SVHC's Spirit of the Summer Gala Raises More Than $78,000

BENNINGTON, VT—August 1, 2020—The Spirit of the Summer Gala—an event designed to bring the Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC) community safely together in a virtual way—welcomed more than 400 attendees and raised more than $78,000 July 17 – 31, 2020.

“The Spirit of the Summer Gala was an incredible success by all measures,” said Leslie Keefe, the vice president of Corporate Development at SVHC. “It was so inspiring and just what the community needed at this time.”

The event included a video presentation from SVHC leaders and a concert by world-renowned vocalist Maxine Linehan. The event’s highlight was the debut of an original song Linehan and her husband, songwriter, and producer Andrew Koss wrote together. It is called “Stronger Together.” Written specifically for the event, the song honors of frontline healthcare workers locally and worldwide.

“This was a tremendous gift from these two exceptionally talented musicians,” said Leslie Keefe, vice president for Corporate Development at SVHC. “Against the odds, the song and Maxine’s performance made this year’s event every bit as special as the Galas of the past.”

The event finished with a fun and exciting playlist from media sponsor WEQX 102.7 FM, so virtual attendees could dance at home.

Virtual attendees were encouraged to order to-go meals from local restaurants on July 17, which supported the event with a percentage of the proceeds from event-related meals. Miller’s Toll in Bennington created a signature cocktail specifically for the event, and attendees who contributed $200 or more received a commemorative gift.  

Raffle winners included the following lucky attendees:

• $10,000 Cash: Patti Miller
• Fine Art Painting donated by George Van Hook: Robert Haley
• Pair of Apple Watches donated by Dr. and Mrs. Justin P. Salem: Sue Burns

All proceeds of the event benefit SVHC’s efforts toward continued readiness for and recovery from COVID-19.

“We owe very special thanks to our volunteer committee members, our incredibly generous sponsors, and each and every attendee,” Keefe said. “This health system is successful due, in large part, to the support it receives. We are so grateful.”

The Spirit of the Summer Gala Committee included Co-Chairs Carol Patterson and Christiana Salem, Suzanne Anair, Angela Bevin, Amy Dobson, Vicki Jerome, Caren McVicker, Jean Morris, Jessica O’Connell, Ginger Ritchie, Allison Rogge, and Janet Thibodeau.

Sponsors included Title Sponsors Mack Molding and the Richard and Pamela Ader Foundation; Presenting Sponsors The Bank of Bennington, Inn at Manchester, John and Deborah Larkin and The Rowley Agency; Lead Sponsors MSK Engineering and Design, Radiology Associates of Bennington, Roby Harrington III, and Trane; Supporting Sponsors At Home Senior Care, BKD CPAs and Advisors, CIGNA, Jon and Laurie Cohen, Hayden Plumbing and Heating, Inc., Chrissy and Jason Morrissey, rk MILES, Shaftsbury Insurance, and VNA Hospice of the Southwest Region; Host Sponsors Cooley Group and Four Chimneys Inn, Michael and Susan McKenna,  Dr. and Mrs. Scott Rogge, and Shaw’s of Manchester; and Media Sponsors CAT-TV and WEQX.

For information about the SVHC Foundation, including how to support the health of local communities, visit svhealthcare.org/support-us.

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.