The most famous and enduring of the PACA projects has been the annual Charity Ball. The first Charity Ball was held in 1972 with Mrs. John Martin and Mrs. Lew Garris acting as the presiding officers. A cardiac defibrillator was purchased with the proceeds. The Charity Ball is now the largest fund raiser for Pattie A. Clay providing funds for needed equipment and renovations. In 2008, the Ball raised $40,000 to be used toward the “Care, Compassion, and Confidence” capital campaign to renovate 3rd and 4th floors of the hospital. In 38 years, the ball has donated over $927,500 to the hospital.

The 39th Annual Charity Ball, "Black Diamonds," was held June 19 at the Keen Johnson Ballroom. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Intensive Care Unit. Major sponsors were Central Bank, UK Healthcare, and Anthem.

There are many ways and opportunities to support the Charity Ball. If you are interested in sponsoring the event or working on a committee, please contact Jerian Shaw, the PACA Liaison, at 625-3446 or jerianshaw@pattieaclay.org.