10th Annual Emerald Ball Raises $200,000 for Pluta Cancer Center

Pictured - Pluta Cancer Center Simulation Therapist Barbara Johannes, Pluta Cancer Center nurse Kitty Forbush, Pluta Cancer Center CEO John Oberlies and Emerald Ball keynote speaker Julia Sweeney.

Pluta Cancer Center's 10th Annual Emerald Ball, held on September 12, raised $200,000 that will go directly to the Center to provide support for its patients and their families while receiving treatment. Every year, the Emerald Ball celebrates and recognizes the dedicated work of Pluta Cancer Center's medical team and staff.

Former “Saturday Night Live” star Julia Sweeney delivered the keynote address, reading a portion of her one-woman show, “God Said, ‘Ha!’”, an inspirational story about her personal struggle with cervical cancer while caring for her brother who had non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Sweeney said laughter was one of the keys to her recovery.

“On behalf of Pluta Cancer Center, we are thrilled to have raised $200,000 that will directly help our patients and their families,” said Emerald Ball Co-chair Barbara Pluta Randall. “Julia’s speech helped to make the 10^th Annual Emerald Ball a night to remember. She truly showed the importance humor can play in all of our lives, even during the most difficult of times, and she did so while inspiring and touching the hearts of the audience.”

“We are so grateful for the continued support the community has shown for our annual signature gala,” said Emerald Ball Co-chair Mary Pluta. “Funds raised through the Emerald Ball will enhance the extra services we provide to patients, including medication, lunches and transportation for those who might not otherwise be able to afford such necessities.”