More money will now be pumped into Mizell Memorial Hospital and the Mizell Wellness Center, thanks to the monies raised at Thursday night’s annual gala.

The event, which was held at First Baptist Church, was nearly sold out.

Jana Wyatt, Mizell CEO, said rough estimates bring the total money raised to nearly $25,000, but more money could come in.

Last year, proceeds from the gala raised nearly $34,000, with a sold-out crowd.

“The gala is our biggest fundraiser of the year,” Wyatt said. “It is very much needed to support endeavors at the hospital such as the wellness center. This year we’ve updated radiology equipment at the hospital. It also allows us to purchase new hospital beds and mattresses. All these things go toward enhancing our services at Mizell, which is something we take great pride in.”

Foundation board president Jeff Worley encouraged those in attendance to use the local hospital, “not just when you have an emergency.”

“You can have tests and X-rays done here,” he said.

Worley said Mizell uses electronic records, which makes it simple to provide such information to physicians.

Comedian Bob Stromberg provided entertainment. Event goers were treated to a prime rib dinner severed by the Opp High School ambassadors, cheerleaders and student council members.

The gala was the eighth of its kind sponsored by the Mizell Memorial Hospital Foundation.