Crystal Ball raises more than $130,000
The Butler Health System Foundation's annual Crystal Ball fundraiser brought in more than $130,000 Saturday night. Proceeds from the event will go toward the purchase of a stereotactic biopsy table for the BHS Women's Imaging Center.
More than 400 guests enjoyed the “Sunset Safari” gala at the Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry Township.
The Women of Legacy Award — which honors those who have notably contributed to the health and well-being of our community — was presented posthumously to Laura J. Ristity, who was a beloved employee of the health system for 39 years.
Ristity passed away on April 8, 2017.
She was honored for all of the contributions she made to the Butler community during her lifetime. Her children, Dan and Elizabeth, accepted the award on her behalf Saturday night.
“I'm truly blessed to call this woman my mom,” Elizabeth Ristity said. “She gave freely of her time to volunteer for the organizations she loved, all the while helping others in any way she could. We were not wealthy, but she showed my brother and I, you do not need to be rich to give to others; you can give of your time, which is often more valuable.”
Laura Ristity was a pharmacy technician and was a leader of many initiatives within the pharmacy, which resulted in improving the quality of patient care and the overall safety of patients.
Outside of work, Ristity was a lifelong volunteer at the Butler Farm Show, including leadership of the youth awards committee. She made every effort to be sure that all of the kids were sponsored in their activities.
She also was a CCD teacher and youth group leader at St. Andrew Roman Catholic Church. These roles allowed her to interact with the teenagers of the parish, where she served as a role model and confidant. Laura taught the youth about faith, respect, responsibility and the importance of giving back to others.Ristity volunteered for the BHS Foundation's Caring Angel program for several years by donating her time to help with the basket raffle, and she also helped with the Christmas parade float in the early days of the Caring Angel program.Laura believed that children were the most important people in the world. She had a great love for her family. She took care of her ill mother and was there for her every day, all while being a single working mother. Laura also was an artist, and she enjoyed sharing her love of art with everyone.The Women of Legacy Award was made possible through a donation from William A. DiCuccio, M.D., in memory of his mother, Catherine Mae DiCuccio.Lead sponsors and business partners for the Crystal Ball included International Quality Consultants, SEI, BB&T, Metz Culinary & Environmental Management, MSA, UPMC Health Plan, the Butler Eagle, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, NexTier Bank, Fox Rothschild and the Hampson family. Many other sponsors contributed to the event's success.“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,” BHS Foundation Event Planner Kris Bowser said. “We are honored to raise funds to provide state-of-the-art technology for the patients of Butler Health System and are thrilled at the success of this event.”
