By Erica Techo
The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing Junior Board of Visitors is continuing their mission to support the future of nursing through scholarship and educational resources for UAB School of Nursing students with the 2021 No-Show Ball fundraiser, presented by VIVA Health, on Nov. 14.
This year’s event is virtual, featuring a hands-on cooking experience with James Beard Award winner Chef Chris Hastings, owner and executive chef of Birmingham’s Hot & Hot Fish Club and Ovenbird restaurants. It will also honor a special guest, longtime No-Show Ball supporter and UAB Health System CEO Will Ferniany, PhD.
No-Show Ball was created as an opportunity to support nursing students and enjoy a home-cooked meal, all from the comfort of your home. In 2020, the event moved to a virtual setting dure to COVID-19, shifting from pre-packed meals ready for the oven to a tote of ingredients and a virtual evening cooking in real-time with Hastings.
“No-Show Ball brings together a great experience, great food and a great cause, and this year we are so excited to have VIVA Health as our presenting sponsor and be able to honor Dr. Will Ferniany and pay tribute to his years of health care service to UAB and our community, as well as have the participation of Chef Chris Hastings for another year,” said JBOV Chair Frank Tomlinson.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, nurses are the front line of support for the community. Supporting nurses at this time is even more powerful, Ferniany said.
“Every year, the No-Show Ball provides an opportunity to support nurses and the future of nursing in our state. This year, your support is even more important,” Ferniany said. “As CEO of UAB Health System, I can tell you how dire the nursing situation is in Birmingham, our state and our nation. The nursing shortage is the number one limiting factor our hospitals face in offering vital services to help people in need. By supporting the No-Show Ball, you can make a difference.”
For individuals local to the Birmingham area, the No-Show Ball ticket option includes a tote of fresh ingredients, full meal preparation instructions and a virtual cooking class with Chef Hastings. There is also a second ticket option for individuals outside of the Birmingham area, which includes a full list of ingredients, a printable recipe card and a ticket to the virtual cooking class.
“The proceeds from No-Show Ball support nursing students through scholarships and educational resources that aid in training for our future nurses. As a UAB School of Nursing alumna I know how imperative these are,” said JBOV Co-Chair Molly Elliott, DNP, MSN, FNP-C (DNP 2018).
“You will not only help our future nurses and health system, but will have a great meal,” Ferniany added. “Your support will make a difference in the lives of nursing students as well as the future of medical care in Alabama.”
To order a ticket, go to uab.edu/noshowball.