On the evening of Saturday, May 10, the Methodist Hospitals Foundation held its annual gala at the Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana in Gary. For more than two decades, this organization has secured funds to support Methodist Hospitals’ many services and programs, helping the hospital to fulfill its mission to provide high quality health care services to all those in need. The Methodist Hospitals Foundation has been holding the gala for more than 15 years, and as always, on May 10 was joined by the community, business leaders and staff for a dazzling evening. The annual gala serves as the Foundation’s primary special event fundraiser.
The theme of this year's gala was "An Evening in Paris" and nothing was held back as far as decorations were concerned. There was a French street café set, complete with a themed backdrop and a cast-iron table and set of chairs. To reflect Paris as a fashion center, many tables featured beautiful shoe-themed centerpieces, all of which were available for purchase. The Hard Rock Live stage featured a massive pink replica of the Eiffel Tower. A Paris-themed photo booth was set up for the attendees to enjoy as well.
Matt Doyle, President and CEO of Methodist Hospitals, says that the gala celebrates the hospital’s partnership with the community.
"I could not think of a better way for us to spend an evening together than this," Doyle said. "Although the theme of this event is ‘An Evening in Paris,’ my theme for the evening is partnership. Partnership is a key word for us at Methodist Hospitals. Methodist is a servant to the communities that we so proudly support and we would not be able to do that without our partners. Our organization is committed to never turning anyone away from our doors.”
Along the length of the Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana’s Jackson Family Tribute Gallery, the gala’s silent auction items were on display for attendees to peruse. The items were donated from organizations such as Innsbrook Country Club, Schepel Buick GMC, Gary SouthShore Railcats, Sage-Popovich at Gary/Chicago Airport, Sandy Pine Golf Club and Asparagus Restaurant. Also, among the items were gift baskets, autographed sports jerseys, and donated gift vouchers from businesses throughout the Region.
Heather McCarthy, Methodist Hospitals Foundation Board President believes the strong relationship between the Foundation and Methodist Hospitals is critical. .
“The solid partnership between the Methodist Hospitals Foundation Board and the board of Methodist Hospitals is wonderful,” McCarthy said. “This partnership has prepared us to handle the many challenges we face as we plan for tomorrow. Events like the gala have been successful because both of our boards possess the same clarity of purpose with a singular focus on service.”
Michael Puente, renowned WBEZ Chicago radio journalist and weekend news anchor, served as the gala’s master of ceremonies. The evening’s program featured an awards ceremony in which the gala’s leadership sponsors United States Steel Gary Works, Centier Bank, Methodist Hospitals Medical Staff, Shepherd Insurance LLC, and Superior Ambulance Service, were presented with crystal trophies in recognition of their generosity.
The evening’s highlight was the presentation of the Methodist Hospitals Champion Medal to William G. Braman. The Champion Medal was created to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the success of Methodist Hospitals.
Mr. Braman is a past chairman of Methodist Hospitals’ Board of Directors and was also closely involved with Methodist Hospitals’ Audit, Governance, Human Resources, Investment, Finance, and Planning committees. He served as the liaison between the board members and the hospital’s medical staff.
Robert Johnson, III, Methodist Hospitals Board Chairman, lauded Braman for all of the support has given Methodist Hospitals over the years.
“William Braman has been the consummate Methodist Hospitals partner,” Johnson said. “He is known as a business leader whose dedication to the community extends beyond the four walls of his office. Methodist Hospitals is most fortunate that he chose to make this organization his destination for volunteer leadership and we have appreciated every second of the time he’s given us. There has not been any aspect of our hospital that wasn’t somehow touched by him. He continues to serve as an advisor, mentor, and friend to the leadership of the Methodist Hospitals.”
Mamon Powers Jr., CEO and chairman of Powers & Sons Construction, was the recipient of the 2024 Methodist Hospitals Champion Medal and is a longtime friend of Braman. Powers joined Doyle, McCarthy, and Johnson on the stage to present Braman with the 2025 Methodist Hospitals Champion medal.
“It's both an honor and a privilege to be here tonight as the recipient of this esteemed award,” Braman said. “I'm filled with pride to be part of the remarkable legacy of Methodist Hospitals. The dedication, intelligence, integrity and compassion of its people are truly inspiring. Our medical staff is exceptional and our systems are second to none. They create an atmosphere of comfort that so many patients fondly remember. I've had the privilege of building meaningful relationships and lasting friendships during my time with Methodist Hospitals. For that, I am deeply grateful.”
Upon the award ceremony’s conclusion, the band Together had the attendees out on the dance floor grooving to covers of classic songs like Stevie Wonder’s “My Cherie Amour” and the Temptations’ “My Girl.”
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