Nearly 500 patrons danced on rooftops around the world while raising more than $ 1.1 million for Martin Memorial at the 13th Annual Chrysanthemum Ball on Nov. 3. Hosted at the Stuart Jet Center, the gala's theme was "City Nights, City Lights." Guests were transported to famous skylines via 360-degree projection, which transformed the airplane hangar into a candlelit rooftop supper club.

Mum Ball Chair Linda Evans and Vice-Chair Bonnie Johnston led a committee of volunteers to raise funds to renovate a cardiac catheterization lab at Martin Memorial's Frances Langford Heart Center. This is the second new lab funded by the Mum Ball, which has contributed more than $ 6 million in the past five years for new equipment to save lives in our community. Thanks to the many sponsors who gave from $ 1,500 to
$ 50,000, the Chrysanthemum Ball's city lights help bring big-city health care to the Treasure Coast.

The Treasure Coast's social season was launched with a flavor of flamenco and shouts of "ole!" at Martin Memorial's 12th Annual Chrysanthemum Ball, Saturday, November 4. More than 500 patrons graced the glittering fundraiser that has become the signature gala event for the region. The ball raised nearly $1.3 million for the not-for-profit hospital. Funds will help purchase a state-of-the-art cardiac TC scanner at the newly-opened Frances Langford Heart Center.

Chair Maureen Zappala and her committee ensured that every detail of the "Night in Spain" was authentic. Flamenco dancers, wines, olive oils...all were imported directly from the region of Andulucia with the help of honored guests Consul General of Spain Santiago Cabanas, and the country's director of tourism Jordi Boarda. Hosted by the Stuart Jet Center, guests were magically transported to a street scene in Spain. Colorful dancers and roving musicians mingled with patrons under a lantern-lit sky. Guests then entered a hangar transformed into an elegant performance hall where red and gold shimmered under candlelight. Dancers wowed the sold-out audience with electrifying flamenco performances, culminating with guests joining dancers on the floor.

Since its inception, the Chrysanthemum Ball has provided more than $6 million to help fund life-saving programs at Martin Memorial. Gracias to all the Mum Ball sponsors for investing in healthcare for our community.

The Martin Memorial Foundation Chrysanthemum Ball has become the most highly anticipated society event on the Treasure Coast over the past decade. However, the 2005 Mum Ball rose to new heights on Nov. 5.

The event, held at the Stuart Jet Center, included a show titled "Cirque de Chrysanthemum" that saw awe-inspiring acrobatic acts that drew raves from guests. The show featured performers from New Vision Cirque & Dance Company, a troupe of traveling cirque performers.

While guests were resplendent in their formal wear, the Stuart Jet Center was transformed into a theater-like atmosphere, with colorful set decorations and flamboyant costumes for performers that delighted the guests.

"It was incredibly magical," said Eileen Morris, co-chair of the event. "People said they've been to many events in New York or other places and there was nothing that compares to this."

While the Mum Ball was a one-of-a-kind social event, it also met its primary goal: raising money for the new Frances Langford Cardiac Care Center at Martin Memorial, scheduled to open in August 2006. The event, which attracted approximately 600 guests, raised $1.5 million, exceeding the Foundation's goal by $300,000.

"Without the support of the community we could not do what we were able to do," said Maureen Zappala, co-chair of the Mum Ball. "Community members are doing it for the hospital and the cardiac care center because we need it so desperately."

Martin Memorial Health Systems is a not-for-profit, community-based health care organization. It offers a continuum of care including preventative, primary and acute hospital care, as well as cancer care, wellness and rehabilitation services. Its 2,600 Associates and more than 375 affiliated physicians operate 13 different locations serving Martin and St. Lucie counties. To learn more, visit www.mmhs.com.