More than 400 guests attended the MED Foundation of Mercer Health’s 2025 Charity Ball, held Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Opulence Event Center in Celina. The annual formal event featured A Diamond Celebration theme, complete with a cocktail social, a three-course meal and live entertainment. This year’s theme honored the impact Mercer Health has made in the community as it celebrates its 75th anniversary.
In conjunction with the Charity Ball, the 11th annual reverse raffle awarded a 2026 Arctic White Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe to Sam & Toni Custer of Versailles, OH with ticket #129. Dave & Elaine Wolters of Maria Stein, Ohio were also lucky recipients-as the first ticket drawn, they received a pair of tickets to see Chelsea Handler in Columbus, donated by iHeartMedia.
The Charity Ball and Corvette Raffle are hosted by the Medical, Educational and Development Foundation of Mercer Health-commonly known as the MED Foundation. Established in 1988, the MED Foundation’s mission is to cultivate philanthropic relationships that enhance Mercer Health’s ability to fulfill its mission and vision.
For the past 11 years, funds raised through the Charity Ball and Corvette Raffle have supported meaningful enhancements to healthcare at Mercer Health, including a $500,000 contribution to the Surgery Center in Mercer County Community Hospital’s West Wing Expansion, which opened in October 2018.
Proceeds from the 2025 Charity Ball and Corvette Raffle will benefit the MED Foundation’s Delivering on a Promise Campaign, which supports the renovation and expansion of Mercer Health’s Childbirth Center-ensuring continued excellence in care for growing families across the region.
Deb Hemmelgarn, MED Foundation Director and Event Chairperson
“We are continually inspired by the generosity and spirit of our community. The Charity Ball is more than an event-it’s a reflection of what we can achieve together. We’re deeply thankful to our sponsors and guests for making this night, and its lasting impact, possible.”
Sponsors for the 2025 Charity Ball included:
Diamond Sponsors
Buschur Farms & Pleiman Landscaping
HCF Management – Briarwood & Celina Manor
Roger & Lisa Klenke
Orthopaedic Institute of Ohio
Preferred Insurance Center
Ray’s Refrigeration, Inc.
The St. Henry Bank
Sapphire Sponsors
Ted & Diana Bertke
Dr. Todd & Jennifer Brophy
Buschur Feeds
Leugers Insurance Agency
The Messenger Press
The Peoples Bank Co.
P.T. Services Rehabilitation, Inc.
Dr. Eric Seward
Superior Credit Union
Emerald Sponsors
Childbirth Center Nursing Staff
Comfort Acres Vacation Rentals
Dr. Megan & Blaise Core
Jon & Brandi Dingledine
Edward Jones
EverHeart Hospice
Four U Packaging and Supplies
Garmann Miller
Grand Lake Eyecare
Merle & Connie Hein
Bill & Deb Hemmelgarn
Doug & Ellen Homan
Dr. Edward Hosbach
Terry & Cindy Liette
Craig & Susan Miller
Moeller Real Estate
Moeller Trucking
RB Advertising
Recovery Sorting
Sajacks Transport
Chad & Jody Schulze
Aaron Siefring Farms
Dr. Keith Snow
Mark & Kathy Speelman
Weigand Construction
Bar Sponsor
Buschur Farms
Champagne Sponsor
Bella’s Catering
Coffee Sponsor
Rooster Joe
Coat Check Sponsor
Dynamic Federal Credit Union
Cocktail Social Sponsor
Wabash Mutual Telephone Company
Coffee Sponsor
Rooster Joe Coffee & Co.
Craft Brew Sponsor
Moeller Brew Barn
Entertainment Sponsor
Celina Eagles
Exclusive Cocktail Sponsor
The Anchor
Floral Sponsor
Floral Reflections
Grand Entrance Sponsor
Osgood State Bank
Graphic Sponsor
Signature 4
Hors d’Oeuvres Sponsor
Joe & Jean’s Town Tavern
Marketing Sponsor
Sycamore Group
Meeting Sponsor
Hazelnut Coffeehouse
Photography Sponsor
Edward Jones
Raffle Supervision Sponsor
Moorman, Harting & Company
Signature Gift Sponsor
Niswonger Performing Arts Center
Snack Bar Sponsor
C-Town Wings
Social Entertainment Sponsor
Isaac Buschur
Valet Sponsor
Park National Bank
Supporting Sponsors
17 West
Ann’s Cupcakery
Bergman’s Bake House
Countryside Sourdough
Crumbs!
Grains of Love
Hemmelgarn Entertainment
JayAre Band
Jellison Entertainment
Mercer Health Volunteer Association
Moorman Bee Farm
Opulence Event Center
Pleiman Landscaping
Romer’s Catering
Wendel’s BBQ Products
Hemmelgarn added-
“The creativity and dedication of our committee members bring this event to life year after year. Their passion ensures each Charity Ball is a one-of-a-kind experience that leaves a lasting impression.”
The 2025 Charity Ball Committee included:
Ryan Bollenbacher, Leah Bruns, Danielle Buschur, Melissa Carlin, Danielle Dues, Ted Feltz, Sara Harlamert, Connie Hein, Deb Hemmelgarn, Mindy Kremer, Jenni Miller, Dani Otte, Shannon Parton, CJ Pence, Stacy Schwieterman, Brian Seitz, Dee Uhlenhake and Mandy Wendel.
Originally launched in 1950 by the now-disbanded Auxiliary of Mercer County Community Hospital, the Charity Ball was reintroduced in 2015 to commemorate Mercer Health’s 65th anniversary. Today, it continues to honor its legacy as a premier community event while supporting local healthcare needs through the efforts of a dedicated volunteer committee.
The MED Foundation is also supported by Friends of the Foundation-a generous group of individuals, families, businesses, and organizations who contribute annually. As a token of appreciation, Friends receive early registration access to the Charity Ball. If you’re not currently a Friend, we would be honored to have your consideration.
To learn more about the MED Foundation or to become a Friend of the Foundation, please visit our website: https://mercer-health.com/med-foundation/
Save the date: The 2026 Mercer Health Charity Ball will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2026
