Health Science Center Foundation plans 10th Annual SUNY Health Science Center Gala Dec. 5
The State University of New York Health Science Center's 10th Annual Gala, sponsored by the Health Science Center Foundation will be held Saturday, Dec. 5 at the Radisson Plaza-Hotel Syracuse. The event will launch the planning of a new state-of-the-art learning facility for future generations of medical students, in order to further the successful programs of the Health Science Center that create is cutting edge environment. The annual gala is an opportunity for the community to come together to celebrate the work of this region's world class academic health center.
Gala guests can "dance 'til midnight" to the sounds of The Mario DeSantis Orchestra in the Persian Terrace, and the show band Prime Time in the Imperial Ballroom. A new addition this year will include Dick Ford at the piano in the Hotel Syracuse lobby. This year's menu of hors d'oeuvres and desserts will highlight "festive foods from around the world," featuring fare from the Mediterranean region, the Middle East, Africa, the Far East and the Americas.
Co-chairs for this year's gala are Dr. Robert M. Kellman, chairman of the Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Services and his wife, Dr. Jessie Shayevitz-Kellman, and Melanie and Paul deLima. Melanie deLima is a director on the HSC Foundation Board and a past president of the HSC Auxiliary. A special tribute to nationally known neurosurgeon and educator Dr. Robert King and his wife, Molly, will precede the event for supporters of the pre-gala Patron Party.
Volunteers who help make this event successful include the Gala Steering Committee comprised of HSC Auxilians, hospital and department staff and Foundation board members. They contribute with event planning, invitation stuffing and decorations. Support from the business community is an integral part of the gala.
A new feature this year is a raffle for Gala tickets, available at the University Hospital Gift Shop for $5 per chance. For three weeks in November, a new drawing has been held for a pair of tickets to the black tie event. Winners have included a 4th year medical student and an employee in the Department of Medicine. The final drawing is November 20. A total of 6 tickets will be drawn, at a value of $380 per pair.
Although the Health Science Center is a part of the SUNY system, less than 18 percent of its annual budget comes from New York State. The remainder is dependent upon patient care and fund-raising revenue.
Last year the HSC Foundation welcomed nearly 1,200 people and raised more than $240,000 for academic enrichment programs like the Health Information Center, a resource that benefits students, the medical community, and the community-at-large.
To purchase donor or sponsor tickets to the 10th Annual Health Science Center Gala, or to learn about other volunteer or giving opportunities to the HSC Foundation, please contact the HSC Foundation at 464-4416