Kevin and Barbara Queenin, in center, are joined this year by their sons and daughters-in-law, Jay and Janine Queenin and Jon and Lisa Queenin, on Baystate Noble Hospital’s 51st Anniversary Ball Committee.
By LORI SZEPELAK
Correspondent
WESTFIELD – From kids with sports injuries to middle of the night treks to Baystate Noble Hospital’s Emergency Department over the years, Kevin Queenin knows the importance of having an “extraordinary hospital” close by.
“Barbara and I have made our home in Westfield since the early 1970s and in times of emergencies and health issues, we have always had tremendous service from the physicians, nurses and support staff at Baystate Noble Hospital,” he said.
Kevin and Barbara Queenin, along with their sons and daughters-in-law, Jay and Janine Queenin and Jon and Lisa Queenin, are paying it forward to the hospital by serving on Baystate Noble Hospital 51st Anniversary Noble Ball Committee.
The black-tie (optional) affair, “The Magic of Motown – Dancing in the Street,” is slated Oct. 17 at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. A special VIP/sponsors reception is planned from 5:30-6:30 p.m., followed by registration, entertainment, cocktails and a silent auction at 6:30. Dinner will be served at 8 p.m. with three choices: chicken sautéed in a lemon butter sauce with capers, filet mignon drizzled with a burgundy demi-glace, and a vegan/gluten free/dairy free choice of creole tofu stir fry over rice noodles. All meals include salad, roll, seasonal vegetables, mashed potatoes, coffee and dessert.
The evening concludes with a live auction beginning at 9 p.m. followed by dancing until midnight. Motor City Magic and the American All Star Band are the featured entertainers for the evening.
“We have a lot of interesting auction items up for bid,” said Queenin.
Allison Gearing-Kalill, vice president of community development at the hospital, expects more than 800 guests to attend the event.
“Since the first ball in 1959, the hospital has used this signature event to raise money for operating funds, building improvements, equipment purchases, and more,” said Gearing-Kalill.
Proceeds raised from this year’s event will be combined with last year’s funds to enhance the hospital’s entrance and reception area, updating Americans with Disabilities Act access.
“Our goal is to make Baystate Noble easily accessible to all,” she said.
Queenin, owner of Specialty Bolt & Screw, Inc. in Agawam, along with his sons, Jay and Jon, understands the importance of businesses keeping up with the latest technology to thrive in a competitive market.
“Baystate Noble is one of the economic engines in the city,” said Queenin, adding that the hospital has had a “significant impact” for many families over the years across the region.
“At the Noble Ball we are celebrating the hospital’s importance in the community,” said Queenin. “In addition to having a great time, we are investing back into Westfield for health care for the next generation.”
Queenin noted that all funds raised at the Noble Ball stay in Westfield and are managed by the Baystate Noble Foundation.
“Baystate Noble Hospital is strong and viable and the funds raised at the Noble Ball assists in ensuring that the needs of the next generation will be met,” he said.
As part of the evening’s festivities, Queenin noted he will address the changing health care landscape, as well as thank the hospital staff for the “exceptional talents” they exhibit each day.
“Baystate Noble Hospital has a great group of individuals and is a great medical institution,” he said.
As the weeks close in before the big event, Queenin and his family also expressed thanks to Gearing-Kalill and her team for ensuring another successful fundraising event.
“Our family has focused on efforts during the past year on bringing the community together,” said Queenin. “As a team, we have made telephone calls, visited businesses, and have generated as much interest as possible about the Noble Ball. I am feeling extremely confident about the success of this year’s attendance and financial objectives.”
Queenin added that Gearing-Kalill and her “phenomenal team” of support staff have made working on the Noble Ball an “incredible” experience.
“We hope area residents support the Noble Ball because having a local health care presence is important in any community,” said Queenin, adding, “It is also a wonderful community celebration.”
At press time, sponsors include Specialty Bolt & Screw, Inc., Baystate Noble Hospital Medical Staff, Advance Manufacturing, Inc., John S. Lane & Son, Inc., Sarat Ford Lincoln, Power Station Events, Westfield Emergency Physicians, P.C., ELM, Shortstop Bar & Grill, Westfield Bank, the Westfield News Group, Hannoush Jewelers, Mechanical Services, Inc., United Bank, Raymond R. Houle Construction, Inc., Westfield Gas & Electric, Caesars Entertainment, and Westfield Electroplating Company. Additionally, Air Compressor Engineering Co., Inc., Bates Fullam Insurance/Bob Pion Buick GMC, Firtion Adams Funeral Service, The Gaudreau Group, Jefferson Radiology, Luso Federal Credit Union, The Republican, Roger Butler Insurance Agency, Tighe & Bond, and WWLP 22News.
For more information on the Noble Ball, which is the largest annual fundraising event for the hospital, and to purchase tickets, visit www.baystatenoblehospital.org/ball or send an email to [email protected]. Individuals may also call the Community Development Office at (413) 568-2811, x5520.
For those who are unable to attend the event, financial donations are welcome, as well as auction prizes. Additionally, sponsorships and advertising opportunities are still available.
