Published: April 07, 2008 10:17 pm            

CRMC gala raises funds

The Cullman Regional Medical Center Foundation held its seventh annual gala Saturday evening at Terri Pines Country Club.

CRMC Foundation Guild member Betty Leeth Haynes was honored at the gala with the H.C. Arnold Humanitarian Award for the work she has done with the hospital over the years.

“I was at a loss for words when I found out about it,” said Haynes during her acceptance speech. “I am just so honored. It is such a pleasure to work with the people of this hospital.”

Dr. Lowell H. Clemmons was posthumously honored with an H.C. Arnold Humanitarian Award, as well.

Aside from acknowledging the humanitarian efforts of local citizens, the gala was also raising money for a good cause according to Jim Weidner, president and CEO of Cullman Regional Medical Center.

“All proceeds from tonight are going toward getting a stereotactic breast biopsy system for CRMC,” Weidner said. “The piece of equipment we are raising money for is the most accurate and least invasive technology you can use to perform a breast biopsy.”

To help raise money, the gala organizers charged $150 per ticket to attend the event and held a silent auction. Included in the auction were some original paintings and some autographed Alabama and Auburn football memorabilia, among other things.

“This entire event has very much been a community, volunteer-led effort,” said Darla West, director of the CRMC Foundation. “Everything for the silent auction was donated by people in the Cullman community, plus we sold around 265 tickets for tonight’s gala, which is definitely the best we have ever done.”

But, a stereotactic breast biopsy system does not come cheap, according to Mary Adams, a donor to the silent auction.

“We hope to raise a lot tonight, because it is definitely going to cost a lot,” Adams said.

“The piece of equipment we want to get is going to cost around $85,000; so that is the financial goal we are trying to reach,” Weidner said. “The community has come out in full force to support the hospital, and we really appreciate it.”

In case the gala failed to raise the $85,000 needed for the new equipment, the CRMC Foundation also has another fundraiser on the horizon that is going toward the cause.

“In addition to the funds raised by the gala, we also have a golf tournament coming up on May 13. The money raised by the golf tournament will also go toward getting the stereotactic breast biopsy system for the hospital,” Weidner said. “So, it is definitely a goal we are committed to reaching.”

The gala, which was called Gala VII, featured a “trip around the world” theme, according to honoree Betty Haynes. “We called it ‘Ready…Jet Set…Go’ this year, and featured food and décor from cultures around the globe,” Haynes said.

Designs By Grace provided catering for the gala, and the Male Men Show Band provided the musical entertainment.

        

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