Beaufort Prepares for an Unforgettable Valentine Ball
Get ready, Beaufort! The countdown is on for the highly anticipated Valentine Ball, happening on February 8. That’s right, just two months away! This delightful event has become a beloved tradition for the community, and this year’s festivities will take place at the charming Tabby Place in downtown Beaufort.
A Night Filled with Joy and Generosity
What can you expect at this year’s ball? Well, get ready for the features that have made it such a hit over the years: pre-ball dinner parties, live music from the fabulous Charlotte-based band Color the Night, a silent auction filled with fantastic items, delicious cocktails, and a mouth-watering dessert bar!
“We’re absolutely thrilled to introduce our co-chairs for this year’s Valentine Ball, Becky and Patrick Cunningham, along with Drs. Aaron Sarathy and Jennifer Wallace,” shared Kim Yawn, who serves as the Chief Development Officer for the Beaufort Memorial Hospital Foundation. “Their unwavering dedication to our community’s health is inspiring. With the proceeds going toward expanding access to care and nurturing future healthcare professionals, we’re optimistic about a successful event—perhaps record-breaking!”
A Special Journey
Becky Cunningham described the experience of chairing the ball as a “journey back to where it all began.” Years ago, while working for the Beaufort Memorial Foundation, Becky found herself on the doorstep of Dr. Wallace and Dr. Sarathy during their Valentine Ball Kickoff Party. Little did she know that moment would lead to lasting friendships and fruitful collaborations. Now, Becky teams up with her husband Patrick, who’s a financial advisor at Merrill Lynch, and the doctors, who run a successful dental and oral surgery practice.
Giving Back to the Community
This year’s Valentine Ball isn’t just about having fun; it’s about making a real difference in the community through the Vision Campaign. This comprehensive five-year, $10 million campaign focuses on three essential pillars: expanding access to quality healthcare, developing innovative healthcare delivery systems, and building a robust workforce.
“We’re making big moves here in the Lowcountry,” Baxley noted. “Construction projects are underway all over the county to enhance healthcare services for residents from Beaufort to Hilton Head. The Vision Campaign helps fund these efforts, recognizing that staffing is as important as building facilities.” With a commitment to also tackle related challenges, the campaign aims to create affordable housing, daycare options, and career development pathways to retain talented employees.
Continuing a Legacy of Care
Dr. Wallace added, “The Valentine Ball has become a cherished tradition not just for the social interaction but also for its impact on healthcare access in our region. Projects funded through the Beaufort Memorial Foundation enhance facilities and services, fostering a healthier community.”
Each year, guests look forward to the pre-ball dinner parties hosted by generous community members. These intimate gatherings are a highlight of the evening, allowing attendees to connect over wonderful food before heading to the ball itself. Once guests arrive at Tabby Place, the evening truly kicks off with cocktails, desserts, dancing, and an exciting silent auction. A special feature this year is a live painting by an extraordinary Charleston-based artist, who will also create personalized mini portraits for guests!
The Impact of Giving
The Valentine Ball stands as the largest fundraising event for the Beaufort Memorial Foundation, significantly contributing to vital hospital projects. Last year, the event raised an impressive $217,949, which went towards the now-open state-of-the-art education center at Beaufort Memorial. This has allowed for continued career development opportunities for staff and the training of future healthcare providers.
“The Vision Campaign is a bold effort to reshape healthcare in the Lowcountry,” Yawn stated. “Our goal this year is to raise $230,000 to support the campaign and all of its initiatives.” Notably, the campaign supports projects like the upcoming Bluffton Community Medical Campus, which will feature a fully-equipped emergency department, imaging services, and an outpatient surgery center.
As the countdown continues, invitations to the ball will be sent out in mid-December, exciting the community for yet another enchanting evening dedicated to health, healing, and hope. So mark your calendars, Beaufort! It’s time to have a ball—a Valentine Ball! With the community’s spirit shining bright, the impact of this event will resonate through Beaufort for years to come.
