This year, I was invited by my mom and grandfather to attend the Harvest Ball, an annual gala hosted by Jefferson Einstein Hospital Group. This wasn’t just any invite; however, this was one I’d been wanting (begging) for as long as I can remember.

My grandparents sat on the board of Einstein Hospital Group for most of my childhood. My grandma was also president of the Women’s Auxiliary group, and now, my mom is part of the friends of Einstein program. With all of my family’s involvement came the invitation to celebrate the hospitals each year at the Harvest Ball. I have memories of my mom, dad and grandparents leaving the house in their most gorgeous gowns and suits, my siblings and me home with a babysitter.

This year, the gala was held at The Bellevue Hotel in Philadelphia, where they would celebrate all of the commitment many families and “legacies” make to the organization. This is why an invite was extended to myself and my siblings, as well as our significant others, for the first time. I was thrilled.

My sisters and I rented special gowns for the event and enjoyed getting ready together, just like I remember my mom doing growing up. The Bellevue was a perfect host for such an event with multiple event spaces for the celebration. One room for photos and raffles, another for food stations, and a beautiful ballroom for dinner and dancing. When it came time to honor the families who have been part of the organization for many years, tears came to my eyes when they called out “the Seskin family,” my mom’s maiden name. My boyfriend Christian even won one of the raffles for a round of golf at Philadelphia Cricket Club.

After dinner, everyone danced the Hora, a traditional Jewish song and dance. I met many doctors, employees and volunteers that pledge so much of their time and energy to the hospitals who go above and beyond in making patient care a priority.

I was proud to be there to represent my grandparents and hope to attend many more balls in the future, and one day attend as a part of their friends group, like my mom.

— Haley Fogarty, advertising manager