Celebrating 75 Years of the Mount Nittany Health Foundation Charity Ball

The Mount Nittany Health Foundation will host its Annual Charity Ball on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center. Proceeds from this year’s event will directly support the new Patient Tower at Mount Nittany Medical Center, which is under construction and set to open in 2026. This expansive facility will be transformational in patient experience and in the services provided to the community.

“Now in its 75th year, the Charity Ball is one of the most remarkable fundraising events in our community,” said Kathleen Rhine, President and CEO, Mount Nittany Health. “The committee has planned an incredible evening of glamour and philanthropy that provides a wonderful opportunity to dine, dance, and celebrate. All of the money raised stays right here in our community to provide state of the art care for our neighbors and friends.”

Through the Charity Ball, the Mount Nittany Health Foundation has raised funds for a variety of its own programs and services, including the Family Medicine Residency Program, Behavioral Healthcare, our Children’s Advocacy Center, and most recently, the newly renovated Joseph V. and Suzanne P. Paterno Women and Children's Services Unit at Mount Nittany Medical Center.

Pat Kraft, Penn State Athletic Director, and Betsy Kraft, Community Leader and Volunteer, are the co-chairs of the Charity Ball Committee. In addition to the Krafts, the dedicated members of the committee include Susan Brown, Melissa Hawbaker, Genevieve Hulburt, Dr. Kristie Kaufman, and Nancy Silvis.

"Mount Nittany Health does a great job of bringing the community together," said Pat Kraft. "It's an honor to serve as a co-chair, along with my wife Betsy, to help support the construction of the new Patient Tower at the Mount Nittany Medical Center."

“We are so grateful to the community for their history of supporting the Mount Nittany Health Foundation Charity Ball,” said Rhine. “Truly, the Charity Ball is only possible thanks to the leadership of our dedicated volunteers, business leaders, and community members, especially this year’s co-chairs, Pat and Betsy Kraft.”

The event will include exclusive jewelry by Kranich’s Jewelers; live music by Monte Carlo through EBE Talent; a venue transformed by Daniel Vaughn Designs; live and silent auctions; and more. The Charity Ball is a unique opportunity to support Mount Nittany Health and show your commitment to supporting quality, compassionate healthcare in the Centre Region.

"It's so important to feel comfortable when you are healing. With the 168 private rooms, the 10-story Patient Tower will improve the patient experience, making it feel more like home when you or your loved ones need to stay at the Medical Center," said Betsy Kraft. "We are excited for the future of Mount Nittany Health, and we hope you can join us at this year’s Charity Ball."     

If you have event-specific questions, please contact Danielle Michael, Foundation Events Coordinator, at Danielle.Michael@mountnittany.org, or by calling 814.231.7117.

To learn more about tickets and event sponsorship opportunities, please contact Karah Hodges at Karah.Hodges@mountnittany.org.