bacher.

Crystal Ball attendees include, from left, Donald Bullman, Jared Sullivan, and Mary Jane and Jeff Double.

Crystal Ball committee members, from left, Lou Ann Rosellini, Sue Ellen Walters, Kris Bowser, Alicia Palmiero, Jocelyn Shetter, Kim Patterson, Kim Asbury, Audray Muscatello and Carrie Bessor Foreman.