Danny Gokey, "American Idol" alum, will perform at the White Christmas Ball Dec. 12 to benefit Mercy Health Foundation Fort Smith. The contemporary Christian performer is part of a revamped version of the 47th annual benefit ball, according to Jenny O'Daniel, major gift officer for the foundation.
She said the group is aiming to make the fundraiser the "premier Christmas event for the River Valley."
White Christmas Charity Ball
What: Dinner, Danny Gokey, auction, after party
When: 6 p.m. Dec. 12
Where: Fort Smith Convention Center
Tickets: $125
Attire: Black tie optional
Information: (479) 314-1138 or hollye.dickinson@me…
The black-tie optional affair will also include a three-course dinner, live auction, "We Are One" pledge drive and the Defrost After Party with DJ Brock Short.
Items on the auction block are set to include a suite for a St. Louis Cardinals baseball game, shopping sprees from John Mays Jewelers and Newton's Jewelers and a trip to the Kentucky Derby.
Proceeds will help Mercy fund health care services, patient education and charity care. The foundation also provides support for Mercy's four River Valley critical care hospitals in Booneville, Ozark, Paris and Waldron.
O'Daniel said there are also plans in the works to implement a "non-emergent patient transport" program. She said offerings are likely to include rides from home to out-patient rehabilitation therapy, rides home from the hospital or rides for out-patient cancer treatment.
-- CARIN SCHOPPMEYER
CSCHOPPMEYER@NWAONLINE.COM
NAN Our Town on 11/20/2014