Birmingham News (AL)
Section: LIFESTYLE
Page: 2-E
News columnist Susan Strickland

Annual event to aid camp for kids with cancer

Camp Smile-A-Mile’s Red Nose Ball has built a loyal following over 16 years. More than 1,000 guests will show up at the festive event on Feb. 23 benefiting the statewide program for children with cancer.

The evening at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center will begin at 6 p.m. with a silent auction, followed by seated dinner. NBC 13 news anchor Mike Royer will be the master of ceremonies, and Ken Jackson will host a live auction for everything from ”bon appetit” packages to a winsome lab puppy. Artists who have donated work are Patrice Brunet, Brian Edmunds, Jennifer Harwell, Wendy LoVoy, Susan Oliver, Arthur Price and Tres Taylor. The live auction

also features jewelry, trips and elite golf packages.

Z & The Party Faktory will play for dancing. Dress is black-tie optional. Tickets begin at $200 each, and corporate tables for eight are $1,500. Call 323-8427 or visit www.campsam.org.

Bruce Hooper is board president, and ball chairmen are Craig Martin and Ralph Yarbrough Jr. Corporate table chairpersons are Billy Forbes and Holly Stiles. Planning the auctions are Scott Simpson, Deborah White, Terry Chapman and Kelly Keith.

Childhood cancer remains the No. 1 disease killer of young people. Camp Smile-AMile provides year-round challenging, unforgettable recreational and educational experiences for young cancer patients and their families at no cost. The purpose of Camp Smile-A-Mile programs is to provide patients and survivors with avenues for fellowship to help them cope and to prepare them for life after cancer.