By MHS—
MUNCIE, Ind. – Meridian Health Services’ Rialzo, East Central Indiana’s largest charity gala, returned with a new look, venue and purpose on Saturday, May 14 at the Scheumann Family Indoor Practice Facility on Ball State’s Campus. Over 700 of Meridian’s greatest supporters attended Rialzo XI and enjoyed an evening of entertainment, guest speakers including Governor Eric Holcomb, President Geoff Mearns, dancing and raising funds for Meridian’s broad spectrum of Addictions and Recovery programs – truly a purpose with a party!
The Kentucky Derby-themed charity gala featured “The Greatest 2 Minutes in Fundraising” – the Meridian Derby – a virtual horse racing event allowing guests to donate and pick from 10 horses that each represented a different Meridian Addictions and Recovery program. Over $470,000 was raised from Rialzo and the profits will help support Meridian’s Addictions & Recovery Centers (ARC), Maternal Treatment Program (MTP), Women’s Recovery Home, Home with Hope, and other Meridian Addictions and Recovery programs.
“There was a renewed focus on our purpose this year due to the increased need for Addictions and Recovery programs brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic,” shared Hank Milius, Meridian’s president and CEO. “We had a sense of urgency which ignited our theme – “Go, baby, go!” – to raise funds for Meridian’s Addictions and Recovery programs and give support to those in need.
During the Rialzo XI program, Governor Eric Holcomb was awarded the Rialzo Spirit of Meridian Award, a recognition that pays tribute to an individual who demonstrates proactive actions in promoting healthier communities.
Rialzo XI also featured spectacular entertainment with performances by Rialzo arts partners – Muncie Civic Theatre, Cornerstone Center for the Arts and Orchestra Indiana – and the band, Party on the Moon, featuring top 40 dance and country hits. Additionally, guests enjoyed various entertainment, auctions, raffle prizes, and the 10 horse stables representing each Derby horse running for the various addiction’s program.
“We are so fortunate to have a community of so many great organizations that helped support our event. Rialzo is truly a community collaboration,” said Beth Clark, Meridian’s Vice President of Marketing & Development. Rialzo XI was made possible in part by the generosity of presenting sponsor, Ball State University. Additional support was provided by:
Diamond “Win” Sponsors: Complete Masonry Services, Greg Hubler Automotive Group, Intersection, Manor Brother’s Concrete Work, The Clubhouse at Accutech, First Merchants, Indiana Michigan Power, Jay-Crew in partnership with Blue Grass Nursery, Pridemark Construction, Willowbrook Interiors, and Scherrer Construction.
Platinum “Place” Sponsors: Sight & Sound, Delaware Country Club, Once Upon a Plate, Camp & Eat Boat-Tique, University Dermatology Centers, Kia of Muncie, Toyota of Muncie, Henry Community Health, The Star Press, and Clancy’s Car Washes.
Silver “Show” Sponsors: Amazing Joe’s Grill, CS Kern, Delaware Glass, Magna Powertrain, Sursa Griner Wealth Management of Raymond James, Hornaday DDS, Damar Services, Dennis, Wenger and Abrell Attorney’s-at-Law, Redhead Salon Boutique, and Woof Boom Radio.
Visit https://rialzo.meridianhs.org to view additional pictures and video from Rialzo XI or make a donation in support of Meridian’s mission to create healthier communities.
About Meridian Health Services
Meridian Health Services is a regional, progressive healthcare organization specializing in “whole-person” health, integrating physical, mental and social well-being to help people achieve their optimum health. Meridian serves nearly 40,000 patients throughout Indiana offering a wide spectrum of healthcare specialties including: primary medical care, pediatrics, internal medicine, inpatient/outpatient psychiatry, obstetrics/gynecology, addictions and recovery, dental, children and family services, behavioral health and human services.
