Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi hosts 25th Annual Bacchus Ball

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – The Jackson Country Club was packed Saturday night for the 25th annual Bacchus Ball hosted by the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi, bringing a fun night of celebration with a Mardi Gras twist.

“It’s so much fun as a Louisiana native. I am really blessed to be able to bring a part of Mardi Gras from Louisiana and the coast of Mississippi to Jackson for a really great cause,” Public Relations and Special Event Coordinator Faith Ruchti said.

Established in 1984 by the late Warren and Elsie Hood, the DFM Bacchus Ball has grown each year bringing awareness to the disease.

The event offered all things from Creole cuisines to live music and even a silent auction.

The ball helps ensure the foundation can continue providing care for every family affected by both type 1 and type 2 diabetes in Mississippi.

“All money raised stays in Mississippi for Mississippians. Mississippi is number two in the United States for diabetes, and so, we get out their and raise awareness whether it’s through walks, health fairs, [or] church fairs. Anything like that is really like the main goal. We are able to do that through our smaller events, but also, making sure people are aware of the risks of diabetes, the signs and symptoms, and complications because diabetes is a silent killer,” Ruchti said.

Every dollar raised by the foundation at its various events stays in Mississippi and supports educational and medical assistance programs for adults and kids facing this disease in the state.

“Being parents of five kids, we understand how financially stressful it is, especially with a medical disability like diabetes, to handle that stress and emotional burden. And so, to be able to relieve parents a little bit of that worry, it’s a blessing to us,” 2025 Bacchus Chair Heather Ward said.

You can click here if you would like to get involved or donate to the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi.

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