Media Advisory Contact:

Laura Blodgett

734-670-8029 (pager)

Laura.Blodgett@stjoeshealth.org

November 30, 2018

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – On Saturday, December 1, more than 850 guests will step into the festive atmosphere of the 43 annual St. Joe’s Holiday Ball entitled Lights, Camera, Action! To date, the event has raised more than $1,000,000 to benefit the "Life is Remarkable" Campaign Innovation Endowment fund for the Robert H. and Judy Dow Alexander Cancer Center at St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor.

"Shortly after moving to Ann Arbor, I was diagnosed with breast cancer so I am very passionate about this cause ," said Event Chair Ann Arbaugh. "New to the area, my cancer diagnosis could have been frightening. Instead, I found strength, hope and healing in the comfort and encouragement of the welcoming staff at St. Joe's."

Gifts for the 2018 St. Joe's Holiday Ball will support the hospital's Life is Remarkable Campaign Cancer Care Innovation Endowment. The $10-million campaign includes renewing St. Joe's Robert H. and Judy Dow Alexander Cancer Center and transforming cancer care to improve the patient experience. Generous support for the campaign will make an impact on the lives of patients through a healing environment, advanced treatments, pioneering technology and research, and a commitment to patientcentered care, compassion and improved outcomes.

The evening begins at 6:30 p.m., when guests will be greeted at Eastern Michigan University’s Convocation Center Atrium to a setting reminiscent of a Hollywood movie premiere. From the red carpet to the bright lights to the walk of fame, they will enjoy an elegant and unforgettable evening among the stars. Designers Christopher Gregorich and Joseph Martinez have partnered with the Holiday Ball Committee to create a glamorous evening, with a touch of movie magic that will dazzle guests throughout the night.

Dinner will be catered by Forte Belanger, followed by dancing to the sounds of The Groove Merchants with a special performance by some of Eastern Michigan University's Theatre students.

This year's Presenting Sponsors each with gifts of $100,000 are Huron Valley Radiology, PC, and IHA / IHA Hematology Oncology Consultants, while this year's Diamond Sponsor with a gift of $50,000 is Ford Motor Company Fund. Platinum Sponsors, with gifts of $25,000, are Emergency Physicians Medical Group and Huron River Radiation Oncology Specialists. This year's Premium Underwriting Sponsors with gifts of $15,000 are Domino's, Michigan Heart and the Pietrasiuk Family Foundation. Gold Sponsors, donating $12,500 or more, include Anesthesia Associates of Ann Arbor; Ann & Steve Arbaugh; Community Care Pharmacy; Chris & Dana Conlin; Department of Internal Medicine - St. Joseph Mercy Hospital; Eastern Michigan University Foundation; Andy & Kathy Eisenberg; The Fileti Family; Gene Butman Ford; Huron Valley Physicians Association, PC and IHA Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery.

In addition to the many generous sponsors, the St. Joe’s Holiday Ball would not be possible without the time and dedication of more than 100 volunteers.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact the Office of Development, 734-712-3192. More information is also available at the event website: www.stjoeshealth.org/holidayball.

# # #

About Saint Joseph Mercy Health System

Saint Joseph Mercy Health System (SJMHS) is a health care organization serving seven counties in southeast Michigan including Livingston, Washtenaw, Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Jackson, and Lenawee. It includes 537-bed St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor, 443-bed St. Joseph Mercy Oakland in Pontiac, 304-bed St. Mary Mercy Livonia, 136-bed St. Joseph Mercy Livingston in Howell, and 133-bed St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea. Combined, the five hospitals are licensed for 1,553 beds, have five outpatient health centers, six urgent care facilities, more than 25 specialty centers; employ more than 15,300 individuals and have a medical staff of nearly 2,700 physicians. SJMHS has annual operating revenues of about $2 billion and returns about $115 million to its communities annually through charity care and community benefit programs.

SJMHS is a member of Trinity Health, a leading Catholic health care system based in Livonia, Mich. Trinity Health operates in 22 states, employs about 133,000 colleagues, and has annual operating revenues of $17.6 billion and assets of about $24.7 billion. Additionally, the organization returns almost $1.1 billion to its communities annually in the form of charity care and other community benefit programs.

For more information on health services offered at Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, please visit www.stjoeshealth.org.