BEAUFORT MEMORIAL FOUNDATION
Brings “La Dolce Vita” for Valentine Ball 2026
story by EMMA JUNE GROSSKOPF photos by CHARLOTTE BERKELEY
The 37th Beaufort Memorial Foundation Valentine Ball is just two months away, so mark your calendars and dust off those dancing shoes!
On Saturday, February 7, 2026, Tabby Place in downtown Beaufort will once again host the night’s festivities, which have become a mainstay in the community for the impact on local healthcare, providing tens of millions of dollars in support of critical projects at Beaufort Memorial in the 36-year history.
The 2026 Ball promises to continue its legacy of offering guests a memorable evening and a meaningful way to support the mission of the Beaufort Memorial Foundation.
Co-chairing the ball are Dr. Louis Plzak III and Ms. Ashley Wilson, and Mr. and Mrs. Chris and Jessica Egan.
“We are so excited to announce the co-chairs for the 2026 Valentine Ball. These couples both share a deep passion for the mission and vision of Beaufort Memorial,” said Kim Yawn, Beaufort Memorial Foundation Chief Development Officer. “Their connection to the community, Beaufort Memorial and the Foundation will be a guiding force as they lead the Ball into a new chapter this year.”
Dr. Plzak serves as a urologist with Beaufort Memorial Urology Specialists, while Jessica Egan is the Practice Operations Administrator for Beaufort Memorial Physician Partners following her role as Director of AccessHealth of the Lowcountry. They are excited to play an integral role in this year’s Valentine Ball fundraising efforts.
“This event’s impact goes beyond just one night. It’s about investing in the health of our community,” Egan said. “The Valentine Ball is a beautiful example of what can happen when a community comes together for a shared mission, and we are proud to help lead that effort as co-chairs this year.”
The 2026 Ball will see some notable, exciting changes, but one thing remains the same: It’s an event that unites the community to support the future of healthcare here in the Lowcountry.
“Beaufort Memorial is growing, expanding its reach, capabilities and access to care throughout the region,” Dr. Plzak said. “The Valentine Ball and the Beaufort Memorial Foundation’s mission ensure more services and more lives are touched through the exceptional, compassionate, lifesaving care that this organization provides to all of its patients when they need it most.”
GIVING THAT GOES BEYOND
The Vision Campaign is a comprehensive campaign dedicated to the mission of Beaufort Memorial through three essential pillars: expanding access to quality healthcare, establishing innovative healthcare delivery systems and growing a strong workforce.
All funds raised by the Foundation for the Ball will directly support the Vision Campaign and these three pillars. The 2025 Ball also raised funds for the ongoing campaign, bringing in $243,000 for the expansion, innovation and workforce development of the community health organization.
“Beaufort Memorial is focused on smart growth, and we’re dedicated to reimagining how healthcare is delivered in the Lowcountry through our innovative partnerships and skilled, compassionate workforce,” said Beaufort Memorial CEO Russell Baxley. “Expanding access means meeting people where they are, and this organization is committed to this community and doing just that.”
There are major expansion projects underway across the Lowcountry bearing the teal banner of Beaufort Memorial, most notably the construction of the 28-bed, $103 million Beaufort Memorial Bluffton Community Hospital on the corner of Buckwalter and Bluffton Parkways.
And in Beaufort this fall, the hospital’s newly renovated angiography suite opened its doors, while this month, the organization opened its Crisis Stabilization Unit in the Pratt Emergency Center, further expanding access to safe, compassionate care for those experiencing a psychiatric emergency.
A key focus area for the nonprofit community hospital system has been its growing workforce. While Beaufort Memorial stepped into the childcare realm during the COVID-19 pandemic with its now on-campus Learning Center, affordable housing for healthcare workers was next.
LiveWell Terrace by BMH, a 120-unit affordable workforce housing project, will see construction begin in Bluffton by the end of this year, just up the road from the new Bluffton Community Hospital.
One of Beaufort Memorial’s core values, innovation drives the organization’s mission and vision for the future. Strategic partnerships with the Beaufort County School District as well as local higher education institutions like the Technical College of the Lowcountry (TCL) and University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB) are two examples of innovative partnerships that strengthen the healthcare workforce and the organization for future generations.
Beaufort Memorial is also embracing cutting-edge healthcare technology to enhance patient care and efficiency, evolving into what’s known as a “smart” hospital. One of the features currently bringing this technology into the forefront is the virtual inpatient services at the main hospital.
At the end of 2024, the Duke Endowment awarded the Beaufort Memorial Foundation $485,000 to support the associate costs of a two-year “virtual nursing” pilot program. These remote nurses (located in the hospital’s administrative building just across the street) don’t act as replacements for bedside nurses at the hospital, but rather as support to in-person staff, communicating with patients via a secure video call from their room.
“As a physician, I see firsthand how philanthropy transforms care at Beaufort Memorial,” Dr. Plzak said. “The Valentine Ball is a powerful example of that generosity in action. Every gift, every sponsorship, every moment shared at this event helps strengthen this growing health system and the patients we serve.”
NEW BEGINNINGS
Over the years, the Valentine Ball has had many changes, from venues and dates to a virtual event during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Through it all, this beloved tradition has thrived for almost four decades.
This year, the Foundation’s signature event will take a break from the pre-ball dinner parties as they look for ways to ensure the continued future success of the event. The 2026 event will feature a fresh format blending cherished tradition with new energy and unforgettable experiences.
The event this year will begin with cocktail hour at Tabby Place. Cocktail hour will begin at 7 p.m., and guests will be able to enjoy food stations, desserts and signature drinks inspired by this year’s theme, the Amalfi Coast. At 8 p.m., the dancing begins as high-energy party band MVP will take the stage.
In addition, the Wine Pull will invite guests to purchase a ticket for the chance to select a mystery bottle from a curated collection. Whether it’s a classic favorite or a hidden gem, guests are guaranteed a great bottle and a good time.
Adding even more sparkle, the “Bubbles and Bling” raffle will return. One lucky champagne coupe will hold a special piece of jewelry, while others brim with celebratory bubbles to toast the night.
Also returning in 2026 is the event’s ever-popular silent auction, launching two weeks before the Ball and closing on Feb. 8. It’s a perfect way for the entire community to take part in supporting Beaufort Memorial Foundation — whether attending the Ball or not — and perhaps taking home something special.
“For an event to thrive for nearly 40 years is truly remarkable, and evolution has been key to its continued success. While this year’s format may look a little different, the purpose of the Valentine Ball remains unchanged,” Yawn said. “It’s a celebration of generosity, community and our shared belief in the vital role of local healthcare.”
Mark your calendars — invitations to the Ball will be mailed out in mid-December.
