Dancing for new d�cor

The Outreach Committee at Pocahontas Memorial Hospital latched onto a new fundraising idea that it hopes will become an annual event.

Pharmacist and committee memberﾠ Jim Burks proffered the idea as a way for the community to kick up its heels, and as means of raising funds to refurbish a patient room a year at the hospital.

The group agreed, and "The First Annual Spring Fling" semi-formal dance is planned for Saturday, April 7, 7 to 11 p.m. at the Pocahontas County Opera House.

Burks has had memorable experiences with similar events.
"When I worked at Davis Memorial, they had the Holly Ball every year," said Burks.ﾠ "If you were anyone in Randolph County, you were there.ﾠ It was where the hospital, the professionals and the neighbors met."

The fundraiser is separate from the day to day operations of the hospital.

"The dance will fund itself," said Radiology Supervisor Cheryl Cain. "The extra proceeds will be used where the community can see it."

Those extra proceeds will go toward improving "one room at a time."

"There is always a need for new beds, new chairs, new cabinets; we'll look at whatever is needed to improve a patient's environment during their stay at PMH," Cain said.

The Outreach Committee works to bring an assortment of health related programs to residents of the county such as Diabetes Support, Senior Luncheons, Tobacco Cessation, the county-wide Health Fair,ﾠ the Youth Health Fair, and many more.

The Spring Fling will help folks recognize PMH as part of the community, said Cain. The hospital is made up of employees who are also people of the community.

"I think it's a wonderful idea," said Ultrasound Technician Lori Novak.ﾠ " There aren't a lot of opportunities for people to get together to socialize."

Music will be provided by The Kings, of Roanoke, Virginia.ﾠ This group is well-known in the Roanoke Valley and recently played for radio station Q-99's Last Chance Prom.

Hors d'oeuvres by Harriett Faulknier will add flavor to the evening, and a photographer will be on-hand to record the memories.

"The committee hopes the community will respond to this chance to dress up, hear good music, socialize with friends and make new ones," Interim Chief Nursing Officer Edwina Garber said. "It's another way for the hospital to engage with the community."

There are health benefits attachedﾠ to the event.ﾠ Women are slimming down to fit into their gowns and cocktail dresses, and dancing is a great form of aerobics.

"The dance will be good for everyone's mental health, as well," Cain said. "It's a chance for people to dress up, get out and have a good time."

Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased by calling committee members, 304-799-7400 at the following extensions: Lori Novak, Ext. 1017; Edwina Garber, Ext. 1081; Cheryl Cain, Ext. 1051

The cost is $40 for single, $75 for a couple.

Deadline for ticket purchase is Wednesday, April 4.

Jaynell Graham may be contacted at jsgraham@poc ahontastimes.com

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