NORTH VERNON — It will be a night of “Derby Dreaming” at the 22nd Hospice Gala on Saturday, Feb. 8 at St. Mary’s Parish Center in North Vernon.
“I think everyone always has fun at the gala but this year we wanted a theme that is both just relaxed and fun and we think ‘Derby Dreaming’ is just right,” said Our Hospice of South Central Indiana Events Specialist Julie Davis.
“People can come dressed in fancy hats and clothes or they can come to the gala dressed like they are going into the Derby’s infield. It will be fun regardless of how they are dressed,” she said.
The annual event is a fundraiser for Our Hospice of South Central Indiana. Since 1980, Our Hospice has cared for people during their last days of life. Serving 16 counties, the organization is headquartered in Columbus with offices also located in Greensburg and North Vernon.
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The event begins at 6 p.m. Feb. 8 at Klingner Hall at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 212 Washington St., North Vernon.
For 22 years, the North Vernon office has hosted the annual gala to raise funds to help Jennings County hospice patients and their families with expenses not covered by insurance. Last year, the gala raised more than $68,000.
The gala event includes dinner and dancing, an auction and the crowning of the 22 Hospice Gala Queen.
Queen candidates are Alexa Boyd, Abagail Gaines, Andi Gudgel, Lesley Hatton, Autumn Maschino, Storm Miller and Haley Pittman.
The identity of the queen is kept secret until the night of the gala. The contestants for the title of queen are Jennings High School junior and senior girls who have raised funds for hospice care.
An additional event for the evening will be a contest for the best costumes in keeping with the “Derby Dreaming” theme of the gala. All those who attend the gala will be eligible to win an award as the best couple or the best dressed individual man or woman.
“The best dressed contest is just about bragging rights. It’s just for fun,” said Davis.
The gala is usually a sold-out event and organizers are hoping that 2020 will be no exception.
Tickets will be on sale through Feb. 6. No tickets will be available at the door. Tickets are $45 each or a table of eight for $320.
Tickets can be purchased by calling Amanda at 812-346-5944 or Julie at 812-314-8085.
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What: "Derby Dreaming" — 22nd Hospice Gala to benefit Our Hospice of Jennings County
When: 6 p.m. Feb. 8
Where: Klingner Hall at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 212 Washington St., North Vernon
How much: $45 per person or $320 for a table of eight
Tickets: Call Amanda at 812-346-5944 or Julie at 812-314-8085
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