Tabard Society ball raises $8,000 for charity

An elegantly decorated room overlooking downtown Philadelphia set the mood for the Tabard Society's third annual charity ball Thursday night. More than 125 couples attended in their tuxedos and formal dresses, raising nearly $8,000 for Living Beyond Breast Cancer, an organization founded in 1992 by Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania doctor Marissa Weiss. The group's primary focus is on educational conferences and workshops about women's health issues. Tabard continues its association with the charity throughout the year, according to Tabard member and College sophomore Tammy Francis. "Its not just a one-night thing," she said. Tabard President and College senior Sharna Goldseker reiterated that the Society's interaction with Living Beyond Breast Cancer is year-round. "This wasn't just about writing a check," she said. "We're going to help out at their conferences and really take a hands-on involvement with the group." Approximately 275 tickets were sold for the ball, which, combined with raffle tickets and outside contributions, should raise about $8,000 for the charity, according to Tabard member and College senior Dianne Irving. "You can tell that this is an issue people feel strongly about," she said. "The turnout was stronger than we had expected, and a lot of people bought tickets even when they knew that they wouldn't be able to attend." Most in attendance said they found the event meaningful. "This ball is a reflection of the people in Tabard, who we are, and where we want to go as a group," Goldseker said. "It means more to us than just a good time." "Great party," said College sophomore Elizabeth Baylor. "The fact that it's for charity makes it even cooler." A few feet away from the table filled with information about breast cancer, the smoke-filled bar was the biggest draw. The dance floor, except during the raffle drawing, remained largely deserted. "It's kind of ironic," observed College junior Mark Milstein. "You have cancer research on the one hand, and alcohol and cigarettes on the other. Fun party, though." Goldseker emphasized that the charity was selected because it "really stood out for the kind of quality work that it does." "It felt good, for us, to know that we helped make an impact for something we believe in," she added after the party.