Courtesy Saratoga Hospital
The 35th annual summer gala for Saratoga Hospital raised $371,184, event officials said.
More than 1,080 people attended the summer event.
The annual gala is a major source of support for Saratoga Community Health Center, which provides primary care, dental and behavioral health services to the Saratoga community, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. This year, the center added addiction medicine services to address escalating needs in the region.
Of the total raised, about $320,000 will be directed to the health center.
Officials said a surprise $50,000 gift from Marylou Whitney and John Hendrickson, in honor of Dr. Joseph W. Bell, a surgeon at Saratoga Hospital and current president of the Saratoga Hospital Medical Group, will support surgical services at Saratoga Hospital. The gift was made in honor of Dr. Bell’s 50th birthday.
“Marylou Whitney and John Hendrickson continue to be steadfast and generous supporters of Saratoga Hospital,” said Angelo Calbone, president and CEO of Saratoga Hospital. “We were delighted when they approached us with the idea of recognizing Dr. Bell and his contributions to the hospital and to our community. The idea of celebrating his 50th birthday with this gift made it particularly special.”
The gala’s live auction opened with a brief tribute to Dr. Bell and recognition of Mrs. Whitney’s 35-year commitment to the summer gala, followed by a toast to all past gala chairs. Stephanie Collins and Jennifer Perry chaired the event. Whitney and Hendrickson served as honorary chairs.
More than 160 unique auction items donated by individuals and businesses were bid on at the gala, the result of months of preparation by the all-volunteer gala committee, officials said.
“It is incredibly gratifying to work with such a generous group of people, coming together to support such a valuable community asset,” said Jennifer Perry, co-chair of the gala. “I’m proud of our team, and proud of what we accomplished.”
This is the second year Perry co-chaired the event with Stephanie Collins.
“Working with the staff and providers at the health center is motivating,” said Collins. “The passion and commitment they make every day to provide meaningful healthcare to people in need is truly special to witness and be a part of again this year.”
Saratoga Community Health Center is located at 24 Hamilton St. For more information, visit saratogacommunityhealthcenter.org.