‘Sweetheart Ball’
Ronald McDonald House fundraiser is alternative to typical Valentine’s Day celebrations
Long-stemmed red roses, soft, illuminating candlelight and a delectable entrée.
This wasn’t another romantic dinner for two on Valentine’s Day — it was the setting for the 17th Annual Ronald McDonald House Sweetheart Ball.
When the event began, the organization was looking for a unique way to raise money and offer people something to do on Valentine’s Day.
Susan Wee, the development coordinator for the Ronald McDonald House, said nowadays there are many similar functions, but that wasn’t the case 17 years ago.
Four hundred sixty people attended the event Saturday night at the Holiday Inn to support the organization and its mission of “providing a home away from home” for families with children receiving medical care. The crowd was the largest number the organization has ever hosted at the event.
During the short program, Deana Overmoe spoke to the crowd about her experience with the Ronald McDonald House.
Overmoe told the incredible story of how she and her husband David adopted Danica when she was 5 1/2 months old, knowing the little girl was ill.
Danica’s ailments forced her to be hospitalized in Minneapolis, and the Overmoes took up residence in a Minnesota Ronald McDonald House.
Overmoe described how all their daily needs were met and how volunteers planned activities to keep families busy while staying at the house.
“Having a sick child is very stressful and it’s important to have some recreation in the middle of the storm,” Overmoe said. “As a community, we can all do a little part to make a difference.”
Just shy of her first birthday, Danica died. When the Overmoes learned a new house was being built in Fargo, they furnished rooms in Danica’s memory.
After Overmoe spoke, the live auction commenced. Seven items were auctioned off; the “Dinner Party for Six” secured the highest bid at $2,600. Other items auctioned off were an electric stove, Gretchen Gray jewelry, a floral bouquet, NDSU game day, a Redhawks suite and a Share-a-Night offer.
The Share-a-Night item allowed attendees to give money to sponsor families at the Ronald McDonald House. Three people bid $1,000, one bid $750 and another $600 and several attendees bid $100 or $50.
Wee said many people think the organization is just about offering people an inexpensive place to stay while their child is sick, when in reality, the institution provides support and stability during a stressful time.
“ The support is the most important part,” Wee said. “At that time, everyone needs help.”
Last year, the Sweetheart Ball raised $53,000 for the organization. This year, the event hopes to raise $55,000, which will be used to cover operating costs at the two Ronald McDonald houses in Fargo.
The money is raised through ticket sales, sponsorship and live and silent auctions.
Tickets for the event cost $50, and sponsorship was divided into categories based on the amount of money donated.
Around 50 items were donated by various businesses in the Fargo-Moorhead community. Wee said the eight-person Sweetheart Ball committee worked very hard to secure the items.
Wee said it is not uncommon for businesses to sponsor one year and keep sponsoring the event for years.
“ Everyone can relate to not wanting a child to be sick,” Wee said.
Families who stay at a Ronald McDonald House are asked to pay $15 each night, but the actually cost to the organization is $50 per night. The funds raised at the Sweetheart Ball help fill the void.
The Ronald McDonald House of Fargo started in 1982, and the second house was opened in May 2005. Each house can accommodate six families.