The theme for this year’s Noble Ball is magic and was unveiled in June. (WNG File Photo)
WESTFIELD – Baystate Health is gearing up to host the 54th Annual Baystate Noble Ball on November 3 at the MassMutual Center.
Kicking off at 6:30 p.m., this year’s event has a central theme of magic and “Houdini inspiring Victorian evening.”
“We think it’s going to be a very exciting year,” said Kathy Tobin, Director of Annual Giving and Events for the Baystate Health Foundation. “We love the concept, we just think it’s fun and different.”
Local magicians from The Society of American Magicians will entertaining guests, with modern and Victorian parlor tricks.
For this year’s Noble Ball, Westfield Mayor Brian Sullivan, and his girlfriend Sonia Brockney, will serve as the Chair of the ball . Each year, Baystate Health decides who to name as the Chair, and this year Mayor Sullivan agreed to accept the nomination.
“He was very excited to accept and be a part of it, we were thrilled that he accepted,” said Tobin. “To have him as the honorary chair is just wonderful.”
Each year, the proceeds of the Noble Ball go towards helping Noble Hospital in a designated manner. This year, all the proceeds will go towards updating and renovating the Pulmonary Rehab unit at the Westfield hospital.
Considered a high-usage program at Noble Hospital, the Pulmonary Rehab unit deals with patients that have breathing issues like COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) or Asthma.
“It’s been identified as an area of growth for the hospital,” said Tobin.
“This is an upgrade and expansion of the work that’s already being done because we see the patient need,” said Tobin.
Last year, the proceeds helped the new CT (Computed Tomography) scan for the emergency department. Tobin added that the Noble Ball has raised between $100,000 to $150,000 in past years.
Another significant aspect to the Noble Ball is presenting the Noble Spirit Award, an honor that goes to someone who exemplifies the spirit of commitment to health and the community.
Mary O’Neil is this year’s recipient, who is retired and a former long-time volunteer at Noble Hospital. Working in the fund-development side of the hospital, O’Neil is also a past Chair of the ball in 1974 and was on the Noble Ball Committee for a number of years. Her community work extends to being on boards for St. Mary’s Parish and Westfield Bank.
“Mary is beloved in the community,” said Tobin. “We were so pleased that she would accept the award.”
Tickets for the 54th Baystate Noble Ball are $150 and the public is urged to attend to support their community hospital. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting Baystatehealth.org/noble ball or by calling Jennifer Gruszka, Events Coordinator, at 413-794-6414. Deadline for tickets is October 19.
October 19 also marks the day bidding opens for the online silent auction. Those unable to attend the ball may still participate in the silent auction. Registering for the auction can also be done by clicking on the ‘Auction’ link on the Baystate Noble Ball page after the 19th.
Items in the silent auction include an exclusive experience at the U.S. Open for tennis, as well as a custom bicycle from Columbia Bike.
Tobin also mentioned that, for the second year in a row, Advanced Manufacturing will be the Platinum sponsor the ball.
There is always a strong encouragement for the community to come and support a local hospital that many people use on a daily basis.
“This is the premier fundraiser,” said Tobin. “We count on it to do some great things.”
