More than 250 community members put on their best dresses and sharpest suits to raise awareness and funds for the local cancer center during the recent inaugural Putnam County Hospital Benefit Gala.

By the end of the night, spirits were high as generous donors rallied to raise more than $30,000 that will go directly to the PCH Cancer Center for the purchase of IV pumps to better care for cancer patients.

The gala was an overwhelming success from the release of the news just months before the event. Within two weeks of announcing the event, tickets sold out. Gala and after-party ticket sales generated more than $6,500 in revenue that will go directly to the cancer center.

Requests were made to community businesses, supporters and vendors asking for contributions, whether it be a financial sponsorship or as a donor to the silent or live auction. Responses from the community were humbling as the hospital began to see the personal impact its cancer center has made to so many in the community. More than 50 items/experiences were donated to the auction with more than $11,850 in sponsorships were raised.

The gala opened its doors to the Union Building Ballroom, donated by DePauw University at 6 p.m. Awaiting those that arrived were students from DePauw’s Phi Kappa Psi fraternity who also donated their evening for the cause, offering complimentary valet parking.

Upon arrival, guests were invited to have a professional portrait taken by Wilson’s Photography Studio. Fifty percent of the proceeds from the $10 photographs went to the PCH Cancer Center, with the other portion of the fee covering costs for production of the photos.

As attendees entered the ballroom, they were greeted with the sounds from DePauw School of Music’s string quartet. A complimentary wine tasting and cash bar accompanied the event as gala attendees enjoyed fellowship and bidding on the silent auction items. An elegant dinner was catered by Bon Appetit. Stunning table settings were topped off with centerpieces donated by Eitel’s Flowers and crisp white chair compliments of Mary Keck with Putnam County Hospital. Putnam County Hospital presented a program at 8 p.m. that educated and enlightened those in attendance of the impact that PCH Cancer Center has in our hometown. Hospital CEO Dennis Weatherford welcomed and thanked the community for its support and trust in the hospital and cancer services provided close to home.

Next, a touching testimonial video, featuring Jim Turpin, was shared with the crowd. The video shared Jim’s experience with the hospital’s Cancer Center as well as how the center’s partnership with Franciscan Health helped him received the very best in cancer care as he battled leukemia. Following the video, Turpin personally spoke of his experience and his heart-felt thanks for the care he received.

Dr. James Callaghan, Franciscan Health Indianapolis CEO, was next to speak to those in attendance about the partnership with Putnam County Hospital, expressing Franciscan Health’s dedication to giving Putnam County patients big city services close to home. Wrapping up the program was Mary Ann Birt. A breast cancer survivor, √Mary Ann spoke of her fight with cancer and how receiving her treatments close to home near family and friends impacted her healing.

Wrapping up the night, silent auction bidding closed and the live auction began. Local auctioneer Jeff Rich donated his talents for the event. Thousands of dollars were raised as bidders competed for the hot items.

As the night wrapped up, more than 100 community members continued the celebration at the after-party, fully sponsored by Bridges Craft Pizza and Wine Bar. Complimentary champagne and appetizers welcomed those who attended.

Putnam County Hospital recognizes that the benefit gala’s success was attributed to so many that donated their time and services, including its own staff. The hospital extends sincere gratitude to the following: Putnam County Hospital staff members: Margaret Crowley, Tammy Hunter, Lou Fordice, Jennifer Dunfee, Hope Cooksey, Brooke Plummer, Miranda Richardson, Ashton Higgins, Jenni McGaughey, Bill Dennis, Hannah Cline, Jeff Mace, Sharon Friday, Janet Foxx, Jane Littiken and Lori Lucas.

Extended thanks also goes out DePauw University, donation of the Union Building Ballroom; Bridges Craft Pizza and Wine Bar, donation of the gala after-party; Phi Kappa Psi fraternity, complimentary valet parking, Wilson’s Photography Studio, portraits and candid photos throughout the evening; Banner Graphic, print ads; WREB Radio; radio spots; Eitel’s Flowers, floral arrangements; Mary Keck, chair covers; DePauw School of Music, string music throughout the evening; Tabco Printing, bid sheets; Dennis Weatherford and Dr. Callaghan, speakers; Jim Turpin and Mary Ann Birt, testimonials.

The gala could not have taken place without the generous sponsorships. Sponsorship levels include Platinum for donations $1,000 and above, Gold for donations $500-$999, Silver for donations $250-$400 and Supporters for $25-$249. Sponsors of the evening were: Franciscan Health, Platinum; First National Bank, Platinum; Distinct Web Design, Platinum, Tx:Team, Platinum; Gobin Memorial Church, Gold; Array Architecture + Interiors, Gold; Blue & Co., Gold; CSO Architects, Gold; Edward-Rigdon Construction Co., Inc, Gold; Sustainable Steam & Water Solutions, Inc., Gold; HBG Insurance & Bonds, Gold; Dr. Warren and Connie Macy, Gold; Dr. Robert and Carole McCardle, Gold; Robert Sedlack in memory of Ellen Sedlack, Gold; True Rx Management Services, Inc., Gold; Adkisson Consulting, Inc., Silver; Creed Medical, Silver; Hamilton Center, Silver; Hickory Creek at Sunset, Silver; Sharon Walters, Silver; AA Huber & Sons, Supporter, Baker’s Septic Services, Inc., Supporter, Ann Dever, Supporter; Greencastle Lodge No. 1077, Supporter; Dr. Craig and Heidi Johnson, Supporter; OnCall Transcription, Inc., Supporter; Robert and Beverly Parsons, Supporter; Remax Cornerstone Realty, Supporter; Rotary Club of Greencastle, Supporter.

Silent and live auction items were instrumental in creating a fun atmosphere along with raising $14,815 alone.

Putnam County Hospital thanks the community for a memorable and meaningful evening and is looking forward to planning for 2018.

Putnam County Hospital Cancer Center, partnering with Franciscan Health, offers a peaceful setting for patients who are undergoing cancer treatments close to home. The center provides a comprehensive plan with holistic care that meets the medical, spiritual, and emotional needs of patients.

Dr. Sameer Ahmed, a physician with Franciscan Physician Network, joined the Cancer Center in 2015. The Cancer Center is also staffed by Registered Nurses who have been oncology trained. Continued education concerning cancer, the most up-to-date treatments, and symptom management is important to us. Registered nurses are oncology-certified through the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS), a national organization.

The Cancer Center is accredited by the American College of Surgeons.

For more information about the PCH Cancer Center, persons may call 301-7510 .