Since its inception, the Stoneybrook Gala and Steeplechase has been held to benefit important local causes. This year is no different.

The Stoneybrook Gala, to be held on March 27, the Saturday before the Steeplechase, will help support the Foundation of FirstHealth Cancer CARE Fund. The Stoneybrook steeplechase itself will take place Saturday April 3, at Carolina Horse Park.

“The Stoneybrook Gala and Steeplechase are an important part of the Sandhills history, dating back to the 1950s when the events were held at the Walsh’s farm on Youngs Road,” says Donna Verrilli, gala chairwoman. “The gala, which has always kicked off the steeplechase activities, originally supported St. Joseph’s of the Pines, then later supported the development of the Carolina Horse Park. Now it will also support another worthy local cause, the Foundation of FirstHealth Cancer CARE Fund.”

This year’s gala will be conveniently held at the Pinehurst Resort Member’s Club and will have a “Casablanca” theme. Although Bogie and Bergman will not be able to attend the event, there will be plenty of music, dancing, dining and a “casino.” The evening will begin at “Rick’s Café Americain” and proceed into the dining room where guests can enjoy a variety of food stations, including one serving food with a Moroccan flair.

The “casino” offers a broad variety of gaming including blackjack, poker, craps and roulette. “Even though we will be playing with fun-money, it will be a high stakes evening,” says Verrilli. “The real money will be raised through a silent auction of fabulous vacation getaways.”

“If you are interested in lying on a private beach in the Cayman Islands, or fly fishing in Montana or hiking in Beaver Creek, Colo., then you will be excited to be able to bid on one of these and other special vacations,” adds Jackie Garris, a veteran Stoneybrook Gala Committee member.

The Stoneybrook Gala is a fun, high-stakes evening, but most importantly the monies raised through the gala, the steeplechase and the Run for the Ribbons 5K/1K will help ensure the availability of the services provided by the Cancer CARE Fund.

“There are very few of us who have not been touched in some way, by cancer,” Verrilli says. “Stoneybrook’s partnership with the Foundation of FirstHealth Cancer CARE Fund will help to provide essential services for local cancer patients. I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”

To purchase tickets, to volunteer or to get more information on the gala, steeplechase and Run for the Ribbons, call (910) 875-2074, visit the Stoneybrook Web site at www.carolinahorsepark.com/stoneybrook, or stop by the Stoneybrook office at 115 Pennsylvania Ave., in downtown Southern Pines.

For more information on the Foundation of FirstHealth Cancer CARE Fund, visit www.firsthealth.org/foundation.

The 59th Annual Stoneybrook events are sponsored by the Carolina Horse Park, a nonprofit foundation that supports equine and open-space conservancy.

The Foundation of FirstHealth Cancer CARE Fund helps local cancer patients with medication, wigs, prostheses, transportation and other needs associated with their treatment.