Southwestern Vermont Health Care’s Summer Gala Raises $250,000

The Summer Gala—the Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC) Foundation’s signature fundraising event and the region’s most elegant charity occasion—was held on the evening of June 8 at the Hubbell Homestead in Bennington. The event hosted more than 300 people and raised $250,000, of which nearly $220,000 will support advancements in breast imaging for early detection of breast cancer.

“SVHC makes extraordinary investments to ensure the best patient care,” said Leslie Keefe, SVHC’s vice president for Corporate Development. “It is so gratifying to feel that same level of support echoed among our valued community partners through participation in the Putnam Challenge and enthusiastic sponsorship of this exciting event.”

The Summer Gala’s Title Sponsors include Mack Molding, Richard & Pamela Ader Foundation, and Walker S. and Nancy F. Kimball. Similarly instrumental in the event’s success was The Summer Gala Committee, a group of 12 which included Co-Chairs Cathy Brady and Carol Patterson.

“We cannot overstate our gratitude for the generous support from our Title Sponsors and committee members,” Keefe said. “The event would not be possible without them.”

The evening’s highlights included the presentation of the Vision Award for Physician Leadership to Dr. Nancy Scattergood and the Sean L. Casey Distinguished Community Service Award to the SVHC Auxiliary. In honor of the Auxiliary’s 100th anniversary, Maxine Linehan, internationally renowned vocalist, enraptured the crowd with a tremendous performance. Guests also enjoyed a cocktail hour, a $10,000 cash raffle, a live auction of priceless items from all-inclusive international travel to a classic convertible, dinner, and dancing.

Additional presenting sponsors include 1768 Hubbell Homestead, The Inn at Manchester, John and Deborah Larkin, Mazzone Catering, The Rowley Agency, Drs. Charles Salem and Sarah Dahl, SVMC Orthopedics, and TD Bank, N. A. Lead sponsors included The Bank of Bennington; Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health; Jacobs Law Offices, LLC; Medline Foundation and Medline Industries, Inc.; People’s United Bank;  and Radiology Associates of Bennington.

Supporting sponsors include Bayada Home Health Care; The Bennington Banner; Berkshire Bank; Mr. and Mrs. Roby Harrington, III; MSK Engineering & Design; SageView Advisory Group, LLC; and Trane. Hosts of the event include 802 Restrooms; All Service Citgo LLC; Ben Benedict & Heidi Humphrey; BKD CPAs & Advisors; Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan, Inc.;  Downs Raclin Martin PLLC; Elm Street Market; EQX Construction Company, Inc.; Garfunkel Wild, P.C.; Scott Seidel & Diane Cardinal-Seidel; Vermont Mill Properties, Inc.; and VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region. Nearly 40 businesses supported by making donations to the live auction and second, third, and fourth raffle prizes.

“To each and every one of our sponsors and donors, we offer sincere thanks,” Keefe said. “We are deeply grateful for their extraordinary show of support for our mission to provide exceptional care to the people of our communities.”

For more information about the event and to participate in the 2020 Summer Gala, visit svhealthcare.org/summergala or contact the foundation office at (802) 447-5017.