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Prince Frederick, MD 20678
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Swing into style at CMH ball on Nov. 8
Proceeds to benefit life-saving eICU® technology
Prince Frederick, MD (Aug. 1, 2008) - Swing into vintage style at the Calvert Memorial Hospital Ball on Saturday, Nov. 8 from 7 p.m. - midnight at the College of Southern Maryland. The black-tie gala celebrates its 20th anniversary with a return to the timeless elegance defined by the Art Deco era.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
College of Southern Maryland
Prince Frederick campus
But don't wait to buy your ticket. Last year's event, the most popular ever, sold out early. Proceeds from the annual fundraiser, sponsored by the Calvert Memorial Hospital Foundation, will be used to purchase early warning software and advanced video and monitoring equipment to keep an even closer eye on the critically ill patients in the hospital's intensive care unit.
The new system, which complements the staff already in place at CMH, is called an electronic or eICU®. It allows intensivists (or intensive care physicians) and veteran critical care nurses at a remote monitoring location to provide CMH bedside staff with an extra set of eyes and ears. Using high-speed data transmission, they're able to monitor such crucial indicators as blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen levels and respiratory rate for early warning signs and intervene proactively, when needed.
"We have outstanding cardiology and pulmonary specialists at CMH but they can't be available 24 hours a day," said Dr. John Weigel. "This new technology gives the staff immediate access to that expertise when they need it. It's going to make critical care for my patients that much safer."
"We're excited that Calvert Memorial will be the first hospital in the state to go live with the eICU®," said Brooke Steuart of Owings, who is co-chairing the ball with Allison Mooney of Dunkirk. It was the impetus for this year's theme, Tickled Pink - Revolutionizing Critical Care to the Pink of Health."
The ticket price is $475 per couple and $250 per person. Tickets can be purchased online at www.calverthospital.com or by calling the Foundation at 410-535-8178 or 410-414-4570. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted.
"This is one of the biggest parties of the year," said Steuart. "It is the event that everyone will be talking about." As guests enter the main tent they will be surrounded by opulence and luxury. She said the pink and black decorating scheme accented by feathers and mirrors reflects the dramatic Art Deco design.
Ken Upton of Ken's Creative Kitchen in Annapolis will provide a gourmet sit-down dinner with tableside wine service. Ken and his staff will prepare a tempting array of appetizers including his fabulous hot crab crostini. Dinner will include alternating salads, a special grilled entree, crusty homemade Italian bread and tempting desserts. As in the past, Ken will also have available upon request a special vegetarian entree or his delicious vegetarian Indian entree.
Back by popular demand is Highway Star - a perennial favorite with those who like to dance. They perform a wide variety of music ranging from big band to current rock to top 40. The band, which features powerful vocals and sultry horns, will play until midnight.
In addition to the dinner and dancing, the gala also features a silent auction where guests can bid on a variety of items from sports tickets to jewelry. Many of the items have been packaged especially to match the "Tickled Pink" theme. "Each year, the auction committee tries to come up with new and exciting items and this year's auction is no exception," said Terri Wolfley.
A choice of six sponsorship packages is offered including reserved seating, special recognition and an exclusive pre-ball cocktail party at CSM. "We want to recognize those that have already committed their support," said Mooney, "including Dickinson Jewelers, Lord Calvert Bowl, Raleigh and Larry Weckbaugh, Community Bank of Tri-County, SMECO, Bank of America, Bayside Chevrolet Toyota, Receivables Outsourcing and Yaffe & Associates."
An anonymous donor has already stepped forward to sponsor at the top level. "We all have family, friends and neighbors who may one day depend on this system to save their lives," said the local resident. "I challenge all previous and potential sponsors to be as generous as they can. This is a worthy cause that will help to keep the people of our community thriving and growing."
The new system, which complements the staff already in place at Calvert Memorial Hospital, is called an electronic or eICU®. It allows intensivists (or intensive care physicians) and veteran critical care nurses at a remote monitoring location to provide CMH bedside staff with an extra set of eyes and ears.
Proceeds from this year's ball will be used to purchase early warning software and advanced video and monitoring equipment to keep an even closer eye on the critically ill patients in Calvert Memorial Hospital's intensive care unit.