SMHF Hospital Gala Raises More Than $1 Million at Virtual Event

January 12, 2022 – Sarasota

The 5^th annual Hospital Gala hosted by Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation (SMHF) was held virtually at The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota on Jan. 8. Drs. Joel and Gail Morganroth were Premier Sponsors of the virtual event that was streamed live to hundreds of guests, raising just over $1,100,000 in support of Sarasota Memorial Hospital (SMH) critical care services, including ER, Trauma, ICU and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). 

“For the second year in a row, Sarasota’s premier fundraising event was broadcast live. We are so grateful to our incredible donor community and sponsors who once again stepped forward—virtually—to support SMH in such an amazing way,” said SMHF President Mason Ayres. “Supporting critical care services is an expression of gratitude to all the men and women who continue to provide exceptional care for COVID patients and all other patients receiving life-saving care from the SMH team.”

Ayres, along with Gala Chair Ariane Dart and Sarasota Memorial Health Care System President and CEO David Verinder led viewers through an entertaining evening that included a mix of mission-focused speeches and videos, culminating in a virtual paddle raise and performance by C’Nergy.

“Philanthropy plays a critical role in SMH’s ability to deliver the very best care to the patients we serve—especially during this unprecedented time in our 95-year history,” said Sarasota Memorial President and CEO David Verinder. “We are so grateful to the Healthcare Foundation for hosting this remarkable event, where year after year, our generous community shows their unwavering support that is so reaffirming and critical to our success.”