27th annual Gala to Bring the "Jungle Boogie" with Kool & the Gang
The Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center will be transformed into a safari for the 27th annual Golisano Children’s Hospital Gala on Oct. 18. Hundreds of advocates for sick and injured children will gather for the jungle-themed fundraising affair, dedicated to advancing the future of pediatric care. Last year’s event raised $625,000 for the region’s only children’s hospital.
The Gala is the children’s hospital’s premier fundraising event. The evening, featuring a performance by the Rochester City Ballet and live music from international recording artists Kool & the Gang, will kick off its “celebration” with a cocktail hour and silent auction at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and a shortened live auction at 8 p.m.
While last year’s fund in need focused on outfitting the interior environment of the new hospital, this year’s is centered around an innovative patient monitoring system that will bring nurses and patients closer than ever before, all through the use of smartphones. The new system, known as the Safety Network Program, will allow nurses on every unit to do a variety of jobs, from ordering medications to checking in prescriptions to communicating with people on their teams. Most importantly, nurses will have access to patients’ data and will be able to quickly respond to their needs from wherever they are. Installing this system in the new building is just one of the exciting ways we are advancing our future.
Although attendees have enjoyed dancing to the live music of several different local bands over the years, having Kool & the Gang will bring a new and exciting element to the Gala. With soulful, jazzy hits like “Celebration,”“Jungle Boogie,” and “Get Down on It,” the group will be sure to keep supporters on their feet into the night.
“We are excited for Kool & the Gang to join us in supporting our patients and their families,” said Betsy Findlay, director of advancement, special events and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. “Having them as a part of the night will certainly change things up from previous years, making it more fun and special for our guests.”
This year’s honorary chairs are Mike Goonan and his wife Judy, both long-time friends of the children’s hospital who have contributed to the place of healing for a number of years. As a member of the University of Rochester Medical Center’s executive committee and the Chief Financial Officer of the institution, which includes Golisano Children’s Hospital, Mike has played an integral role in the hospital’s success for nearly 30 years. Mike has served on the children’s hospital board of directors for the last four years and also acts as the chair of the Golisano Children’s Hospital Golf Classic. In this role, he oversees many aspects of the annual event, including securing sponsors, coordinating with volunteers, and ensuring the success of the event overall.
“We are proud to continue to support the children’s hospital in any way we can,” Mike said. “As grandparents, we understand the significance of having Golisano Children’s Hospital in Rochester and hold it near and dear to our hearts.”
The Cabot Group has been the Gala’s presenting sponsor since 2008 when they made a commitment to act as the leading sponsor through 2018. Recognized as a 2010 Miracle Maker for Outstanding Commitment by a Corporation, The Cabot Group’s investment in the Gala ensures a successful event for years to come, as well as a bright future of medical care for our region’s children.
Tickets for the highly-anticipated evening are $200 per person. Sponsorships are also available starting at $2,500. For tickets, sponsorships, or to donate auction items, please contact Betsy Findlay, director of advancement, special events and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, at (585) 273-5933.