BAY MINETTE, Ala. — Patrons of the 16th annual North Baldwin Infirmary Foundation Gala can expect an evening of masks and masquerade as Venetian Carnevale envelopes the John F. Rhodes Civic Center in Bay Minette.

The fundraiser, slated to begin at 5:30 p.m.  Saturday, April 2, will feature succulent Italian cuisine, “spectacular” items for both live and silent auction and live entertainment provided by Don Lewis, said gala chairwoman Elizabeth Strom.

“My goal is to create a fun-filled evening for everyone and raise as much money for the North Baldwin Infirmary Foundation as we can to support the hospital's efforts to provide the best and most advanced technological services to the citizens of the North Baldwin community,” Strom said.

Specifically, proceeds will be used toward the foundation’s purchase of an X-ray room for the emergency department with an eye toward improving both patient care and efficiency.

North Baldwin Infirmary spokeswoman Charlette Murphy said the needed equipment and set-up will cost approxmiately $300,000, and the foundation raised about one-fifth of that amount during the 2010 gala.

Prior to undertaking the crusade to add a radiology suite, the foundation’s most recent project was the 2009 acquisition of digital mammography equipment, Murphy said.

The black-tie-optional event typically attracts around 300 guests each year, and Strom said all indications are that the 2011 fundraiser will be well attended, with tickets available for purchase until Friday, April 1. Tickets are $125 per person.

According to its official website, the nonprofit foundation was formed in 1979 by a concerned group of citizens eager to provide “a mechanism which would enhance and expand the health care system in the northern parts of Baldwin County.”

Since that time, the foundation has served Bay Minette, Stockton, Stapleton and the surrounding communities by:

r Promoting North Baldwin Infirmary.

r Identifying areas of community needs in the health field, and channeling support toward meeting those needs.

r Promoting health care education in the area served by NBI, and encouraging the general public to “take an active role in determining the future of health care in their community.”

r Providing the framework for community involvement in the promotion of health care in northern Baldwin County.

To date, the foundation has not only assisted with the purchase of technological advances to improve patient care but has also assisted in the recruitment of physicians in a variety of specialties; helped expand emergency and ambulance services as well as outpatient clinics; developed successful health education programs; and supported the establishment if a nursing home.

“All of the committees and volunteers have worked extremely hard to make this year's gala successful and an event not to be missed,” Strom said.

As of press time, benefactor tables seating 10 were still available for $1,500, while patron tables seating eight were available for $1,200. Only those who purchase tables by Monday, however, will have their names listed in the program.

Reservations can be made with accompanying non-refundable check to the North Baldwin Infirmary Foundation, P.O. Box 1409, Bay Minette, AL  36507. For more information, call (251) 580-1740.