The 2nd Annual Hospital Gala hosted by Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation (SMHF) was held at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota on January 12th. The sold out event of 700 guests raised more than $1.2 million in support of Sarasota Memorial Hospital Cardiac Services.

“For the second year in a row, the Sarasota Community came together to support SMH in such a magnificent way,” said SMHF President Mason Ayres. “This year, proceeds will go directly to cardiac services ensuring that SMH will continue to offer the most comprehensive and advanced cardiovascular services in the region.”

In 2018, the hospital’s heart team performed 1,015 surgeries and more than 6,000 catheter-based procedures. As the local population grows, the demand for the hospital’s high-quality cardiac care, advanced equipment and innovative technology is increasing as well.

“We are grateful to the Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation for hosting this wonderful event to benefit Sarasota Memorial and the patients we serve,” said Sarasota Memorial President and CEO David Verinder. “Thanks to the community’s ongoing support, Sarasota Memorial has long been a pioneer and leader in providing the most effective cardiac treatments and technology, and will continue delivering the highest level of care for years to come.”

Northern Trust was the event’s Premier Sponsor. Ambulance Sponsors were Ambitrans Medical Services, Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, Ariane Dart, FLAD Architects, Louis & Gloria M. Flanzer Philanthropic Foundation Trust, Joel and Gail Morganroth, Sunset Automotive Group, Eric and Doreen Spiegel, Thomas and Ann Wierdsma.