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<h2><strong>Additional safety measures in place due to COVID</strong><br><br></h2>
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<p><strong>By Marie McAden</strong></p>
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<p>Although last year’s Virtual Valentine Ball was successful in raising thousands of dollars toward renovating the surgical pavilion at Beaufort Memorial Hospital (BMH), leaders and volunteers alike at the BMH Foundation are excited to have this year’s Valentine Ball be held in person for one night only, Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022.</p>
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<p>The much-loved dinner parties and gala – a black-tie affair that has brought the community together for more than three decades in support of the hospital – will take place from 8-11 p.m. in the beautifully renovated Dataw Island Club’s Carolina Ballroom.</p>
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<p>“I feel 100 percent sure with every fiber in my being that this will be one of the most memorable events to date,” said BMH Foundation board member Katie Huebel, who is sharing the role of Foundation liaison with fellow board member and registered nurse Geneva Baxley. “People are so ready to get back to living and things being normal again.”</p>
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<p>The gala will be limited to 250 guests and held in a well-ventilated event space with an expansive outdoor porch. As an additional safety measure, guests are required to have proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours prior to the event. Wearing a face mask will be left to the discretion of the individual.</p>
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<p>Recognizing some hospital supporters may not feel comfortable attending a large gathering, the Foundation is selling a limited number of tickets for just the dinner parties with a maximum of 12 guests in attendance at each party.</p>
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<p>Funds generated from the event will go toward the renovation of Beaufort Memorial’s surgical pavilion. The Valentine Ball alone has generated more than $800,000 toward this project.</p>
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<p>With the pandemic still ongoing, the theme for the 2022 ball will pay homage to the Beaufort Memorial healthcare providers who serve everyday on the front lines of the health crisis as well as the Foundation’s highly committed donors who have given meals, snacks, personal protective equipment and donations to establish a COVID-19 relief fund for BMH employees.</p>
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<p>“I am continually inspired by all of the healthcare heroes at Beaufort Memorial and their tireless efforts on behalf of our patients and our community day after day,” said BMH President and CEO Russell Baxley, who is co-chairing the event with his wife, Stephanie, a BMH registered dietitian, and Beaufort Memorial Orthopaedic Specialists physician assistant Paul Schaefer and his wife, Kate, who works with Open Land Trust. “As in years past, the funds raised from this event will help equip our heroes with the tools and technology they need to provide the best care possible for years to come, and that benefits us all.”</p>
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<p>The Valentine Ball will once again include a carefully curated silent auction with vacation home stays, unique experiences and excursions, sporting events and original art. Mobile bidding through Clickbid will open January 21 and close the night of the event.</p>
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<p>Tickets are $200 for the pre-event dinner parties and ball; $150 for the dinner only. For more information on the Beaufort Memorial Hospital Foundation fundraiser or to purchase tickets, visit www.valentineball.org or call 843-522-5774.</p>
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