Gala supports hospital expansion, innovation, workforce growth
Special to The Island News
The Beaufort Memorial Foundation brought the sights, sounds and flavors of the Amalfi Coast to downtown Beaufort on Saturday, Feb. 7, as Tabby Place set the stage for the 37th annual Valentine Ball: an evening celebrating generosity, community and a shared commitment to local healthcare.
For nearly four decades, the Valentine Ball has united the community in support of Beaufort Memorial’s mission to provide accessible, compassionate care in the Lowcountry. The 2026 event continued the organization’s legacy, benefiting the Foundation’s Vision Campaign and its three pillars: expanding access to care, advancing healthcare innovation and strengthening the workforce.
Over its 36-year history, the Ball has raised millions of dollars to support critical hospital initiatives, construction projects and the purchase of life-saving equipment.
“For an event to thrive for nearly four decades is truly remarkable,” said Kim Yawn, Chief Development Officer of the Beaufort Memorial Foundation. “This year’s Ball was a beautiful reflection of generosity and community spirit and the belief that local healthcare matters. We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of those who donate items to the silent auction, provide sponsorships and purchase tickets. Every dollar contributed makes an impact on healthcare in our community.”
This year’s Ball introduced a change to the traditional format, opening Tabby Place earlier for a pre-ball cocktail hour before the high-energy band MVP took the stage to keep guests dancing throughout the evening.
“With the change to this year’s format, many of the attendees had dinner downtown,” said Yawn. “We were thrilled so many people were able to support the downtown restaurants during a time when they need our community support to thrive – much like the hospital.”
Funds raised during the event directly support the Vision Campaign, which supports major initiatives such as the new 28-bed Bluffton Community Hospital, innovative virtual inpatient nursing programs, workforce development partnerships with local schools and colleges and workforce housing in Bluffton through LiveWell Terrace by BMH, an affordable housing development that will see ground broken within the next few months.
“Beaufort Memorial is focused on smart growth and reimagining how healthcare is delivered in the Lowcountry,” said Beaufort Memorial President and CEO Russell Baxley. “Events like the Valentine Ball make that vision possibly by ensuring we can meet people where they are with skilled, compassionate care.”
Since its inception in 1989, the Valentine Ball has raised more than $10 million to support major hospital projects, including ongoing renovations to the Beaufort Memorial Surgical Pavilion, the creation of a state-of-the-art education center, expansion of LifeFit Wellness Services, purchase of the mobile health unit and now the Vision Campaign that will support the continued growth on the horizon in Beaufort, Bluffton and beyond.
