Calvert Memorial Hospital’s Galaxy Ball blasted into new territory on Nov. 14 raising over $118,000 for the state-of-the-art breast center slated to open next month. The proceeds will be used to equip the center with the most current, precise, least invasive imaging technology available for the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer today.

The Center for Breast Care at Calvert Memorial Hospital – the first of its kind in Southern Maryland – brings together an experienced team of breast health experts to provide coordinated care from outreach and screening to diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. The multidisciplinary program will provide local women with access to the same level of care available in major metropolitan areas.

The star-studded evening signaled a future as bright and promising as the special effects lighting that dazzled the 472 ball-goers. “We are excited to announce that not only will the Center for Breast Care have outstanding doctors and technology,” said CMH President and CEO Jim Xinis, “but we are partnering with Johns Hopkins to bring experts in breast imaging on-site to our center.”

For the first time, the annual charity gala was held at the Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro. The new location proved popular with attendees who liked the spacious layout and the “out of this world” décor created by the ball committee. The ball will return to the Show Place Arena next year on Nov. 13.

The evening opened with Dr. Sheldon Goldberg at the piano accompanying his wife Dr. Ramona Crawley. Goldberg has been the driving force behind the breast center’s creation. “His personal and professional dedication to defeating breast cancer,” said Xinis, “is matched by the 25-member leadership team who worked side-by-side for the past year to develop this center.” The team also includes general and plastic surgeons, radiologists and a pathologist as well as medical and radiation oncologists.

Xinis extended special thanks to the ball’s major sponsors. “In particular, I want to thank TSI Exterior Wall Systems, Michael and Wanda King and our anonymous donor,” he said. “I would also like to recognize Dickinson Jewelers, Hargrove, Inc. and Comcast. We couldn’t do this without your continued support.”

In all, some 77 sponsors contributed to this year’s ball, including Associates in Radiation Medicine, Calvert OB/GYN of Southern Maryland, Chesapeake Beach Resort & Spa / Rod N Reel, Constellation Energy, Emergency Management Associates (EMA), Dr. and Mrs. Raja Hawit, Maryland Inpatient Care Specialists, MedStar Health, NextGen Healthcare Information Systems and Dr. John and Betsy Saunders.

Since the ball began 21 years ago, it has raised over $1 million for medical technology and equipment. This includes the $95,000 raised last year for the revolutionary information technology that went live in the hospital’s intensive care unit in May. The groundbreaking system puts CMH on the frontline of quality intensive care at the community level.

Xinis also praised the 2009 ball committee chaired by Brooke Steuart and Raleigh Weckbaugh. “You put together a magnificent evening for us tonight,” he said, “and we really appreciate your efforts.” One guest who was especially happy was Vicky Horsmon who won the “Saturn” diamond ring in the jewelry raffle sponsored by Dickinson’s Jewelers.

“I would also like to acknowledge the outstanding support we received from our media sponsors,” said Xinis. They were Bay Weekly, Calvert Independent, Calvert Recorder, County Times, Southern Calvert Gazette and Southern Maryland Woman.

Brooke Steuart, who co-chaired the hospital’s hugely successful Galaxy Ball, joined the event band Radio City to sign “Proud Mary.”