With its annual Autumn Splendor event, the Union County Health Care Foundation is trying to raise money for equipment that will help both patients and physicians at Wallace Thomson Hospital.

“Shag Night 2009” featuring The Fantastic Shakers, will be held Oct. 17 beginning at 6 p.m. at the Union National Guard Armory. There will be live and silent auctions and heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served. Dress for the event is business casual. Tickets are $30 until Oct. 9, then the cost will be $35. Tickets may also be purchased at the door. $15 of the cost is tax-deductible; 100 percent of the money goes to the Health Care Foundation project to help purchase a Picture Archiving and Communications System (PACS) for the hospital.

“This technology will allow the Radiology Department to eliminate traditional X-ray film processing, resulting in reduced cost, test times and quicker access to both images and reports by primary care physicians,” said Catherine M. Childers, executive director of the Union County Health Care Foundation. “Digital studies allow physicians quicker access to vital diagnostic studies when immediate decisions are critical.”

The Health Care Foundation has pledged $250,000 toward the PACS project; approximately $100,000 of that has been raised.

Auction items donated so far include pottery donated by B.F. Kennedy from the collection of his late wife, Myrna; a vacation at a DeBordieu Island beach house; a botox treatment, an Ipod; Two Sisters Floral Christmas items; a gift bag from Nonie’s; a Yankee Candle basket; four Carolina Panthers tickets; a guitar; braces; monogrammed items; Clemson/Florida State tickets; Carolina/Florida tickets; a wine and cheese basket; a portrait package and custom framing by Sight & Sound Photography; Premier Jewelry Set by jewelry consultant Nikki Harris; a framed print; a deer feeder; opalescence tooth whitening system; barbecue for 20 people from Midway Barbecue; two scrapbook supply baskets; a hair care basket; a long weekend at Hilton Head Resort and Beach Club; two six-month memberships at the Union YMCA; a hand-crafted rustic table; and an antique typewriter.

Platinum Corporate Sponsors ($2,000) to date include the City of Union/PMPA. Gold Sponsors ($1,000) are Carolinas Healthcare System, B.F. Kennedy Jr. and the Switzer Foundation. Silver Sponsors ($500) include Holcombe Funeral Home. Bronze Sponsors ($250) include Dr. John Baarcke, DDS. Member Sponsors ($100) include State Rep. Mike Anthony, Dairi-O, Denton Gas, Freeman Gas, Henderson Plumbing & Mechanical Contractors, Lockhart Power, New Horizon Realty, Palmetto Drug Inc., Old Timey Car Wash, Dr. Richard Poole, Buddy and Gene Smith, The Jeter Stores-NAPA Auto Parts, Tire & Auto Service of Union, Total Care/Home Health, a Gentiva Company, Union County Development Board, Union Family Pharmacy, Union Oil Mill, Dr. Talmadge Wilkins, DDS; and Wingo’s Tire Center.

(Those wanting to purchase tickets, or who would like to be a sponsor or donate and auction item may call 429-2466.)