The Twenties came roaring back on Saturday evening as Methodist Hospitals hosted the Great Gatsby Gala at Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana. Featuring fine dining, 20s-inspired music, and silent auctions, Methodist Hospitals and its community of supporters came together to raise funds for the Methodist Hospitals Foundation.
The Gala is one of Methodist’s marquee events, serving as both a fundraiser and an opportunity to recognize individuals and groups that have made major contributions to the organization. Michael Puente, WBEZ Chicago radio reporter and Region native served as Emcee for the evening, and began the program by inviting Methodist Hospitals President & CEO Matt Doyle to address the crowd.
“I’m looking forward to a fantastic evening celebrating our hospital system, the foundation, and all the folks that support our organization,” Doyle said. “Last year, at this gala, we celebrated our 100th anniversary. This year, we’re celebrating the first year of our next century of service as a hospital to the communities we serve in Northwest Indiana. We’re here to deliver high-quality care and services to those in need – this is our mission.”
Doyle noted that the funds being raised at the gala will power critical programs for the Methodist Hospitals. One of the highlighted initiatives was the Sexual Trauma Awareness & Recovery (STAR) Center, a secure, private facility that provides medical and forensic services to victims of violence.
“We’re a small but mighty group that’s united in purpose with the hospital board and administration,” said Heather McCarthy, President of Methodist Hospitals Foundation Board. “Confronting these challenges requires solidarity. With our relentless dedication and commitment to the hospital, we are helping to maintain and strengthen existing programs while new ones are being created – fueled by your support, for which we are tremendously grateful.”
Methodist also took the opportunity to thank a number of organizations for their support by presenting them with trophies, including the United States Steel Corporation – Gary Works. Dan Killeen, Vice President, offered a few words of gratitude.
“The one thing I want to leave everyone with is an understanding of how important Methodist Hospitals is to our institution,” he said. “At United States Steel Gary Works, they are our first provider of care. When we have something unfortunate happen, that hospital is there for us day in and day out, 24 hours a day. This entity has to stay in this great city of Gary.”
Calumet Township Trustee Kimberly Robinson echoed similar thoughts and praised the community for turning out in such strong numbers to celebrate Methodist.
“26 years ago I had my son at Methodist Hospitals in Gary, and ever since then, it’s been great. It’s the hospital of our community,” she said. “It’s very community-oriented, even beyond simply being a great hospital. It’s exciting to see it receive this kind of support because it means these people believe in Methodist just as much as I do, and that makes me proud.”
Methodist honored one of its biggest, most long-term supporters, Mamon Powers, Jr., by presenting him with the inaugural Methodist Hospitals Champion Medal. Powers, who has served on Methodist’s board of directors, finance committee, and on the board of the Methodist Foundation, currently serves as a Life Advisory member to the hospitals’ board.
Powers remains deeply committed to preserving Methodist’s presence in Gary, and Doyle noted that the organization would not be where it is today without his guidance. Powers, in his comments, shared his gratitude - and explained his belief in the immense positive impact Methodist has on the Region.
“While I’ve been asked to accept this award, I do so on behalf of all the great physicians, administrators, and board members of Methodist Hospitals that work so tirelessly to bring quality healthcare to the people of Northwest Indiana,” he said. “Thank you for this honor, and thank you for being here for me.”
To learn more about Methodist Hospitals, visit methodisthospitals.org.
