James Bond theme at RMH gala

[Blowfeld]

ROME – It’s Bond…James Bond, that is.

On Nov. 13 at The Beeches in Rome, the Rome Memorial Hospital Foundation will host a James Bond-themed "Diamonds Are Forever" Ball and Auction from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Co-chairing this year’s annual event are Foundation Board members Greg Mattacola of The Mattacola Law Firm and Jane Macior, Brown & Brown Insurance.

"In true Bond fashion, this event will be full of glamour and intrigue," said Mattacola. "Guests can expect a multi-faceted evening" added Mattacola, including a martini bar, passed hors d’oeuvres, Mediterranean, pasta, carving and oriental food stations, desserts, the opportunity to have photographs taken in a color photo booth and dancing all night to the music of The Billionaires. There will be valet parking and attire will be black tie or Bond formal.

"Adding to the excitement," said Macior, "is the chance to bid on exciting auction items with the 007 Tag a Bag and silent auction," she added. "There will also be the Diamond Gift Box Grab and the Great Diamond Hunt, both sponsored by Engelbert’s Jewelers."

Featured silent auction items include a two-night getaway to the Anchorage by the Sea Resort in Ogunquit, Maine; an adult membership to the Rome Family YMCA; a Keurig coffeemaker donated by Hummel’s Office Plus; Syracuse Orange basketball tickets; and tickets to the Buffalo Sabres versus the Washington Capitals donated by Verizon Wireless and much more.

Also new this year is the Rome Memorial Hospital Legacy Award, which will be presented to Rome Memorial Hospital president/CEO Darlene Burns for her leadership, service and commitment to Rome Memorial Hospital. Burns will be retiring from on Dec. 31, 2010 after 39 years of service.

There will also be the Great Diamond Hunt pre-event at Engelbert’s Jewelers, Rome, on Nov. 4, 2010 at 6 p.m. for anyone who purchases tickets to the Ball and Auction by Oct. 29. These ticket holders will be invited to this pre-event where they will enjoy martinis, to win the opportunity to borrow diamonds from Engelbert’s Jewelers vault for the Diamonds Are Forever Ball and Auction and receive their first clue for a chance to win a diamond necklace at the Ball and Auction on Nov. 13.

Companies that have committed to supporting the event to date include: Mid-Air, Felice Moving and Storage, Teddy’s Restaurant, C.A. Kaplan Realty, Oneida Savings Bank, Mohawk Valley Women’s Health Associates, Upstate Office Equipment, Lincare, The Mattacola Law Firm, Nunn & Harper Funeral Home, Vacca Consolidated Financial Services, Rome Savings Bank, National Grid, Bremer’s Liquor, Mead Construction, One Beacon Federal Credit Union, Gilroy & Kearnan, M.A. Polce Consulting, Carbone Auto Group, Rome Medical Group, Brown & Brown Insurance, LabCorp, M&T Bank, Engelbert’s Jewelers, AmeriCU, Adirondack Bank, MedExcel, Relph Benefits Advisors, Mohawk Hospital Equipment, Hancock & Estabrook, Hematology-Oncology Associates, Excellus Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Mohawk Valley Community College.

Sponsorship, advertising and silent auction opportunities are still available by calling 338-7181 or email at:

kflanders@romehospital.org by Oct. 29. Sponsorships and tickets may also be purchased by going to:

romehosp.ejoinem.org/annualgala

Volunteer opportunities are also available.

In addition to Macior and Mattacola, the "Diamonds Are Forever" Steering Committee includes: Jack Atkinson of National Grid, retired; Eric Bjorland of Upstate Office Equipment; Dr. Ronald Cantor of Mohawk Valley Community College; Larry Giardino of Rome Memorial Hospital; Eileen Luley of Rome Memorial Hospital; Nick Mayhew of Rome Memorial Hospital; Michele Smith of Hummel’s Office Plus; Sarah Rushton of Engelbert’s Jewelers; Gretchen Sprock; and Deborah Worth of Rome Memorial Hospital.

The Rome Memorial Hospital Foundation supports the not-for-profit Rome Memorial Hospital, which treats patients regardless of their ability to pay. The Foundation’s mission is to promote, solicit, accept and invest voluntary dollars given in support of the mission of Rome Memorial Hospital. For additional information, go to:

www.romehospital.org.