'Gem of an Evening'

Features

Related Photos

Pete Vizza

October 31, 2005

Memorial auxiliary to host Winter Gala at Sunnehanna

By TOM LAVIS The Tribune-Democrat Mon Oct 31, 2005, 03:07 PM EST

There will be plenty of sparkle when the Memorial Medical Center auxiliary holds its Winter Gala on Nov. 19 at Sunnehanna Country Club in Westmont.

While patrons will add glitz to the black-tie-optional event, much of the glitter typifies the gala’s theme, which is “Gem of an Evening.”

“Anyone who purchases a ticket will automatically be eligible to win any number of pieces of beautiful jewelry,” said Mary Battaline of Upper Yoder Township, co-chairwoman of the annual fund-raising event.

Cost is $95 a person. The gala begins with a cocktail hour at 7.

Dinner is at 8, followed by dancing to the sounds of Flood City Brass.

Proceeds from the dinner-dance support the initiatives throughout Conemaugh Health System’s Office of Community Health.

Battaline and Kathy Masiello of Upper Yoder Township, also a co-chairwoman, are urging the community to attend not only to have a good time, but also to help a good cause.

“This is a great way to kick off the holiday season in style,” Masiello said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to get dressed up and get together for a worthy cause.”

The women said the Office of Community Health offers a variety of valuable programs.

“We are eager to contribute to these programs that directly impact the lives of the adults and children living in our community,” Battaline said.

Masiello said some of those enterprises are aimed at childhood obesity, injury prevention for children and the elderly, diabetes and screenings for lung and colon cancers.

Another initiative the auxiliary is undertaking is the establishment of a relaxation garden to be located at the John P. Murtha Neuroscience and Pain Institute in Richland Township.

The garden’s objective is to soothe and comfort those suffering from incurable diseases such as Parkinson’s, Lou Gehrig’s and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

The jewelry to be given away includes a diamond and emerald bracelet, ruby and diamond earrings, a sapphire and diamond ring, a men’s gold watch or a gold and amethyst pendant and chain.

“It will really add a fun element to the event,” Battaline said. “For those who want to buy a chance on the jewelry but do not attend the event, $5 tickets are available at the Little Shop at Memorial Medical Center.

“This year’s event is significant because it marks the first gala since Memorial Medical Center’s acquisition of Lee Regional,” said Kathy Gorzelsky of Westmont, auxiliary president. “We are urging physicians and employees from both campuses to come together for an evening of fun. But this event is not just for medical personnel, it is a community event.”

Gorzelsky stressed that the auxiliary is not a group of doctors’ wives.

“We have about 140 members who come from all walks of life,” Gorzelsky said. “The auxiliary is comprised of men and women who recognize the need to provide health service through grants that support many community programs.”

In the past 83 years, the auxiliary has raised more than $1 million to support programs and initiatives throughout the Conemaugh Health System.

Honorary co-chairpersons for the gala are Robert A. and Jeanne Gleason. Mr. Gleason is former chairman of the board at Memorial Medical Center.

Tickets can be obtained from the auxiliary office at 534-5985 or at the Little Shop.

Tom Lavis can be reached at 532-5054 or tlavis@tribdem.com.

Text Only | Photo Reprints

Features

All things afield at annual sportsmen's show
Folks who crave the great outdoors will have the chance to get a jump on their adventures by attending the 27th annual Allegheny Sport, Travel and Outdoor Show at the Monroeville Convention Center. The show, which runs from Feb. 15-19, is the only western Pennsylvania show dedicated to hunting, fishing and camping. It offers hundreds of exhibitors, dozens of live demonstrations and many seminars presented by experts in their fields of interest.

February 8, 2012
Venue of Merging Arts to host Slovak Mardi Gras
Slovak heritage will be the center of attention at an upcoming party. A Slovak Mardi Gras, or Fasiangy, will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Feb. 19 at Venue of Merging Arts, 305 Chestnut St. in the Cambria City section of Johnstown.

February 7, 2012
Go jump in a lake | Laurel Highlands Polar Plunge at Que to raise funds for Special Olympics
It takes a hearty soul to jump into a freezing Pennsylvania lake in February and pay money to do it. But that’s what organizers of the first official Laurel Highlands Polar Plunge are counting on. On Saturday, if people donate to Special Olympics of Pennsylvania, they can go jump in a lake.

February 6, 2012
Area high schools have scheduled spring shows
February 5, 2012
Tom Lavis | Coming unglued when trying to peel wallpaper
February 5, 2012
Westmont Hilltop High School has reached theatrical milestone
“The Pirates of Penzance” will mark Westmont Hilltop High School’s 50th year of presenting musical theater.

February 5, 2012
Curtains rising | Students acting out roles in spring productions
A variety of performances that promise to be entertaining are scheduled for area high school stages.

February 5, 2012 1 Photo
Tribute band to play best of Pink Floyd at War Memorial
This arena show will bring the lights and sounds of Pink Floyd. Brit Floyd, billed as the world’s greatest Pink Floyd show, will perform at 8 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Cambria County War Memorial Arena, 326 Napoleon St., Johnstown.

February 4, 2012
Religion in brief | Holy Trinity sets worship services
Worship services for Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 525 Main St., Berlin, will be held at 5:30 tonight and 9 a.m. Sunday, followed by Sunday school at 10:15.

February 4, 2012
Events | Slippery slide
The 36th annual World Championship Ice Racing Series will be held at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Cambria County War Memorial Arena, 326 Napoleon St., Johnstown.

February 3, 2012 1 Photo
More Features Headlines

Features

Search Results

Related Photos

'Gem of an Evening'

Memorial auxiliary to host Winter Gala at Sunnehanna

Did it bother you when British singer M.I.A. extended her middle finger during Madonna's halftime performance at the Super Bowl?

Contact Us