a COOL ball

Last Saturday hundreds of patrons kicked up their heels at the Saints Ball, presented by St. Vincent Healthcare Foundation, and danced the night away to the music of Heartbeat, a nine-piece show band with high energy and highly danceable music, to raise money for the Montana Pediatric Project which provides pediatric intensive care services to youths under the age of 17.

Since it opened in the fall of 2008 the Project has treated hundreds of youths which has allowed them to remain close to home instead of being treated out of state. The monies raised by the ball also helps St. Vincent hire new doctors such as Montana's only board-certified pediatric neurologist, Dr. Tarif Bakdash, and with this years money they hope to purchase new equipment and maybe a renovation along with continuing to build upon its group of doctors.

Last years ball raised over $500,000 with about 900 people attending the sold out event and they hope this year's event breaks that record. Ceo and president of St. Vincent Healthcare Foundation, Dave Irion states, "We've got a great crowd coming and have had excellent feedback from people who say they want to be a part of it. The last few years we've had a person challenge the audience to raise a certain amount that they will match and this year we have a person who will match $100,000, that's a big deal."

This years Ball included live and silent auctions, and dinner to go along with the great dance music provided by Heartbeat. Supporters would most likely come no matter what was provided because they believe in the cause, the real stars-the kids of the Montana Pediatric Project.

Here's to all the doctors, nurses, volunteers, and supporters of the Montana Pediatric Project, hope you had a successful event and keep up the great work-stay positive, stay generous, and STAY COOL!

If you would like more information about the Montana Pediatric Project please visit www.svh-mt.org.

What do you think of the Saints Ball and the project it supports?