The 18th Annual Chesapeake Harvest Ball hosted by the Calvert Memorial Hospital Foundation on Nov. 4 netted over $60,000 for the pediatric waiting and treatment areas in the new Emergency Department set to open in June. The largest crowd ever attended the gala event held on the Prince Frederick campus of the College of Southern Maryland.

“We are delighted in our expanded relationship with the college and thank them for their most generous hospitality,” said CMH President and CEO Jim Xinis. “I would also like to recognize Foundation board members and Harvest Ball chairs Kathy Dickinson and Karen O’Brien,” he said. “They did such a fantastic job putting this event together.”

Since the popular black-tie gala began 18 years ago, it has raised $700,000 for medical technology, including special monitoring equipment for the new 10-bed Intensive Care Unit that opened in November and the computerized patient tracking system that was implemented in the first phase of the Emergency Department expansion.

Xinis also extended special thanks to the ball’s major sponsors. “In particular, I want to thank Curtis Showcase Homes, who for the second year, has been a major sponsor,” he said. In addition, they once again sponsored the Party Before the Ball – an event that showcases the ball to those who have not previously attended or sponsored.

Xinis also thanked sponsors Wanda and Michael King, Dickinson Jewelers and the Rod N’ Reel and Gerald Donovan. The Kings also chaired the hospital’s capital campaign to help fund equipment for the expansion project. Kathy and Claude Dickinson donated the beautiful jewelry for the ball’s raffle and silent auction. Donovan, although unable to attend, has been a long time supporter of the hospital.

“I want everyone involved with the ball to know how much we appreciate all you have done to contribute to the ball’s success,” said Xinis. “Kathy and Karen along with their committee of dedicated volunteers created a truly elegant evening with a storybook ending.”

Xinis also recognized the committee chairs – Chrissy Miller, decorating, Cindy Parlett, raffle and Terri Wolfley, silent auction. “I would also like to thank Gail Nyman for helping with publicity,” he said, “and Dunkirk Wine and Spirits for donating beverages for the event.”

Henry Trentman, foundation president, also added his thanks “for making this our best Harvest Ball ever.” He said that a plaque honoring sponsors will be unveiled when the new pediatric area opens.

Some 70 sponsors, including physician groups, hospital vendors and county businesses participated – such as Calvert OB/Gyn Associates, the College of Southern Maryland, Constellation Energy Group, Corinthian Contractors, TSI Exterior Wall Systems and Wilson Parlett, Attorneys at Law.