MARVELOUS MUSIC, DANCING AND FESTIVITIES IN STORE FOR GUESTS AT THE HOLLY BALL

Supporters of Hospice of Baltimore and the Gilchrist Center for Hospice Care will gather Friday, December 5, for the Holly Ball , which promises to be a spectacular evening of festivities. More than 800 guests attended the Twilight Ball in April 2001, Hospice’s first major fund-raising event, enjoying an evening of fine dining, socializing and dancing. “I’m sure we will have at least that many guests once again,” says Pat Modell, who with her husband, Art, is honorary co-chair of the Holly Ball Committee. “Michael Carney, who is a marvelous musician, will be back with his big band. The Holly Ball will be one of Baltimore’s first big events of the holiday season.”

Connie Pitcher, who with her husband, Bill, is co-chair of the Holly Ball, says that Mrs. Modell was the inspiration behind having the Twilight Ball as a major fund-raiser for Hospice. “We hope that this event will be the same type of wonderful celebration.” The festivities will begin with a cocktail reception, Christmas Bazaar and silent auction in the Harborside Ballroom of the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront. Ravens cheerleaders dressed in Santa outfits will pose for pictures with guests, and there will be other “surprises,” says Mrs. Pitcher. “We have  a  fabulous committee that has been incredibly involved and hard working.”

More than a program or building, hospice is a concept of hope and commitment to patients and families that the dying process will be pain-free and dignified. “You know, we’re all afraid of dying,” says Mrs. Modell. “The thing we’re mainly afraid of is being in pain and being alone. Hospice cures that, because you’re never in pain and you’re never alone. I’ve never seen anyone who dies under the care of a hospice who doesn’t die in peace.”

Hospice of Baltimore, an affiliate of GBMC HealthCare, is one of the leading hospices in the country and the largest not-for-profit hospice organization in Maryland. Since 1994, they have cared for over 9,000 terminally ill individuals, either in their own home or in the Gilchrist Center.