Mercy to host 24th annual fundraiser featuring country artist Chris Lane

Mercy Health Foundation, which financially supports healthcare provider Mercy, will host its 24^th annual fundraising gala O’ Night Divine Charity Ball on Saturday (Dec. 2), featuring country music artist Chris Lane. The event is expected to raise about $1 million, like the 2016 event, and draw more than 1,500 guests.

The event takes place at John Q. Hammons Convention Center at 3303 S. Pinnacle Hills Parkway in Rogers and starts with a social at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m. Lane will perform at 9 p.m.

“Chris Lane’s performance will continue the Charity Ball’s history of top acts that have included Martina McBride, Chris Young and Jewel,” said Clark Ellison, regional vice president of Mercy Health Foundation.

Lane has toured most of the year with Florida Georgia Line and is seen as a rising star in country music. His first single, “Fix,” reached the top of the country radio charts, was certified gold in the United States and Canada, played more than 25.8 million times on Spotify and viewed 6 million times on Vevo, according to a news release. “His music is described as making waves for how ‘effortlessly it blends progressive pop and that sultry falsetto with his country roots.’” This year, Lane was nominated for the 2017 iHeartRadio Music Awards Best New Country Artist and ACM Awards New Male Vocalist of the Year.

At the fundraising event, Jake McBride of iHeart Radio/KIX 104 and Savvy Shields, Miss America 2017, will be the emcees. Presenting sponsors are Wal-Mart Stores and Sam’s Club and the Lee and Linda Scott family.

“We are humbled and grateful for the community support that makes Charity Ball more successful every year,” Ellison said.