Spring Gala Raises $70,000

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Spring Gala Raises $70,000

There were a record number of physicians in attendance at the recently held 13th annual North Baldwin Infirmary Foundation Spring Gala. Included in the mix were 350 healthcare-conscious community members who applauded and supported the Foundation’s fundraising efforts to help purchase the newest state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment – digital mammography.

Raising $70,000, the gala was a celebration of the phenomenal improvements in health care for the north Baldwin community and surrounding areas.

The evening began with a social hour and silent auction of more than 130 items from fine art, home décor, food and dining to outdoor gear and trips.

John T. Renz, M.D. of Radiologists P.C., a digital mammography researcher, was the evening’s featured speaker. Dr. Renz described digital mammography as a “superior nature of equipment.” He explained that it allows images to be displayed on a computer screen like a digital camera.

“Digital mammography gives the radiologist a better view to detect breast cancer early,” Dr. Renz said, “and using a computer system the images can be brightened, lightened or magnified for more accurate results.”

The mammography service at North Baldwin Infirmary has increased by over 25 percent in patient volume this year, which indicates a growing interest in breast cancer awareness. That alone gives the Foundation purpose to advance women services for the hospital.

Elisabeth Duryea, North Baldwin Infirmary Foundation president, said in her opening remarks that she wants women healthier and alive. “The Foundation’s goal is to provide the best possible care for all our citizens,” Duryea said.

After dinner the Don Lewis Orchestra performed – inspiring some guest to dance. The event finale, conducted by Robert A. Wills, Sr., was a loud auction on select items such as round-trip airline tickets to any destination in the U.S. donated by Rhonda and Chuck Stevens and a weekend turkey or deer hunt donated by Pepsi Cola Bottling of Atmore & South Alabama Vending.

“We received more support this year than ever before from our community members with their generous monetary donations and attendance,” Katherine Wills, gala chairwoman said. “It was a great gala thanks to the auction and sponsorship committees’ dedicated time and efforts.”

North Baldwin Infirmary Auxiliary was the title sponsor and over 50 businesses and individuals contributed to the advancement of health care on other levels of sponsorship.

The event was held at the John F. Rhodes Civic Center.