Maxine Linehan to Debut Original Song at SVHC Virtual Charity Event

BENNINGTON, VT—July 8, 2020—The Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC) Foundation is excited to announce that world-renowned vocalist Maxine Linehan will debut an original song, entitled “Stronger Together,” by the singer and her husband, songwriter, and producer Andrew Koss, at the Spirit of the Summer Gala, a virtual charity event, scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday, July 17. The song is inspired by Southwestern Vermont Health Care’s clinical teams and all responders to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This is a tremendous gift from these two exceptionally talented musicians,” said Leslie Keefe, vice president for Corporate Development at SVHC. “So much about this year’s event is different than those in years past. Especially, with this addition to the program, we anticipate that this event will be as engaging as ever.” 

International concert and recording artist, Linehan has played to sold-out crowds at New York’s Lincoln Center and Paris’s famed Théâtre du Châtelet. She has been hailed as “fiercely talented” by the New York Times, “inspired” by USA Today, and “glorious” by The Huffington Post. She has produced two concert albums and one studio album, all highly acclaimed. For a complete professional bio, visit maxinelinehan.com.

“In a world that is often deeply divisive, it’s hard to find space for unity,” Linehan said. “But look no further than healthcare and music. Both are worlds where we can safely collaborate and create change. While we don’t save lives like the healthcare heroes, we believe music can lift the spirit and give hope. We hope this song inspires and motivates people, so we can turn pain into power and see the rainbows in the rain.”

Koss is the engineer and founder of The Studio at Strawberry Fields Lane in Manchester Center. In addition, he is a music producer and song writer with more than 20 years’ experience. He has worked with such artists as Alicia Keys, John Legend, and Liza Minnelli.

“When the world feels uncertain, unsure, unpredictable, and normalcy seems far out of reach, the arts have always been there to offer a calming voice, an outstretched hand, a way to reflect and unite those around us,” Koss said. “As we currently navigate our way through these challenging times, Maxine and I have been inspired and moved by all the people in our community who have worked so hard to keep everyone safe.  To all the healthcare providers who have risked everything to be there for all of us, we are indebted to your compassion, your strength, and your determination to see this through.  May this song help others find the strength to do their part and help us get through these challenging times.”

In addition to the debut, the program features insights from SVHC’s leaders, raffle drawings for more than $20,000 in prizes, and a special Spirit of the Summer Gala playlist by media sponsor WEQX. Those who make a donation in support of the Spirit of The Summer Gala will receive a link to the virtual experience. Virtual attendees will also receive a commemorative gift, a recipe for the evening’s signature cocktail, and a list of restaurants to patronize on July 17^th. All have generously agreed to donate a portion of purchased meals to the Spirit of the Summer Gala. Safe, social distanced gatherings are encouraged following local official ordinances.

Those who would like to attend should visit summergala.org for details. All proceeds of the event will benefit SVHC’s efforts toward continued readiness for and recovery from COVID-19.

This event would not be possible without Title Sponsors Mack Molding and the Richard and Pamela Ader Foundation; Presenting Sponsors Inn at Manchester, John and Deborah Larkin and The Bank of Bennington; Lead Sponsor Radiology Associates of Bennington; Supporting Sponsors BKD CPAs and Advisors, CIGNA, Jon and Laurie Cohen, and VNA Hospice of the Southwest Region; Host Sponsor Four Chimneys Inn; and Media Sponsors CAT-TV and WEQX.

“We are grateful to our generous sponsors and to Maxine and Andrew for their gifts of talent to this extraordinary event,” Keefe said. “It will certainly to be a night to remember.”

To learn more, sponsor, attend the Spirit of the Summer Gala, or purchase a raffle ticket, visit summergala.org. 

About:
Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC) is a comprehensive, preeminent, health care system providing exceptional, convenient, and affordable care to the communities of Bennington and Windham Counties of Vermont, eastern Rensselaer and Washington Counties of New York, and northern Berkshire County in Massachusetts. SVHC includes Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC), Southwestern Vermont Regional Cancer Center, the Centers for Living and Rehabilitation, and the SVHC Foundation. SVMC includes 25 primary and specialty care practices. For more information, visit svhealthcare.org