The Fling gala is virtual for 2021

April 07, 2021

The Fling gala benefitting Fitzgibbon Hospital will have a new look this year as the event is moved to a virtual venue. But the amazing food, silent auction and live auction items are still the focus of the annual fundraiser. The Covid-19 pandemic cancelled the event in 2020, which means this year’s event is more important than ever for the Linear Accelerator Capital Campaign. This piece of equipment delivers radiation therapy to patients at the Fitzgibbon Community Cancer Center. Proceeds will help fund the replacement of this important piece of equipment, which has a price tag of $2 million.

            “We knew we weren’t going to be able to be together in person like a normal year this year, so I started thinking about ways we could take The Fling to people’s homes,” said Andrea Barr, director of the Fitzgibbon Hospital Foundation and coordinator for The Fling. “So I got together with The Fling committee and the marketing team, and we started thinking about ways we could put The Fling in a box.”

            The result is a nod to the meal kit craze and is an opportunity for patrons to receive a gourmet meal kit assembled locally by Jackson’s Catering and Easy as Pie, by Marshall native and pastry enthusiast Ann Lewis. Meal kits can be ordered beginning April 5 at www.fitzgibbon.org/fling and must be reserved by April 23. Kits will be delivered prior to the May 7 event date for preparation at home. Each meal kit will serve two and will include step-by-step recipe cards and high-quality ingredients. Meal kit prices include two auction bidding tickets. And “bidding-only” tickets are available for those who are not able to participate in the gourmet meal. Available meal kits are:

• The DELICATESSEN, $75: Charcuterie board, an assortment of specialty meats, cheeses and crackers, mini poptart, champagne and a special gift.
• The CLASSIC, $100: Ready-to-prepare 10 oz. ribeye steak or salmon filet, twice-baked potato, asparagus, garden salad with house dressing, mini pie, champagne (sparkling grape juice may be substituted) and a special gift (a single-serve option is also available for $60).
• The SMORGASBORD, $150: Charcuterie board, an assortment of specialty meats, cheeses and crackers, mini poptart, ready-to-prepare 10 oz. ribeye steak or salmon filet, twice-baked potato, asparagus, garden salad with house dressing, mini pie, champagne (sparkling grape juice may be substituted) and a special gift.

In addition to an amazing meal, the silent auction will be open beginning at 6 p.m on Monday, May 3, and closing at 7 p.m., Friday, May 7. A dedicated website has been established at www.fitzgibbon.org/fling to set up your account, purchase tickets and join the event.

            The 2021 Fling event will go live at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 7, with music, a live auction, dining and cocktail tips and interaction with other attendees. Viewers will receive an email detailing how to view the live event along with information about when they will receive their gourmet meal kit.

            “If you have attended The Fling in the past, you will receive an invitation in the mail,” said Barr. “However, the virtual nature of this event will hopefully encourage many more from the Fitzgibbon Hospital coverage area to participate. The Community Cancer Center is such an important asset to those needing cancer treatment in our area. It is my hope that many people will tune in to support this cause.”

For more information on The Fling and for ongoing updates and teasers, follow the Fitzgibbon Hospital Foundation Facebook page. Or you may call Andrea Barr, Fitzgibbon Hospital Foundation Director at (660) 831-3850.