SVHC's Summer Gala Raises Record Funds

BENNINGTON, VT—June 17, 2022—The Summer Gala—the Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC) Foundation’s signature fundraising event and the region’s most elegant charity occasion—was held for the first time in 2 years on the evening of June 11 at the Hubbell Homestead in Bennington. The event hosted more than 400 people and raised more than $450,000. This is the highest amount ever raised at an SVHC event. Funds raised will support the Vision 2020 project to renovate and expand the Emergency Department and  Regional Cancer Center.

“The outpouring of support for our hospital and the exceptional physicians, nurses, and staff was incredibly inspirational,” said SVHC’s Vice President of Corporate Development Leslie Keefe. “We all felt the enthusiasm generated by the tremendous generosity from the attendees and sponsors at this exciting and emotional event.”

A major highlight of the event included the presentation of the Vision Award for Physician Leadership to Dr. Michael Welther and the Sean L. Casey Distinguished Community Service Award to Tony and Jackie Marro.

“These individuals are very special and deserving of these coveted awards,” added Keefe. “It is due to their efforts that SVHC is successful.”

The event was organized by a dedicated group of volunteers working with the SVHC Foundation team. The committee included Suzanne Anair, Monique Geannelis, Vicki Jerome, Jean Morris, Elise Munsey, Jessica O’Connell, Carol Patterson, Ginger Ritchie, Allison Rogge, Rachel Rogge, and Janet Thibodeau.  

“The event was a major success due the committee’s efforts,” stated Leslie Keefe. “We are so thankful for their devotion to the healthcare system.”

The Summer Gala’s Title Sponsors included Allaire Health Services, Dartmouth Health, and Mack Molding Co. Similarly instrumental in the event’s success was The Summer Gala Committee, a group of 12 volunteers who participated in organizing the event.

Maxine Linehan, internationally renowned vocalist, opened the evening with a performance of “Stronger Together,” an original song by her and her husband Music Producer Andrew Koss, which was inspired by SVHC’s COVID pandemic slogan and the selfless dedication of healthcare workers worldwide.

Guests also enjoyed a cocktail hour; a raffle including a $10,000 first prize; a live auction of items including unique experiences and international and luxury travel; dinner; and dancing to The Refrigerators.

Presenting sponsors included 1768 Hubbell Homestead, the Richard and Pamela Ader Foundation, The Bank of Bennington, Kathy Fisher and Rocco Maggiotto, Monique and Peter Geannelis, John and Deborah Larkin, Montucky Cold Snacks, and The Rogge Family. Angela and Chris Bevin; Coggins Auto of Bennington; Hayden Plumbing and Heating, Inc.; Lavallee Brensinger Architects; Nixon Peabody, LLP; People’s United, a division of M&T Bank; The Rowley Agency; Radiology Associates of Bennington; and Trane supported the event as lead sponsors.

“The Summer Gala sponsors and donors were immensely supportive,” Keefe said. “We are deeply grateful for their extraordinary commitment to our mission of exceptional care and comfort for the people we serve.”

For more information about the event and to participate in the 2023 Summer Gala, visit svhealthcare.org/summergala or contact the foundation office at (802) 447-5017.

About SVHC:
Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC) is a comprehensive, preeminent, healthcare 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.

Southwestern Vermont Health Care is among the most lauded small rural health systems in the nation. It is the recipient of the American Hospital Association’s 2020 Rural Hospital Leadership Award. In addition, SVMC ranked fourth nationwide for the value of care it provides by the Lown Institute Hospital Index in 2020 and is a five-time recipient of the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet® recognition for nursing excellence. The health system is fortunate to have the support of platinum-level corporate sponsor Mack Molding Co., a leading supplier of contract manufacturing services and injection molded plastic parts based in Arlington, VT.

Southwestern Vermont Medical Center provides exceptional care without discriminating on the basis of an individual’s age, race, ethnicity, religion, culture, language, physical or mental disability, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. Language assistance services, free of charge, are available at 1-800-367-9559.