Ahead of this year’s 17th gala to raise money for capital improvement and equipment-replacing projects at Cullman Regional, fundraisers for the hospital have revealed what the 2018 installment’s money will be spent on.

Cullman Regional Foundation President John Apel said Gala XVII is taking aim at the hospital’s Critical Care Unit (CCU), with all the proceeds from this year’s event funding the purchase of replacements for all the unit’s ventilators.

The gala, an annual fundraising dinner and auction that also recognizes local contributors to community health and service outreach, is slated for 6 p.m. Saturday, April 21 at the Cullman Civic Center.

The theme for Gala XVII is “All That Jazz,” and will carry through the evening’s dinner and special program, along with the accompanying silent auction and dancing.

The gala “recognizes individuals who have played a significant role in advancing healthcare for our community through Cullman Regional,” said Apel.

For 2018, the H.C. Arnold Humanitarian Award honoree is Judy Williamson, and the Dr. Herman C. Ensor Excellence in Heath Care honoree is Dr. Scott Warner.

The Cullman Regional Foundation is a non-profit organization, separate from Cullman Regional, that assists and advances the hospital’s mission to provide excellent healthcare, health education and other humanitarian endeavors. The Foundation conducts fundraising for a variety of special needs, projects and programs at Cullman Regional.

Annual fundraising events like the gala give members of the Cullman community an opportunity to become more involved in local philanthropy for medical care in the place they call home.

Cullman Regional Service Guild members help with the organization of the gala each year, and are led by President Cindy Ponder. The Service Guild consists of more than 40 local women who volunteer to support the Foundation for special events such as the gala. They create the theme, decorations, invitations and more to facilitate the Foundation’s annual roster of events.

This year’s gala will host live entertainment by the Rock Candy Band, as well as a dinner catered by Designs by Grace. Tickets are available for $150 each. Organizations interested in table sponsorships may contact the Foundation office between now and April 6.

Contributions to the Foundation are tax-deductible for donors as allowed by IRS rules. Community members may volunteer, donate online or learn more about giving programs by visiting the cullmanregional.com/foundation.

For additional information, including tickets and sponsorships, contact the Cullman Regional Foundation at (256) 737-2565 or crmcfoundation@cullmanregional.com.