Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation’s Hospital Gala Goes Virtual Raising Over $900k

January 15, 2021 – Sarasota

The 4^th annual Hospital Gala hosted by Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation (SMHF) was held virtually at The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota on January 9^th.  The virtual event was streamed live to hundreds of guests raising just over $900,000 in support of Sarasota Memorial Hospital (SMH) frontline healthcare workers.

“For the first time in the Healthcare Foundation’s history, Sarasota’s premier fundraising event was broadcast live. We are so grateful and humbled by our incredible donor community who came together—virtually—to support SMH in such an amazing way,” said SMHF President Mason Ayres. “This year, proceeds will help support the courageous men and women whose compassion and dedication during the pandemic is testament to why SMH is ranked as one of the nation’s top hospitals.”

Healthcare Foundation President Mason Ayres, 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 The Royals.

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

2021 Hospital Gala Sponsors

Premier Sponsor: Northern Trust; Helicopter Sponsors: Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, Ariane Dart, Louis & Gloria Flanzer Philanthropic Trust, Jonathan & Michelle Mitchell – Mitchell Family Foundation, Sunset Automotive Group; Ambulance Sponsors:  Ambitrans Ambulance, Boscia Family Foundation – Donna and Jon Boscia, Douglas Jeep Chrysler Dodge Ram, FLAD Architects, Florida Cancer Specialists, Gilbane Building Company, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Arthur S. Karp Family Foundation, Barbara and Gary Rodkin, Sherloq Solutions, Shutts – Attorneys at Law, The Schleicher Family Foundation, Eric and Doreen Spiegel, Judith Zuckerberg Foundation.

Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation is the philanthropic partner that helps Sarasota Memorial Health Care System bring world-class healthcare to our community. For over 40 years, the Healthcare Foundation has provided grants to enhance patient care, facilities and technology, and support for ongoing clinical education and medical research. smhf.org