HYANNIS – The summer social scene has arrived on Cape Cod. Two special events celebrating the season will enable residents, their families and guests to enjoy camaraderie while raising money in support of exceptional healthcare in the community.
This year’s Cape Cod Healthcare Summer Charity Event will be held at The Ridge Club in Sandwich on Saturday, July 28, from 6 to 11 p.m. On August 5, the Sunday Summer Social will take place at Highfield Hall in Falmouth from 4 to 7 p.m.
While both events have the same goal of bringing the community together and raising money to support Cape Cod Healthcare’s campaign, “Advancing Care, Inspiring Hope,” they are different in their style and ambiance.
“The Ridge Club event is beautiful and elegant,” said Deborah Dougherty, CFRE, senior development officer, Cape Cod Healthcare Foundation. “The music is wonderful, and it’s such a beautiful spot under the tent. The atmosphere lends itself to a lot of conversation and a chance to greet new and old friends.”
The evening includes cocktails, dinner and dancing to the band, Funktapuss. Auctioneer John Terrio will lead bidders in an opportunity to win get-away packages, including:
A five-day/four- night vacation in the Florida Keys aboard a private 82-foot Hatteras yacht with state rooms for up to six guests. Lounge on the decks with around-the-clock service from an expert crew and a personal gourmet chef.
A seven-day trip to a private island escape in Kediri, Bali, for 10. The private villa has panoramic views and is situated on a pristine coastline. Services include a professional house staff and private chef.
For those who enjoy a more casual atmosphere, the Sunday Summer Social at Highfield Hall is relaxing and fun. You’ll sip cocktails on the sprawling lawn, enjoy the exquisite gardens, sculpture and art in the natural surroundings of the mansion, then indulge in a seasonal dinner. Cape Cod Conservatory of Music faculty members will entertain you with classic American songs.
“We want people to sit back and reminisce about the songs they love and the ones you don’t hear every day,” said Dougherty.
Proceeds from both events raised more than $600,000 last year for cancer services at Cape Cod Hospital and Falmouth Hospital.
This year, the fundraising campaign is focused on the progress Cape Cod Healthcare will be making going into the future, with upgraded, advanced technology, facilities and innovative programs.
In a recent interview with Cape Cod Life magazine, Cape Cod Healthcare’s President and CEO Michael K. Lauf said, “People should not have to travel long distances to receive their care that they can get in the community. If something tragic happens to you when you’re on the Cape, we have to be exceptional. We want to make sure we have advanced care right here.”
Blanche Seifer of North Falmouth is a regular attendee at both events. Each year she looks forward to inviting her family to come along with her for a fun evening out.
“The events are really very nice and Cape Cod Healthcare does it first class,” she said.
She enjoys bidding on live auction trips and invites her children and their families to come along with her to places like Costa Rica and St. Thomas. It appears her spirit of generosity is already inspiring the next generation.
“One of my granddaughters raised her hand and donated $100 last year during the night of appeal to support cancer services and I was so pleased,” she said.
To purchase tickets, please visit www.capecodhealth.org/2018summerevents
Summer charity events have been supporting quality healthcare on Cape Cod for 97 years.
Cape Cod Healthcare summer charity events have evolved from a long history of fundraising that began with the Falmouth Nursing Association, now known as the Visiting Nurse Association of Cape Cod. In the summer of 1921, the very small organization had their first fundraiser called a Lawn Fête, also known as the Nursing Fête, held on the Falmouth Village Green, according to the Falmouth Enterprise.
The event included a Punch and Judy show, white elephant sale, a chance booth, tea table and a band concert. Over the years, they have had a merry-go-round, ferris wheel and kiddie rides. During World War II there was a lack of helium to blow up balloons, so the volunteers gathered a group of “strong-lunged girls” to blow them up.
Over the years, the planning committee became even more creative. In the summer of 1933 they had a baby parade, and in 1950 held a children’s parade complete with decorated doll carriages, scooters, wagons and “velocipedes” (a child’s tricycle). Art exhibits, orchestras and band concerts were among other highlights of the fête.
While the fête has faded into history, the long-standing tradition of the charity events continues to raise awareness, celebrate partnerships and thank all those who contribute to the health and well-being of all who visit and reside on Cape Cod.
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