PACA returns to 'a whole new world'

Blake Vickers, Richmond Register, Ky.
·2 min read

Jun. 23—After going virtual in 2021, the 51st Annual Pattie A. Clay Auxiliary (PACA) Ball was held on Saturday evening at the EKU Center for the Arts. A yearly tradition in Richmond, each ball raises money for a different cause at Baptist Health Hospital, with this year's event supporting the Thrive Center — an 11 bed inpatient mental health service center opening in December.

"I once read that when Elijah battled depression, God didn't send an angel to preach to him. He didn't tell him to pray more or condemn him for feeling that way. He sent an angel to comfort him while he rested. Some people just need to be comforted... So all, let's commit to caring and comforting those who are hurting. Let's be the community that makes a difference," Baptist Health Richmond President Greg Girard said during a speech at the event.

Ever the swanky affair, a team of valets greeted guests to park their cars for them upon arrival. From there, guests were led into the tent where the event was held. An array of colored lights lit the inside of the tent as servers went from table-to-table with hors-d'œurves. Guests grabbed cocktails from the event's open bar.

Prominent members of the community came out in their best evening-wear, as elaborate tuxedos and gowns graced everyone from law enforcement officials to doctors and faculty from Eastern Kentucky University. An buffet awaited PACA attendees back inside the Center for the Arts.

The stars of the evening were the junior hostesses that walked on stage arm-in-arm with their fathers. This year's PACA ball hosted 29 junior hostesses — the most participants in the event's 51 years.

They included:

—Abigail Aldridge

—Adaleen Cheney

—Emmy Collier

—Kate Conley

—Macy Coston

—Bailey Davis

—Claire Devers

—Kaylee Durbin

—Peyton Gabbard

—Riley Harris

—Courtlynn Hoover

—Alyson Hornsby

—Claire Howell

—Emma Lake

—Ava Lepp

—Lacey Long

—Faith Meadows

—Ella Nassida

—Phoebe Omohundro

—Emerson Rudacille

—Helena Rudacille

—Ava Stotts

—Ava Lee Ann Tackett

—Addyson Taheny

—Lynde Vencill

—Holly Welch

—Taylor Williams

—Alexandra Willis

—Sasha Yao

After a father daughter dance, the hostesses each gave a white rose to their mothers. The floor then opened up to the crowd, who were free to dance along to the sounds of the Jordan English Band.

The theme of this year's event was "A Whole New World."

"This evening, we invite you to imagine a whole new world — a world that reminds us it's okay to not be okay. A sentiment shared throughout our year with Baptist Health Richmond. Through your generosity, we invite you to join us in an evening of commitment and celebration... It is our honor to announce a historic five year $250,000 commitment to the Thrive Center here at Baptist Health," 2022 PACA co-chair Madison Pergrem announced during the event.