Charity Ball and Corvette Raffle to support enhancements at Mercer Health’s Childbirth Center
More than 350 guests attended the MED Foundation of Mercer Health’s 2026 Charity Ball, held Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Opulence Event Center inside the Mercer Health Galleria Campus in Celina, Ohio. The annual formal event featured a Paris Le Magnifique theme, complete with a cocktail social, a three-course meal and live entertainment.
In conjunction with the Charity Ball, the 12th annual reverse raffle awarded a 2027 Mystic Red Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe to Kristen Johnson of Coldwater, Ohio with ticket #713. New this year was a Second Chance drawing for $10,000 awarded to Karla Feltz of Coldwater, Ohio.
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 12 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 2026 Charity Ball and Corvette Raffle will benefit the MED Foundation’sDelivering 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.
Hemmelgarn said-
“This evening is a celebration of more than generosity. It is a celebration of community, compassion, and a shared commitment to the future of healthcare in our region. Through our Delivering on a Promise Campaign, we are creating a space where growing families will receive exceptional care close to home for generations to come.”
Sponsors for the 2026 Charity Ball included:
| Diamond Sponsors | Buschur Farms & Willmann Dental Orthopaedic Institute of Ohio Preferred Insurance Center Ray’s Refrigeration, Inc. The St. Henry Bank |
| Sapphire Sponsors | Ted & Diana Bertke Dr. Todd Brophy & Dr. Megan Core Buschur Feeds Garmann Miller Leugers Insurance Lincoln Electric Automation The Messenger Press The Peoples Bank Co. P.T. Services Rehabilitation, Inc. Dr. Eric Seward Dr. Keith Snow Superior Credit Union |
| Emerald Sponsors | Childbirth Center Nursing Staff Comfort Acres Vacation Rentals Jon & Brandi Dingledine, CEO Edward Jones, John Yoder Emergency Physicians Group & Grand Lake Eyecare EverHeart Hospice Four U Packaging & Supplies Hazelnut Coffeehouse HCF Management – Briarwood Village & Celina Manor Merle & Connie Hein Dr. Edward Hosbach Howell, Gast-Schlater & Co. Roger & Lisa Klenke Knoth Trucking Terry & Cindy Liette Midwest Rebuilds Craig & Susan Miller, CNO RB Advertising Recovery Sorting & Weigand Construction VTF Family of Companies |
| Band Sponsor | Dave & Danielle Buschur |
| Champagne Sponsor | Bella’s Catering |
| Coat Check Sponsor | Dynamic Federal Credit Union |
| Cocktail Social Sponsor | Wabash Mutual Telephone Company |
| Coffee Bar Sponsor | Hazelnut Coffeehouse |
| Craft Brew Sponsor | Moeller Brew Barn |
| Dessert Sponsor | Miller’s Textile Service |
| Exclusive Cocktail Sponsor | The Anchor |
| Floral Sponsor | Floral Reflections |
| Grand Entrance Sponsor | St. Henry Tile Co |
| Graphic Sponsor | Signature 4 |
| Hors d’Oeuvres Sponsor | Jean Puthoff Catering |
| Marketing Sponsor | Technical Roofing of St. Henry |
| Meeting Sponsor | Hazelnut Coffeehouse |
| Raffle Supervision Sponsor | Moorman, Harting & Company |
| Signature Gift Sponsor | Niswonger Performing Arts Center |
| Snack Bar Sponsor | C-Town Wings |
| Valet Sponsor | Park National Bank |
| Supporting Sponsors | Arling Auctioneers Bud’s Chevrolet & Corvette Celina Eagles #1291 Chuck Stammen Hemmelgarn Entertainment Homan Inc. Jellison Entertainment The MED Foundation Opulence Event Center Pleiman Landscaping Studio Cera Marie |
Hemmelgarn added –
“The success of the Charity Ball reflects the extraordinary spirit of the people and businesses who support Mercer Health. Together, we are not only preserving a cherished tradition, but also helping shape the next chapter of healthcare for our community.”
The 2026 Charity Ball Committee included:
Ryan Bollenbacher, Leah Bruns, Danielle Buschur, Melissa Carlin, Danielle Dues, Ted Feltz, Connie Hein, Deb Hemmelgarn, Mindy Kremer, Jenni Miller, Dani Otte, 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 2027 Mercer Health Charity Ball will be held on Saturday, November 20, 2027.
