Gala 2011
More than $300,000 to benefit hospital and new cancer care center
Date: 11/23/2011
Thanks to the generosity of the community Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Needham raised more than $300,000 at its annual Gala on Friday, November 18. Funds raised will go toward building a
new cancer care center being built by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center to consolidate its west suburban cancer services into a new, comprehensive center in Needham. The building is also slated to include an advanced surgical suite.
Needham residents Kim and Michael Lombard and Krista and Steve Vanourny co-chaired the hospital’s 13th annual Gala. “There was a lot of excitement in the room, “said Steve Vanourny, co-chair and member of the hospital’s board of trustees. “I think everyone felt a sense of purpose and a great appreciation for what BID-Needham really contributes to the community.”
One of the most touching moments of the evening was a short documentary with cancer patients. Their emotional testimonials highlighted the advantages of receiving advanced cancer care close to home. (
click to see video).
“People realized that raising money for the new cancer center and surgical suite would benefit themselves, their families and their friends in the area,” commented Michael Lombard, co-chair and member of the hospital’s board of trustees. “To be able to provide advanced surgery and cancer care in a community setting provides the easy access to health care that everyone deserves.”
The cancer center is slated to open in the spring of 2014. Groundbreaking for the proposed, three-story, 30,000-square foot, approximately $20 million building at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Needham is scheduled for the spring of 2012, pending all state and local approvals. JACA Architects of Quincy has been selected for the design.
“I am impressed with the community’s strong commitment to making sure our hospital continues to grow in such important ways,” said BID-Needham President and CEO John Fogarty. “Funds raised at the Gala, including generous sponsorships, will help make this new center a reality.”
For the third year in a row, Briarwood Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center was the Title Sponsor of the hospital Gala at $25,000. The Lead Sponsors for the event at $10, 000 were Petrini Corporation and Beth Israel Deaconess HealthCare.
