Night Out Gala & 'Settings for St. Anthony's' Raise More Than $51,000

Over 350 people attended the eleventh annual "Settings for St. Anthony's," fundraising event, held on November 13 at the Thelma Keller Convention Center in Effingham.

This event showcases tables decorated with seasonal themes, and a variety of cash and carry raffle and auction items. Returning this year was a special event, "A Night Out Gala," held November 14 also at the Keller Convention Center. Approximately 200 people attended the dinner, which included entertainment, raffle items and auction items.

"Puzzled by Santa" sponsored by John Flach Builders, co-winner of the People's Choice Award

Out of these two events, $51,700 was raised for the Friends of St. Anthony's to benefit HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital's Women and Children's Mother/Baby Program and the Hospice Program.

This year, 48 tabletops were sponsored and designed by local residents, organizations and businesses. The People's Choice Award was a tie this year, shared by "Puzzled by Santa," sponsored by John Flach Builders, and "Winter in the Hundred-Acre Wood" sponsored by Johnson Funeral Home. Door prizes were won by Dr. Kelly Haller, Conny Mitchell, Kristi Smith and Kathie Stodden.

"Winter in the Hundred-Acre Wood" sponsored by Johnson Funeral Home, co-winner of the People's Choice Award

Michael Wall, St. Anthony's Director of Philanthropy, said of "Settings for St. Anthony's","This is the time of year that everyone is getting in the holiday spirit and looking for creative ways to decorate, which 'Settings' offers. In addition, those who attend 'Settings' have the satisfaction of knowing they are helping St. Anthony's provide compassionate care throughout life's special moments, from welcoming new babies into the world, to providing comfort and peace as someone faces the end of their lifetime,"

The Women and Children's Mother/Baby Program is a complimentary extension of a mother's hospital stay. The program is offered free of charge to all mothers and babies who come to the hospital. A registered nurse visits with the mother and her baby in their home shortly after they return home from the hospital. Hospice at St. Anthony's is a program which reaches back to the foundation of the hospital's Mission and cares for patients where they are most comfortable - in their homes. St. Anthony's  says contributions to Hospice through "Settings" and other means will help to fund those with the inability to pay, assist families with bereavement services and programs, create programs for patient's children and/or grandchildren and to implement an Everlasting Memory program.

To view the table arrangements from 'Settings', click here. For more information about HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital, visit their website here.