Plans are being finalized for the Mizell Memorial Hospital Foundation’s ninth annual event in August. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are now available.

Dr. Jeff Worley, foundation president, said Friday the tradition of family fun benefiting local healthcare will continue.

Entertainment will be by the contemporary classical vocal group “Veritas,” a five-man vocal group trained by Roger Breland of Mobile College. Breland is an Opp High School graduate, Worley said.

“I believe you will thoroughly enjoy the evening, and I am certain you will be supporting a worthy cause,” Worley said. “The proceeds from the event are used for many different things. One of those is to support the Mizell Wellness Center. This year, we’re doing things a bit differently in that the proceeds will also be used to better services at the hospital.”

Worley said with a partnership with Dr. Brent McKinnley and Dr. Josh Driver, the foundation was able to purchase equipment that allows the doctors to perform cataract and other eye surgeries at the hospital.

“The foundation felt like that was a big benefit to our community, since most people needing that kind of care have to travel to Dothan,” Worley said.

“You are probably aware that these are difficult times for rural hospitals, and Mizell Memorial is no exception,” Worley said. “However, thanks to the help of our city, community and supporters like yourself we not only continue to offer quality healthcare but have been able to update equipment and services to stay on the cutting edge of today’s technological advances.”

Worley said the foundation has helped the hospital incorporate electronic records and added new digital x-ray machines, ultrasounds, ventilators, and IV pumps, as well as new beds and mattresses.

“While making these improvements we continue to provide compassionate healthcare to everyone seeking treatment, including $1.5 million of charity care this past year,” he said. “We intend to continue to be a viable and important part of our community by serving the needs of Opp and the surrounding area with quality healthcare and a commitment to improving customer service and patient satisfaction. And this event helps raise the funds needed to do that.”

The event will be held on Aug. 8, at 6:30 p.m. in the Opp First Baptist Church Fellowship Center. The hospital’s own chef, Mike Mullen, will again prepare a delicious meal for everyone’s enjoyment.

Sponsorships are available and include gala tickets and placement on the foundation’s Tree of Honor. Deadline is July 15.

As a non-profit, any donation to the MMH Foundation is tax-deductible.

Individual gala tickets are $50 each, with 80 percent of that qualifying as a tax deduction.

Reserved seating for groups is also available.

For more information, contact Worley at (334) 493-2825 or Cheryl Hampton at (334) 493-9112.

Tickets are available at Opp banks, the chamber of commerce and at the hospital switchboard.