GLITTERING EVENING IN AID OF
OVER 230 people enjoyed an evening of glitz and glam when they attended the second annual Hospital Ball at Clayton White’s Hotel recently.
The event, which was revived last year to assist in raising funds for an MRI Scanner for Wexford General Hospital, has quickly become a popular date on the county’s calendar of events, particularly amongst hospital staff, many of whom used the event as an early Christmas get-together.
Music was provided by Wrecking Ball while Magic Mirror ran a very popular photo booth outside the function room. The event was sponsored by Wexford Co. Council with Pettitts sponsoring the prosecco reception.
Organiser Brian McGrath said they were delighted with the turnout, saying the ball had been a great success since its revival, such to the extent that next year’s event is already booked! There were door prizes and spot prizes throughout the night.
Three speakers addressed the crowd at the event: Lily Byrnes, WGH General Manager; Dr. Michael Riordan; and Edel Fitzmaurice on behalf of the Friends of Wexford General Hospital.
Friends of Wexford General Hospital Chairman Ciaran Sheridan said that, so far, approximately €150,000 had been raised with €100,000 to go. Fundraising began for the MRI Scanner just over a year ago.
He pointed out that the Friends of Wexford General Hospital had started ten years ago when campaigning for a CT Scanner that the hospital now has. He added that anyone who needed an MRI at the moment had to go to Dublin which was fine if the person was healthy but not ideal if the person was unwell.
‘The support has been fantastic. Lots of people are doing lots of things to raise money. We have big events like the balls, or the Hope and Dream 10, but also smaller events such as a Transition Year student who organised an equestrian event. All of these events make a difference.’