Led by the generosity of underwriters, contributors, auction donors, and countless supporters, this year’s Putting on the Ritz – A Gala of Giving – raised $270,000 for programs that improve health and wellness in the communities served by Scotland Health Care System.
The 28th edition of the Ritz was held in a virtual format on Saturday, November 6 for the second consecutive year, but that didn’t dampen the enthusiasm the community shows for Scotland Memorial Foundation’s signature event. Kirsten Dean, Executive Director of the Foundation, says she is inspired by the generosity of businesses and individuals who faithfully support the Ritz with their time, treasure, and talents.
“Our community always answers the call when it comes to supporting the Ritz, and this year was no exception,” Dean says. “Even though the times demanded we return to a virtual format for the Ritz, the support was unwavering from so many people who are committed to this event. On behalf of the Foundation Board and the Scotland Health Care System team, I offer my thanks to everyone who made the 2021 Virtual Ritz another rousing success.”
Each year, the Ritz includes a “Fund the Need” initiative to support a specific program that addresses a critical health need. To date, $67,000 has been committed to this year’s “Fund the Need” to provide free mammogram screenings for women with financial need. When detected early, breast cancer has one of the highest cure rates, making these screenings so important in the fight against this disease.
Anticipation is always high for the Ritz Raffle, sponsored by Nic’s Pic Kwik, Southeast Farm Equipment Co., and Scotland Motors in partnership with the Foundation. The raffle culminated with the drawing of one winning ticket on event night. Peggy Rice of Laurel Hill, NC, was the lucky winner who then got to choose between three fantastic prizes. Though a difficult decision, she ultimately decided to take $10,000 cash rather than a 2019 Chevrolet Trax or a John Deere 1032E tractor.
Dollars raised from Ritz raffle ticket sales, along with funds generated through Ritz Gala sponsorships and online auction, make a variety of community-based programs possible. These include wellness activities such as health screenings and educational events, patient support programs for those in need, scholarships for local students, and many others.
Plans are underway for the 29th Putting on the Ritz gala, scheduled for Saturday, November 5, 2022, so be sure to save the date! Contact the Foundation at (910) 291-7553 for more information about the 2022 Ritz, to make a donation to the 2021 Fund the Need, or to find out about other ways to support Scotland Memorial Foundation and YOUR Heath Care System.
Courtesy photo/Contributed.
