from The StarPress
MUNCIE, Ind. — Those planning to attend Meridian Health Services’ ninth annual Rialzo charity gala can go ahead and start looking for their evening attire.
Meridian announced the event’s theme colors early Tuesday on its Facebook page, giving guests a chance to purchase any dresses, ties and accessories with a four-month head start.
Dress theme colors will be jewel tones of pink, purple, orange, teal and gold. The event’s date is set for Saturday, April 14, 2018, at the Horizon Convention Center.
Rialzo is Meridian’s annual charity gala that raises money for different causes in line with the organization’s mission. Last year, colors were green and gold, correlating with the event’s Wizard of Oz, “There’s No Place Like Home” theme. Attendance reached nearly 1,000 guests.
Like last year, funds raised from the 2018 event will go toward Meridian’s Maternal Treatment Program, which provides care and support for drug-addicted mothers and their babies while connecting them to treatment options. Last year’s event raised more than $150,000.
Vice President of Fund Development Scott Smalstig said since the program held its ribbon cutting in July, it has reached capacity, having 30 women using the services. Also, six babies have been born, five of whom had little or no stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), saving approximately $400,000 to the local hospital and community, according to Smalstig.
Meridian has not announced the official theme for 2018’s Rialzo, or the band which will perform to close the evening of giving, but Smalstig said Meridian plans to have that information out to the public in mid-January.
Until then, we can make our best guess. Now, go out and find that perfect dress!
Audrey Kirby is a digital producer at The Star Press. Follow her on Twitter @ajanekirby, and email her story ideas: ajkirby@muncie.gannett.com.
