| Save the Date:
Our 21st annual Gala is set for Saturday, October 18, 2008.
Presenting Sponsor:
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2007 Recap: Gala trumps fundraising record, yet again
More than 930 people bought tickets to Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong’s 20th anniversary Gala on Saturday night, Oct. 20, helping the fundraiser net the highest amount ever in its two decade history – $570,000!
The funds were raised through a combination of ticket sales, silent and live auctions, and wish list items to support programs such as the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Child Life.
Guests, snazzy in black-tie finery, were treated to an event that sprawled across two hangars at USAirports on Scottsville Road. A special burst of anniversary fireworks right before dinner lent extra sparkle to the evening. Nik and the Nice Guys provided music after dinner, along with surprise talent – surgeons, board members and hospital staff who had been honing their singing voices for that very night!
Local businessman Howie Jacobson, chair of the children’s hospital’s board of directors, and also chair of this year’s Gala extravaganza, acted as the auctioneer for the night. Sculptures depicting 15 of mascot Sandy Strong’s cartoon friends – fashioned by metal artist Paul Knoblauch, whose bright, whimsical butterflies, fish and kites already adorn hallways in the children’s hospital – sold for $3,500 each. The biggest-draw live-auction items – a trip to Italy and a BEARS cedar log playground play set – sold for $8,500 apiece.
For their generous support, kind thanks are extended to presenting sponsor, ESL Federal Credit Union, together with special 20th Anniversary Sponsors, The Cabot Group, Palmer Foods, the William and Mildred Levine Foundation, TOPS Markets and Anthony J. Costello & Son, Inc.
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