Hopefully lots of area residents will be gathering around their computer screens on the night of Feb. 5 to celebrate together, while remaining apart, and in the process raise money to support the vital mission of UnityPoint Health hospice services.

Of all the health care services available, hospice perhaps is the one that makes people the most squeamish. It forces them to confront death. But because terminal illnesses do occur, hospice is needed by patients and their families.

For 29 years, an annual ball has been held to help financially support local hospice services.

There will be a hospice ball this year, but there won’t be a lot of people in one big room for the gala. Instead, there will be smaller groups of people at homes throughout the community. This year the hospice ball will once again be a virtual event.

That’s why those computer screens will be the vital link in the virtual event that will be the 30th annual Hospice Ball which will begin at 6 p.m. Feb. 5.

The event will feature many of the same things that were highlights of the in-person versions of the ball. The 2022 Debbie Hofbauer Compassionate Care Giver Award will be presented. There will be a silent auction and a raffle. The dancing, however, will have to be at home.

Money raised during the ball will help pay for patient supplies and equipment, education materials, bereavement programs, and hospice volunteer training.

There is still time to get in on the action. To do so, visit unitypoint.org/foundation (Fort Dodge) or call the Foundation at (515) 574-6509. After purchasing a ticket, you will receive an access code via email. That code will be the gateway to what promises to be a fun, but non-traditional ball.

We encourage everyone to support the worthy cause of hospice care by participating in the virtual hospice ball.