Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital’s Emerald Ball Achieves Goal

Event generates funds for purchase of latest in scanning equipment

The black-tie Emerald Ball, benefitting Sacred Heart Hospital and held at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, made an important contribution to the level of care provided by Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast.

Some 285 supporters gathered on April 30, 2022, for a night of dining and dancing that raised $190,666 for the purchase of a state-of-the-art CT scanner. This new technology is part of a continuing effort by Ascension Sacred Heart to provide care that is consistent with its designation as one of the top 100 hospitals in the nation. 

“We rely on and are grateful for our donors, supporters and sponsors who continue to breathe life into the hospital and its expansions and additions,” said Lisa Wainwright, development specialist with the Ascension Sacred Heart Foundation. “This new CT scanner could not happen without neighbors caring for their neighbors.”

Wainwright, the primary coordinator of the Emerald Ball, created an occasion where guests could relax and reconnect following two years in which the event was not held due to COVID-19. They danced to music provided by the Tribute Show Band from Mobile, Alabama; enjoyed meals prepared by the Hilton Sandestin catering staff; joined in a bourbon and wine pull and gathered for photos. 

The evening also served to honor Carol Carlan upon her retirement as the Ascension Sacred Heart Foundation’s president. Carlan’s many contributions as president included her efforts in spearheading a campaign for the construction of the Studer Family Children’s Hospital.

Carlan offered a heartfelt farewell and thanked the hospital’s many supporters. As she exited the stage, the band played “We Are Family” by Sister Sledge, and Carlan was surrounded on the dance floor by hospital staff, friends and supporters. 

Throughout the evening, guests entered a drawing for a $5,000 shopping spree at event partner McCaskill & Company. When the winner was announced, the room erupted in cheers for a member of the nursing staff. 

“It’s been an incredibly difficult two-and-a-half years for healthcare workers, which is why it made everyone so happy the shopping spree went to someone so deserving,” Wainwright said. 

For 20 years, foundation events have raised money that added more beds at the hospital and brought about the Family Birth Place, a cancer center, the Women’s Diagnostic Center and the Judy and Steve Turner Heart and Vascular Center. 

“Every person is going to need a hospital at some point in their life, whether it’s the joyous beginning of life or end-of-life care,” Wainwright said. “We are a nonprofit hospital called upon to care for the vulnerable, and our generous community allows us to do that by contributing dollars that improve each patient’s experience.” 

For more information on Ascension Sacred Heart, visit givesacredheart.org.