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Spring Gala raises over $50,000 for North Baldwin Infirmary

Andrew S. Edgar, M.D. prayed for “success in the entire sense of the word” in his invocation at the 14th annual North Baldwin Infirmary Foundation Spring Gala, the hospital’s premier annual fundraiser. By the end of the evening, the request was granted.

From left, Steve McMillan, among some of the state representatives attening the Foundation's biggest fundraiser of the year, is greeted by Bob Wills Sr., foundation board member, and Elisabeth Duryea, Foundation president.

Raising over $50,000, this year’s donors helped the Foundation complete its pledge for the purchase of a digital mammography unit.

“No one needs to go out of town,” said Foundation president Elisabeth Duryea in her welcome address, as she promoted the new line of women health services. “We’ll have it right here in Bay Minette.”

In addition to acquiring the new digital mammography unit, the Foundation will soon begin fulfilling its next project –the creating a palliative care suite, which involves renovating and modernizing adjoining rooms in the original hospital. The palliative care suite will allow families to be comfortably accommodated when a loved one is in the final stages of life. Marla Gleason, M.D., named honorary chair for the 2009 Spring Gala, proposed the idea.

Leaders from Infirmary Health System attend the North Baldwin Infirmary Foundation's Spring Gala. From left, Owen Bailey, executive vice-president of community and governmental affairs, and his wife, Genie; CEO Mark Nix and his wife, Wendy; and North Baldwin Infirmary administrator Wiliam McLaughlin and his wife, Theresa.

“The community really comes together to support the Foundation’s functions,” said William McLaughlin, administrator of North Baldwin Infirmary, during the program introductions.

McLaughlin recognized and thanked the physicians, the North Baldwin Infirmary board of directors, the North Baldwin Infirmary Auxiliary, Mayor Jamie Tillery, several city council members and state representatives, Infirmary Health System CEO Mark Nix, and Owen Bailey, Infirmary Health System executive vice-president of community and governmental affairs, for their attendance and ongoing support to the hospital.

Phyllis Helms, seated, served as gala chairwoman, and Lynn Biles served as auction co-chairwoman.

Phyllis Helms, gala committee chairwoman, organized the event along with Meghan Franklin, gala co-chairwoman; Wendy Smith, auction chairwoman; Lynn Biles, auction co-chairwoman; Myron Brogden, sponsorship chairman; and a host of other dedicated sub-committee members.

 “The committee’s goal was to indulge our 300 guests in an evening surrounded with elegance, from fine dining prepared by Classic City

Catering to the musical sounds of the Don Lewis Orchestra and an auction display of over 200 items available for bidding,” Helms said.

The event finale, emceed by Bob Wills Sr., was a loud auction on exclusive items such as a Tensaw Delta and Indian Mound tour, a one-week stay at the Palms in Orange Beach, tickets to the Elton John and Billy Joel concert in Nashville, Tenn. and a Persian Meshad Oriental rug.  

Thanks to all the sponsor contributions the gala was a success. The event was held March 21 at the John F. Rhodes Civic Center.

Title Sponsor

($10,000)

North Baldwin Infirmary Auxiliary

Diamond Sponsors

($2,500)

Radiologists, P.C., North Baldwin Infirmary Medical Staff, Baldwin Pole & Piling Co., United Bank,

First National Bank of Baldwin County

Platinum Sponsors

($1,500)

Gulf Packaging Company, Dr. Mark Crowell, Regions Bank,

Mr. and Mrs. Bob Wills Sr.

Gold Sponsors

($750)

Wachovia Bank, Gulf Coast Cancer Center

Silver Sponsors

($250)

Dr. Andrew Edgar, Helms & Associates, Bradley Land & Appraisal, RBC Bank, Bay Minette Kiwanis Club, Mark D. Ryan, P.C., Kubina, Hayles & Associates P.C., Myron and Linda Brodgen; Elisabeth Duryea, Alabama Land Title, Wilkins, Bankster, Biles & Wynne, Stone, Granade & Crosby, P.C.