WELLSTAR FOUNDATION ANNUAL GALA RAISES MORE THAN $350,000 FOR FIGHT AGAINST CANCERSome of the memorable moments are captured here, but if you wish to view all photos, please go to http://kreativtouch.com/proofing/login.php?gid=35 and use the password "wellstar".
During a special evening featuring cancer survivors, fighters and supporters, more than 600 people attended the WellStar Foundation 16th Annual Gala on Saturday, April 20th at the Cobb Galleria. In the past 4 years, the WellStar Foundation Gala has raised almost $1.5 million dollars to fight two diseases that impact Georgians more than any other-- cardiac disease and cancer. The 2013 Gridiron Gala, featuring several Atlanta Falcons’ players and cheerleaders, raised more than $350,000 for WellStar’s A Campaign Today for More Tomorrows, which will further transform cancer care in our community.
“The evening’s fun and excitement was surpassed only by the generosity of those in attendance,” said Tracey Atwater, president of the WellStar Foundation. “Funds raised that evening will make a huge difference in the lives of many, many patients of WellStar.”
The following awards were presented:
Gala Chair Award:
Kim Gresh of S.A. White Oil Company has been the Chair of the Gala for 15 of the past 16 years.
Distinguished Service Award:
Carole Kell. (The establishment of the Corky Kell Early Lung Cancer Detection Fund was announced at the Gala.)
Honored Physician:
William "Bill" Mayfield, M.D. (He has received national recognition of his work from the Lung Cancer Alliance for his leadership within the International Early Lung Cancer Action Program (I-ELCAP), a lung cancer screening collaborative program that involved use of low-dose CT scanning.)
Honored Patient:
Kathy DeJoseph. Kathy went through all phases of screening, detection, treatment, and surgery in the WellStar STAT Clinic with Dr. Mayfield. Kathy now volunteers at the STAT Clinics of both Cobb and Kennestone Hospital. She is a welcome face for patients who need help and encouragement.
Atlanta Falcons in Attendance were presented with an Award:
Corey Peters (Defensive Tackle) and Matt Bosher (Punter).
WellStar’s A Campaign Today for More Tomorrows seeks to align all cancer services under one roof, ensure that WellStar physicians are involved in the latest research with the most up-to-date technology, provide needed patient and family support services and patient assistance, and expand its early detection programs.
Local sports radio and television personality Chuck Oliver served as the evening’s master of ceremonies, and the evening included live and silent auctions, a drum line performance and music and dancing.
The WellStar Foundation Annual Grand Gala raises support and awareness to help WellStar Health System achieve its vision of delivering world-class healthcare. For more information on WellStar’s A Campaign Today for More Tomorrows, please visit www.wellstar.org/moretomorrows.
Presenting Sponsor
Northwest Georgia Oncology
Beverage Sponsor
United Distributors
Red Zone Sponsor
S.A. White Oil Company
Half Time Sponsor
Georgia Cancer Specialists
Scoreboard Sponsor
Art Plumbing, Batchelor & Kimball, Inglett & Stubbs
Sideline Pass Sponsor
Bank of America
Quarterback Club Sponsors
Bank of North Georgia
Aflac
Tailgaters Club
ApolloMD
Brasfield & Gorrie General Contractors
CDH Partners, Inc.
Coca-Cola Refreshments, Inc.
Cumberland Diamond Exchange
Genuine Parts Company
MetroAtlanta Ambulance Service
Presidio
Sunbelt Printing and Graphics
Richardson Technology Solutions
UBS
Wells Fargo