Ballad Health Foundation hosts first Night of Hope and Miracles event, benefitting Niswonger Children’s Hospital
The holiday season – and future – will soon be even brighter for our region’s children, thanks to a new, festive evening of fun and joy hosted by Ballad Health Foundation.
The first-ever Night of Hope and Miracles event will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 30, at MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center. Proceeds will support Niswonger Children’s Hospital, which provides local babies and children with access to lifesaving treatment, care and technology, as well as support and partnerships for healthy lives.
The scenery at Night of Hope and Miracles will resemble a classic Christmas town square. As guests mix and mingle, they can enjoy entertainment from Milligan College’s choir groups, as well as local jazz artists and other musicians.
“The Night of Hope and Miracles is an exceptional way for people in our communities to come together and enjoy the spirit of the season while supporting our region’s only children’s hospital,” said Clay Rolston, executive director of Ballad Health Foundation. “We look forward to this event becoming a holiday tradition for everyone who wants to celebrate the holidays and make a profound impact on our youngest patients.”
The event features a buffet of heavy hors d’oeuvres with drink pairings from local breweries and distilleries.
Guests can also participate in a silent auction to bid on the perfect Christmas gift. Premier auction items include a vacation to Havana, Cuba; a luxury trip to Chicago, Miami, New Orleans or Montreal; high-end jewelry; a golf getaway; party packages and more. Ballad Health team members also created and donated themed gift baskets for the auction.
“Whether they work at Niswonger Children’s Hospital or one of our other facilities, team members rose to the occasion and contributed significantly to our silent auction,” Rolston said. “This is the first year for the event, and our first holiday season as Ballad Health, so it’s especially heartwarming to see team members from throughout our region come together to make the Night of Hope and Miracles a success.”
Money from ticket sales, event sponsorships, auction items and raffle tickets will directly benefit sick and injured children treated by Niswonger Children’s Hospital. Funds are used to pay for a variety of needs at the children’s hospital, including equipment, research, supplies and charitable care.
“Everyone who attends and support the Night of Hope and Miracles has a hand in making our children’s hospital the place that helps and heals young people, close to home,” said Lisa Carter, chief executive officer of Niswonger Children’s Hospital and Ballad Health’s vice president of pediatric services. “By bolstering and enhancing healthcare for babies, children and their families, Night of Hope and Miracles attendees and patrons are doing their part to help Ballad Health create a healthier region – starting with our children.”
At the event, partygoers can also purchase tickets for the annual Niswonger Children’s Hospital Raffle, which offers a grand prize of either a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse FWD, a 2019 Chevrolet Colorado Double Cab 4x4 or a 2019 Chevrolet Impala, all donated by Champion Chevrolet Cadillac in Johnson City. Three additional winners will receive cash prizes of $2,500, $1,500 or $1,000. Tickets cost $50 and are also available through www.balladhealth.org/foundation until early January. The drawing for the winner will be held Saturday, Jan. 19, 2019, at Champion Chevrolet Cadillac, and ticket holders do not have to be present to win.
In addition to the dealership, the Night of Hope and Miracles benefits from other local businesses. The Regional Eye Center serves as presenting sponsor, while Bass, Berry & Sims, First Tennessee Foundation and Hancock Daniel are the evening’s platinum sponsors. Baker Donelson, Citi and Pershing, Yoakley and Associates also furnished premier sponsorships.
“We’re so grateful for the support we receive from our community members and corporate sponsors,” Rolston said. “More than 200,000 children from Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, Southeast Kentucky and Western North Carolina depend on Niswonger Children’s Hospital, and it’s so significant for businesses and people throughout the area to show their commitment and enthusiasm for this event and children’s healthcare.”
Ballad Health Foundation created the Night of Hope and Miracles by combining two popular winter events – the Spirit Gala and the Night of Holiday Miracles.
“This is a perfect way to build on the season’s spirit of harmony and joy and create a promising future for local children,” Rolston said. “Together, we’re building a new legacy of healthcare in our region – and that legacy starts with our children.”
Night of Hope and Miracles tickets are now on sale for $125 each and can be purchased by visiting www.bidpal.net/2018nohm or calling 423-230-8592.
