Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation hosted its ninth annual Hospital Gala at The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota on Jan. 10 with over 650 guests. Breaking the previous Gala record, the event raised net proceeds of over $1.9 million to support the greatest needs at SMH.
The event featured SMH’s innovation, research and technology, and was hosted by the Healthcare Foundation’s Board of Trustees.
“Every year, the Hospital Gala brings together people who believe deeply in the future of healthcare in our region,” Healthcare Foundation president Stacey Corley said. “The generosity shown this evening helps ensure Sarasota Memorial can continue advancing innovation, research and patient care.”
The evening’s mission moment included a special video featuring some of the health system’s latest innovations, advanced technology, clinical research and the people who help SMH stay at the forefront of medical care. Concluding the event was a performance by The Royals and dancing.
“This remarkable outpouring of support reflects the trust our community places in Sarasota Memorial,” Sarasota Memorial Health Care System president and CEO David Verinder said. “They are visionaries who believe in the power of new ideas and the impact we can have on the future of medicine here and throughout the world. We are deeply grateful.”
The 2026 Hospital Gala sponsors included Jonathan and Michelle Mitchell/Joel and Gail Morganroth/Glenn and Jackie Tilton, Brian and Sheila Jellison Family Foundation, Terry and Tina Lundgren, Sunset Automotive Group, Ginny and Ravi Akhoury, Ambitrans Ambulance, Cathy and Frank Burzik, Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, Deb Kabinoff Fund/Jon and Libby Soderberg Family Fund, Doug Holder Family Fund, Robert and Anne Essner, Flad Architects, Josephine Kixmiller Charitable Fund at Gulf Coast Community Foundation, MITER Foundation, Barbara and Gary Rodkin, Dona and Sam Scott, and Bob and Angelia Wood.
Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation is the philanthropic partner that supports the Sarasota Memorial Health Care System. For 50 years, the Healthcare Foundation has provided Sarasota Memorial with support for patient care, facilities, technology, ongoing clinical education and medical research. For information, visit smhf.org.
Submitted by Ticia Mahler
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: SMH Hospital Gala raises $1.9 million for research and patient care
Reporting by Special to the Herald-Tribune / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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