December 23, 2009
Christmas Ball helps buy dialysis machinesCHUCK BENNETT
Something about the sound of the White Christmas Ball at the Ritz-Carlton reeks of old-school grandeur. And the event itself, held at the posh Dearborn hotel on Dec. 11, was not disappointing.
An estimated 350 people attended the party that raised funds to purchase new dialysis machines for the Renal Therapy Department at St. John Hospital and Medical Center on Detroit's east side.
The evening began with a lavish cocktail reception with passed hors d'oeuvres and hosted specialty bars. Then guests were invited into the ballroom which was decorated spectacularly, reflecting the evening's theme, Christmas in Sweden. Sparkling crystals, ice sculptures, white floral arrangements and draped silk transformed the already grand ballroom into something enchanting.
Mel Ball and Colours were on point taking guests from dinner music to ballroom music to entertainment to dancing like nobody was watching -- gowns, tuxedos and all. Just before dinner, four members of the Detroit Fly House performed amazing aerial feats supported by white fabric that framed the dance floor.
This year's ball honored Patrick Kerzic and Stephanie Germack Kerzic. Bonnie Jobe served as general chairwoman. The evening concluded with dancing and a midnight buffet. Tickets to the event were $300 and approximately $70,000 was raised.
Chuck Bennett is a Metro Detroit freelance writer. You can reach him at chuckbennett@hotmail.com">chuckbennett@hotmail.com.
http://detnews.com/article/20091223/OPINION03/912230331