Rogers was aglow with tuxes, gowns and stars in December. But one particular star — country music performer Martina McBride — stole the show at the 15th annual celebration of Mercy Health Foundation of Northwest Arkansas’ Charity Ball.

The black tie event, labeled “O Night Divine,” was held at the John Q. Hammons Center and drew 1,100 people. The event included a social hour, dinner and live auction. The silent auction from previous years was removed from the agenda to create a more social event, says Linda Phillips, Mercy Health Foundation’s major gift coordinator.

The live auction, which featured trips to the presidential inauguration, Napa Valley, New York and other places, was a huge success, says Phillips. The trip to President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration in Washington, D.C., went for more than $10,000.

When it was time to kick up their heels, guests danced the night away to the music of Martina McBride, who donated her time to the Mercy Charity Ball.

The money raised benefits Mercy’s charity care, which provides for patients who do not have health insurance, and helps to buy new equipment.