A Night of Success
Presenting sponsor of the 2011 Gala was AMEWAS, Inc., President and CEO of AMEWAS, Inc., Chuck Jeffries, accepted the sponsor’s plaque from the chairperson of the event, Micheline Lopez-Estrada.
The 24th Annual Medstar St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation Gala held Nov. 18 at the Hollywood Social Hall, brought in $170,000 to go toward the Foundation’s scholarship program, as well as hospital capital projects and equipment. This year’s theme was A Night at the Museum and the hall became a place where museum statues and artwork came to life.
“The success of the Foundation’s annual Gala fundraising event is the result of the tremendous support we receive from this community. We appreciate the contributions made by numerous local businesses, individuals and our hospital community, without which our Gala would not be the significant event it is,” said Micheline Lopez-Estrada, the 2011 Gala chairperson. “Community members were involved in this year’s event more than ever and it gave all of us extra creative energy,” she said.
Several of Southern Maryland’s most prominent businesses, medical professionals and local organizations sponsored the evening’s festivities, which featured delicious cuisine from renowned caterer Ken Upton. Music was provided by Highway Star. Special thanks and appreciation goes to AMEWAS, Inc. as the Presenting sponsor of the event. Premiere sponsors were Associates in Radiation Medicine; iLuMinA Solutions Inc; ManTech Systems Engineering Corporation; and Wyle. The Diamond sponsors included MedStar Health; MEP, your partner in emergency care; Shah Associates, M.D., LLC, and Whitten Laser Eye.
Guests followed the red carpet into one of the most appealing black tie events sponsored by the Foundation, walking past metal dinosaur sculptures on loan from Mike Schwartz of Mike’s Bikes. As they entered the social hall, guests stepped into a replica of a museum foyer created by graphic design students at the Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center. Beautiful banners of famous paintings, complete with sponsors’ names, graced the social hall. The historical figures of Sakajawea, Teddy Roosevelt and Amelia Earhart were portrayed by volunteer actors from The Newtowne Players, and graceful and unique Ikebana centerpieces designed by Casey Page and Molly Ridgell adorned the dining tables.
St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation Board members engaged support for the annual event from numerous individuals, organizations and businesses throughout the county.
Recognition and thanks also go to the following for their support: Patuxent River NAS Color Guard; Rick’s Jewelers; Chesapeake Trophy; International Beverage; and Blue Wind Gourmet.
Attendees purchased chances that put them in the running for a chance to win one of three exquisite prizes. The original oil painting by artist M. Jane Rowe was won by Paula and Rick Tepel; the LASIK eye surgery from Whitten Laser Eye went to Doran Upton; and the winner of an exquisite diamond and tanzanite pendant generously donated by Blair’s Jewelry and Gifts was Lori Tribino.
To date, the Foundation’s scholarship program has made awards to over 100 students pursuing education in nursing and allied health, ensuring a qualified healthcare workforce today and for the future. Funds raised by the foundation also provide support for capital expansion projects, physician recruitment and medical equipment.
Next year will be the silver anniversary of the Foundation’s Gala. The 25th anniversary event will be held Nov. 16 2012, during St. Mary’s Hospital’s centennial year.
Source: St. Mary’s Hospital
