Hospital Ball takes on Haunting Theme for October 28th Event

The 2017 Missouri Delta Foundation Ball promises to be a wicked affair.

With its “Halloween Haunt” theme, guests are encouraged to wear dark elegance or gothic glam attire during the Oct. 28 event at the Sikeston Armory. Because the Ball Committee chose an event date close to Halloween, organizers decided to incorporate the holiday into its theme, according to Committee co-chair Heather VanPool . VanPool’s co-chair Morgan VanPool agreed. “It’s spooky but elegant — and nothing gory,” Morgan VanPool explained.

Doors open at 6 p.m and a plated dinner served by “The Great Boars of Fire of Cobden, Ill., will be at 7 p.m. “The meal has always been a buffet, and we decided to change it up a little with the plated dinner,” Heather VanPool said, adding it was decided by Food Committee chairs.

The band, City Mix, based in Memphis, Tenn., will perform. Cocktails and dancing will be until midnight.

“We’re hoping the theme will draw a lot of people. It’s something different — and not something everyone does. I think the decorations will really bring the theme together,” Morgan VanPool said.

New this year is the addition of The Best Mouse Race out of St. Louis. “You have six races and the winner of those six races will run in the seventh race,” Alcorn said. “The seventh race is the finale, similar to horse races.” Attendees use “mouse monies” to make their bets, proceeds from the mouse races will also benefit the Foundation. “Plus, the mice go with the Halloween theme.”

This year’s event will also include a signature drink fundraiser. “We will be selling special cups, and there are only 100 of them. They will be sold for $50 the night of the ball. Each cup is numbered, and during the night one of the cups will be the ultimate winner of a stunning necklace with black and white brilliant cut diamonds donated by Sam Thomas from Sam’s Fine Jewelry,” Alcorn said.

The cost is $125 for single tickets or $225 per couple and an invitation is not needed to purchase a ticket. Those who would like to do a bit more may be interested in a Patron ticket for $175 for singles and $300 per couple and includes entry to a pre-party in addition to the Ball. The “Patron Party” is Oct. 14 at the home of Megan and Jared Straton. The theme is “Dia de los Muertos,” which means “Day of the Dead.”

Proceeds from this year’s Hospital Ball will provide new BiPAP, or Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure, breathing machines and ventilators for MDMC’s respiratory department. “These are very needed in this community just because we see a lot of patients with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), lung diseases and sleep apnea, and the need for those is very beneficial,” said Heather VanPool. “The newer machines we are getting are more comfortable for the patients. They have newer settings that will help the patients wean off the ventilators easier and be more beneficial to their recovery and care.”

The BiPAPs can be transferred for use on both adults and children, Alcorn said, adding the breathing machines the hospital has now can’t be used on both. “They will benefit a wide variety of patients. We felt like that’s the biggest need right now that benefitted the most areas of the hospital rather than just one area,” said Heather VanPool, who is a registered nurse and circulator in MDMC’s operating room.

Attire ideas and event information are offered on the Ball’s Facebook page: Missouri Delta Foundation Benefit Ball.

“We’re excited,” said Morgan VanPool, who is the graphic designer at MDMC. “We all work here and want the best for the hospital, and that was one of the factors that helped us decide to be co-chairs.”

The event organizers said they are also appreciative of the large group of committee members who’ve helped with the Ball. “Most have been involved in hospital balls in previous years and we have really depended on them for their expertise and knowledge,” Morgan VanPool said. “It’s been nice to have them to lean on.”

Organizers are looking to draw attendees of all ages to this year’s Hospital Ball. There are multiple reasons to attend, they said. “It’s benefiting a good cause; it’s not just for the fun, drinks and food,” Heather VanPool said. “It’s going to be a fun Halloween event, which we don’t have a lot of around here.”

Great things are happening in Sikeston, Alcorn said. “To build a bigger, better, stronger hospital builds a bigger, better stronger community,” Alcorn said. Morgan VanPool agreed.

Heather VanPool added: “The more people who are involved, the more we can do in the future.”

Sponsorships and tickets are still available. Those interested should email Alcorn at amalcorn@missouridelta.com or visit the MDMC Foundation office at the hospital.