The Winter Ball warms hearts with generous giving 
December 15, 2011
The third annual Winter Ball proved to be bigger and better than ever this year, with more attendees, more sponsors and more sponsorship money raised to support research and patient care at UMass Medical School and UMass Memorial Medical Center. Approximately 350 people attended the gala at Mechanics Hall on Friday, Dec. 9.
“This year’s Winter Ball was the best yet, both in terms of participation and amount of funds raised for UMass Medical School and UMass Memorial Medical Center,” said Mike Tsotsis, who co-chaired the Winter Ball Steering Committee with Dave Brunelle. “It was a dynamic evening that showcased tremendous support for these two institutions and the vital work they do for our communities.”
Nearly $130,000 was raised for this year’s Fund-a-Need project, which will fund Family Comfort Packages for patients and families in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at UMass Memorial Children’s Medical Center. Family Comfort Packages may include bedside sleeper chair/sofas, adjustable stools, lamps, rocking chairs, care team update boards and artwork in each room; DVD/CD player, noise-reducing headphones and sleep masks for patients and parents; parking vouchers, phone cards, a parent paging system and electronic care plan; a blanket warmer for the unit; new furniture in family lounge and sleep area; and construction of a bathroom for each room.
See the video shown at the event that shows how the combined academic health sciences center is making a difference in the health of Central Massachusetts residents, and one family in particular.