LAURINBURG — For more than 20 years, Scotland Memorial Foundation’s Putting on the Ritz fundraiser has served up an evening of wining, dining, and donation, and Saturday’s gala promises to be no different.
Doors will open at 6 p.m. for the event, billed as “A Gala of Giving,” in a 14,800 ballroom tent on the campus of Scotland Memorial Hospital.
“The ambiance is going to be a little different; we’re doing some different lighting this year to try to change things up,” said foundation executive director Kirsten Dean. “It’s going to be a beautiful evening focused on fantastic fundraising.”
An elaborate dinner buffet will await the 450 people expected to attend, tempting any palate with a selection of hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and main dishes, inspired by Mediterranean, Latin, and down-home southern cuisine.
Highland Studios will also be on hand to capture both formal and candid shots of Ritz attendees.
Taking the stage for the second half of the evening will be Mr. Potato Head, a seven-piece band who will return to the Ritz after a debut performance last year. With a fusion of sound from horn and string instruments, the group’s renditions of classic and contemporary hits will give Ritz-goers plenty to dance about.
As Scotland Memorial Foundation’s premier annual fundraiser, Putting on the Ritz funds an array of health-related needs in the community, from educational and awareness events to mammogram, cholesterol, and blood pressure screenings for those in need. The foundation also funds sports physicals for middle and high school students, prescriptions and medical supplies for those unable to afford them, and scholarships for high school students pursuing health careers.
Those at the Ritz can also take home a few souvenirs or get a head start on Christmas shopping, with more than 185 silent auction items to choose from, including: pottery, jewelry, sports tickets and memorabilia, and several weekend getaways.
One of eight big-ticket items in the Ritz live auction will be a day at Gryphon Group in a weapons clinic or driving course.
As the auction finale, all present on Saturday will be asked to bid — but for a cause, rather than a beach vacation or diamond necklace.
“Our Fund the Need is for patient support at our cancer center,” said Dean. “It offers financial support to those patients for wigs and personal care items, some travel assistance, music, dance therapy, and other alternative healing therapy programs.”
Also during the evening, the winner of the Ritz raffle will be selected. The winner need not be present at the event, and will be given their choice of three prizes: $10,000 in cash, a 2015 Fiat Pop 500, or a John Deer Gator XUD 855D.
At $10, raffle tickets are available through Friday at all Nic’s Pic Kwik locations, Scotland Health Care System offices, and many downtown businesses. Last-minute raffle tickets can also be purchased at the Scotland Memorial Foundation office until Saturday afternoon.
Some seating for Saturday’s Putting on the Ritz remains available. Call the Scotland Memorial Foundation office at 910-291-7553 or 910-291-7543 for tickets or information.
