AHOSKIE – For 60 years, Roanoke-Chowan Hospital has embarked on a journey to bring quality medical care and services to northeastern North Carolina.

On Saturday night in front of over 250 guests, R-CH celebrated that worthwhile journey during a Gala Ball held at the Ahoskie Inn.

And, as it has been their quest over those 60 years, proceeds from Saturday’s festive event will be used for the betterment of medical care in the local community. According to R-CH President Sue Lassiter, funds generated by the $150 per couple ticket to the Gala Ball as well as proceeds netted from a silent auction will benefit the newly opened Wound Healing Center.

“We were thrilled with Saturday’s turnout,” Lassiter said. “The overwhelming show of community support for our hospital and the new Wound Healing Center touched us deeply. We are appreciative of that community support and equally as appreciative of our outstanding staff at the hospital as we continue in an effort to offer the latest and the best medical care for the people of the Roanoke-Chowan area.”

Lassiter said she was also appreciative of the support from R-CH’s longtime medical partner, University Health Systems based in Greenville. She said UHS President Dave McCrae and his wife, Patty, attended Saturday’s Gala Ball.

“It was a grand night, one that gave us all a chance to see old friends and establish new friendships,” said Carolyn Brinkley of Ahoskie who co-chaired the committee that arranged the Gala Ball.

“The food was delicious and the atmosphere was terrific,” Brinkley continued. “It was a fitting tribute to the 60 years of service Roanoke-Chowan Hospital has provided our community. We are looking forward to many more years of health service from the hospital. It’s great to have such top-notch medical care at a state-of-the-art facility here in our rural community. The hospital has touched so many lives over the years.”

Elaine Myers served as the other co-chair of the Gala Ball committee. She said the event was a huge success.

“It was an extremely elegant affair that I truly believe was enjoyed by all in attendance,” Myers noted. “I commend the members of the committee for putting this event together. They all did such a marvelous job.”

Like Brinkley, Myers said R-CH was the cornerstone of medical care in the local area.

“The growth of our hospital has been tremendous over the years,” she stated. “They are still adding new services, all in an effort to provide the best medical care for our local citizens. The hospital has also provided an economic boost for our area by providing employment for our citizens. We wish them many more years of success.”

Joining Brinkley and Myers on the Gala Ball committee were Harriett Byrum, Ernie Carter, Joy Chafin, John Fritz, Austine Evans, Barbara Perry and Kay Thomas.

Numerous local businesses and individuals donated items to the silent auction as well as making valuable contributions to ensure that Roanoke-Chowan Hospital’s 60th Anniversary Gala Ball will long be remembered as one of the premier events in the history of the local area.