By Stephanie Creech Hackett
For The Cincinnati Enquirer

Sister Eileen Wrobleski left) visits with chairwoman Cordelia Millikin and Tom and Nancy Urban (right). (Photos by Philip Groshong/The Cincinnati Enquirer)

Sue Kathman (left) greets State Rep. Catherine Barrett during the VIP cocktail reception at Mercy Health Partners' "Rhapsody in Blue."

Mercy Health Partners director of development Kim Martiny (left), celebrates with board chairman Larry Kyte and his wife, Margie Kyte, and senior vice president Ken Page.

The Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza was bathed in Hollywood-style spotlights. Screaming "paparazzi" greeted guests entering the hotel's grand Art Deco lobby.

Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" was the theme for this year's charity ball hosted by the Mercy Health Partners Foundation. Presented by the Mercy Franciscan Hospital Mount Airy Auxiliary, the black-tie evening began in the Continental Room, where VIP sponsors and patrons enjoyed cocktails and appetizers. Dinner followed in the Pavilion Caprice Ball Room, where dramatic table settings and the sounds of Gershwin whisked guests back to the 1930s.

The event drew nearly 700 guests, all dressed to dazzle in '30s style. Dance music was provided by some of Cincinnati's hottest bands, including the Royal Palm Orchestra, Soul Pocket and the Blue Chip Jazz Band.

This glamorous gala was chaired by Cordelia R. Millikin. Committee chairs included Suzanne Costandi, Pam Kinane, Adolf Olivas and William C. Wilks.

Net proceeds of $260,000 will benefit the outreach and social ministries programs of Mercy Health Partners in Hamilton, Butler and Clermont counties.