Mercy Health Raises $447,000 at Charity Ball

The Mercy Health Foundation raised $447,000 for stereotatic breast biopsy equipment, among other research materials, at its 16th annual O’ Night Divine Charity Ball, according to a press release by the Mercy Health System of Northwest Arkansas.

The event, held at the John Q. Hammons Center in Rogers on Dec. 5, began when Dick “Dickey Ray” Trammel asked guests to join the “Dickey Ray Club,” an effort to raise a set amount of money in a set period of time to be used for a very specific project.

This year, Dickey Ray’s goal was to raise $150,000 for stereotatic breast biopsy equipment. The Dickey Ray Club raised $152,000, the largest total in the history of the event.

The live auction raised a total of $57,000, matching last year’s total. Former Dallas Cowboys player Darren Woodson attended the event and signed a jersey that sold for $15,700.

“American Idol” finalist Danny Gokey performed a few songs he has not yet released.

Gokey also expressed the importance of charity as he mentioned his charity for children, which he began in memory of his deceased wife.

The top sponsors of the event included Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Lee and Linda Scott, General Mills, Don and Jo Soderquist, White Cloud, Anheuser-Busch and Tyson Foods Inc.