John C. Fremont Hospital Foundation’s annual Black and White Ball is just around the corner. The ball will be held on Saturday, Nov. 7 at the Mariposa County Fairgrounds. “A Night on the Orient Express” is this year’s theme.

“Our committee has been busy preparing for the ball. It will be filled with glamour, intrigue, surprises, and fun. We have terrific raffle items and live auction items, a fabulous meal based on the menu from the first journey of the Orient Express, catered by Yosemite Catering, and a wonderful band. Our patrons are sure to be delighted with the entire evening,” said Ruth Shane, foundation president.

Even those who can’t attend the Black and White Ball can help the hospital foundation by purchasing raffle tickets for some great prizes. This year there are 11 baskets filled with a variety of great items. The baskets are each named after a city that the Orient Express stopped at through the journey.

Each basket is valued at $250 and more, up to an oriental design queen size quilt valued at $1,500. Raffle tickets are $5 each or five tickets for $20. Purchasers choose which of the baskets they would like to be in the running for. For raffle tickets call Oralee Phillips at 966-2740.

Ball tickets are $75 each and are available now from Michael Faglade’s office at 5102 Highway 140, Suite A, and from the hospital’s billing office (for credit card purchases), located at the back of the hospital. For additional information, call Lorna Coci at 966-3631, ext. 247.