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Eighth annual Winter Ball raises record amount
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Eighth annual Winter Ball raises record amount

Black-tie gala surpasses $1 million fundraising goal

The Winter Ball, the premier fundraising gala supporting the mission of the academic medical center formed by UMass Chan Medical School and UMass Memorial Medical Center, achieved a major milestone on Friday, Dec. 2, 2016. Bolstered by a record amount in sponsorship dollars, the eighth annual black-tie event raised more than $1 million.

Including this year’s record amount, the total monies raised by the event is nearly $6 million. Event proceeds are generated from corporate sponsorships—which hit a record high, totaling more than $437,000—silent and live auctions, a fund-a-need auction segment and individual ticket sales.

Governor Charlie Baker, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito and Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty along with 400 community members were on hand at historic Mechanics Hall for the celebration.

“It is amazing how people from our community—the corporate community and individuals—have come together to support our institutions,” said Michael F. Collins, MD, chancellor of UMass Chan Medical School and senior vice president for the health sciences for the University of Massachusetts. “Together, we are committed to caring for those in great need, educating future caregivers and scientists, and undertaking groundbreaking biomedical research. We are grateful to have the backing of our community in support of these missions.”

“What a phenomenal accomplishment and validation of the wonderful relationship between our academic medical center and the communities we serve,” said Eric Dickson, MD, president and CEO of UMass Memorial Health Care. “I want to thank our Winter Ball sponsors and patrons, as this historic night would not be possible without their support. I also want to commend our co-chairs and staff for putting on such a memorable event. We have an important mission in helping to improve the health and well-being of our communities. Funds raised through the Winter Ball play an important role in that mission.”

Nearly $250,000 was raised for the Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (CANDO) Clinic, which was the beneficiary of the Fund-a-Need segment of the live auction this year. It is the highest amount for a Fund-a-Need recipient in the history of the Winter Ball, and will be matched by an anonymous donor.

The CANDO Clinic is a collaborative effort by UMass Chan Medical School and UMass Memorial that specializes in the diagnosis and interdisciplinary treatment of mental health and neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly complex cases.

 

Related links:

Boston Globe: UMass Winter Ball raises $1 million

Worcester Business Journal: UMass Memorial raises $1M at black tie ball

MassLive: Seen@ The UMass Chan Center 8th Annual Winter Ball in Worcester