Over 400 people gathered for the MED Foundation of Mercer Health’s 2025 Charity Ball on November 15, 2025. The event, held at the Opulence Event Center in Celina, celebrated Mercer Health’s 75 years of community service with the theme “A Diamond Celebration.” Guests enjoyed a cocktail social, a three-course meal, and lively entertainment.
During the evening, the 11th annual reverse raffle took place. Sam and Toni Custer from Versailles, OH, won a 2026 Arctic White Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe. Additionally, Dave and Elaine Wolters from Maria Stein won tickets to see comedian Chelsea Handler in Columbus.
The MED Foundation, which organized the Charity Ball, aims to foster support for Mercer Health’s initiatives. Since 1988, funds raised through the event have helped enhance local healthcare. Notably, the Charity Ball has contributed $500,000 to the Surgery Center at Mercer County Community Hospital. This year’s proceeds will aid the renovation and expansion of the Childbirth Center, ensuring that families receive the best care possible.
Deb Hemmelgarn, MED Foundation Director, expressed her gratitude, saying: “We are continually inspired by the generosity and spirit of our community. The Charity Ball reflects what we can achieve together.”
The event boasts a range of sponsors, highlighting the community’s support. Notable contributors include Buschur Farms, HCF Management, and The St. Henry Bank, among others.
The Charity Ball has deep roots in Mercer County, first launched in 1950 by the Auxiliary of Mercer County Community Hospital. It was revived in 2015 to celebrate Mercer Health’s 65th anniversary and has since evolved into a pivotal event for local healthcare funding.
Recent surveys indicate that community support for local health initiatives is growing. In a 2022 study, 67% of respondents expressed a desire to contribute more to local health resources. This reinforces the importance of events like the Charity Ball in fostering a health-conscious community.
The MED Foundation also engages a network called Friends of the Foundation, who support the cause and receive exclusive benefits like early registration for events. This network highlights the importance of community involvement in local health initiatives.
Mark your calendar! The 2026 Charity Ball is set for November 14, 2026. For more details on the MED Foundation, visit their website: MED Foundation.
