Costumed characters roamed the MassMutual Center while mingling with guests during last years Las Vegas themed Noble Hospital Ball. This year In keeping with the theme of Mardi Gras, the 49th annual Noble Ball will be filled with extravagance, surprises, and even a float. This year, proceeds from the ball will benefit the Noble Hospital oncology department, and the event is being chaired by the Sarat family. (File photo by Frederick Gore)
WESTFIELD – In keeping with the theme of Mardi Gras, the 49th annual Noble Ball will be filled with extravagance, surprises, and even a float.
This year, proceeds from the ball will benefit the Noble Hospital oncology department, and the event is being chaired by the Sarat family.
The Sarats – father Jack and sons Jeff, Chris, and Scott – are unfortunately no strangers to the challenges of cancer. Wife and mother Karen Sarat died of cancer in 2003, and since then, the family has rallied to raise funds for cancer research.
“This year is 10 years and we are remembering her in a big way,” said Jeff.
The family has participated annually in the Relay For Life cancer fundraiser, among others, since Karen’s passing. While their lives have gone on since cancer took Karen’s life, it changed all of theirs and they want to mimic her giving nature and honor her by helping others.
“When my mother was diagnosed 18 years ago, I barely knew what cancer was,” Jeff said. “Now everybody knows somebody with cancer.”
The Sarats have long supported the Noble Ball and when they were asked to serve as the event chairpersons, they didn’t hesitate once they knew it would benefit the oncology department. Each member of the family is using his talents to help bring the ball to fruition, and it’s paying off.
“Last year’s ball had a record-breaking attendance of 600, and this year we are expecting 700,” Jeff said. “Everyone is doing something, and there is an amazing group of volunteers – from Webster’s Flowers to Hannoush Jewelers – who are stepping up for this cause.”
With a fundraising goal of $25,000, the Sarats hope to raise “a ton of money for the hospital” and continue the work of cancer awareness that Karen started before her death.
This year’s Noble Ball will take place on Saturday at the MassMutual Center in Springfield.
