MedCentral Hospice is gearing up for its Midsummer's Night Gala, an evening of dining, dancing and entertainment. The event will be held July 30 at the Mid-Ohio Conference Center in Mansfield.

MedCentral Hospice director Marte Griffith said the fundraiser allows MedCentral Hospice to continue to provide end of life care to patients in Richland County and surrounding counties. Griffith said MedCentral Hospice philosophy is we don't turn anyone away for inability to pay. She said MedCentral Hospice is committed to providing quality care to every patient in hospice.

Griffith said last year's event raised $72,000 and this year's goal is $100,000.

Griffith said this year's Grand Honorary Chairman is Judith Croghan, wife of Dr. Thomas Croghan, who was a patient of MedCentral Hospice.

The gala will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a social hour. Dinner by Ed Picken's Cafe on Main will be served at 7:45 p.m. and a live auction and dancing will follow. Tickets are $50 per person or $90 per couple.

MedCentral Hospice also is selling raffle tickets as part of the event. Only 400 tickets will be sold for the chance to win cash or an Ohio State football package featuring the season's most anticipated games.

The grand prize winner will receive either $7,500 or $2,500 plus an Ohio State football game package, with tickets for two to the Miami, Florida, Penn State and Michigan games with dinner and overnight accommodations in Columbus. The second prize winner will receive $1,500 and the third prize winner wil receive $1,000. You need not be present to win.

To purchase a raffle or event tickets call 419-520-2556 or stop by MedCentral Mansfield Hospital or MedCentral Shelby Hospital Cashier Department or the MedCentral Health & Fitness Center in Ontario.