By Rubin E. Grant
With Alabama’s rate of infant deaths among the highest in the nation, the No-Show Ball is hoping to help save the lives of babies.
The No-Show Ball is a virtual fundraising event put on by the UAB School of Nursing’s Junior Board of Visitors. Now in its 16th year, all proceeds from this year’s event, on Nov. 5, will benefit the nursing school’s Women and Children Health Initiative.
Alabama has received the failing grade of “F” from the March of Dimes and ranks at the bottom in the U.S. for mother and child health. In 2021, the infant mortality rate in Alabama increased to 7.6 deaths per 1,000 births, which is higher than the national rate of 5.5 deaths per 1,000 births.
“More than 70% of these deaths are preventable through essential pre- and post-natal care, which is not readily available in every Alabama county,” said Jennifer H. Hassett, director of donor relations for the UAB School of Nursing. “That’s why the junior board is passionate about increasing access to this important care for Alabama’s most at-risk mothers and babies.
“This year, through the No-Show Ball, participants are helping to save the lives of these vulnerable pregnant women and newborn infants across our state and helping the UAB School of Nursing expand effective services like Nurse-Family Partnership and build a highly educated nursing workforce, including nurse midwives, to increase access to pre- and post-natal care for women and babies across our state. We’re excited to be a part of making life better for women and children.”
The No-Show Ball invites participants to skip the cooking for an evening and, through information provided with the meal, go online to learn about the nursing school.
“The idea behind it is you don’t have to get dressed up and go to a fancy banquet, but you can pick up a meal to enjoy in the comfort of your own home,” Hassett said.
Dinners for two, which cost $100, will be packaged for easy pick up from Iz Café in the Rocky Ridge Plaza in Vestavia Hills from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 5. The dinners will be insulated in UAB School of Nursing-branded tote bags.
The prepared dinner totes will include one bottle of wine, salad, entrée selections and dessert for two people. Participants also can add a kids portion of mac and cheese for an additional $10.
There are three ways to participate in the event: purchasing a ticket for a prepared dinner tote for two, sponsoring or donating.
Vulcan Materials Company is the presenting sponsor for this year’s event.
“We are especially grateful to Vulcan Materials Company and all of our 2023 event sponsors for their partnership in helping Alabama families have a better chance at a healthy start in life,” Hassett said.
The fundraising goal this year is $100,000. Last year, more than $110,000 was raised.
“It’s remarkable what this event has done to support nursing education over the years,” Hassett said.
This year’s event also will honor the Fay B. Ireland family. Fay Ireland, served on the UAB School of Nursing board for many years.
“She would have been 100 years old this year,” Hassett said. “She certainly knew the value of highly skilled nursing. A lot of what is seen and done around here is because of the Irelands.”
For more information about the No-Show Ball visit uab.edu/nursing/home/give/junior-bov/no-show-ball
