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2012 Gala

Annual Fund for Medicine Gala Raises Nearly Half a Million Dollars to Fund Research at the School of Medicine

Monday, March 05, 2012

Dean Reece and his wife Sharon greet Governor Martin O'Malley
Dean Reece and his wife Sharon greet Governor Martin O'Malley, whose wife Katie was Honorary Chair of the gala.

Building Beyond Tomorrow was the theme of the 2012 Fund for Medicine Gala, held Saturday, March 3 at the Hilton Baltimore. “The School of Medicine conducts groundbreaking biomedical research, provides an innovative medical education, and delivers advanced care, making a difference in the lives of those we train, those we treat, and many others around the world, today and for generations to come,” said E. Albert Reece, MD, PhD, MBA, Vice President for Medical Affairs, University of Maryland, and the John Z. and Akiko K. Bowers Distinguished Professor and Dean of the School of Medicine.

“This year’s theme celebrates the innovators – the physicians, biomedical researchers and allied health professionals who are breaking boundaries and establishing Maryland as a medical powerhouse well beyond its borders,” added First Lady of Maryland Katie O’Malley, honorary chair of the event.

Among those innovators are the physicians and scientists here at the School of Medicine who are working in women’s and children’s health. Their work was spotlighted in a video shown to guests over dinner. “The University of Maryland School of Medicine has created a multi-disciplinary program that ensures a continuity of compassionate care from the first heartbeat, through childbirth, infancy, and beyond,” said Dean Reece. “These innovative and uniquely collaborative programs provide the most advanced treatment possible, providing hope for tomorrow, and making the miracles of medicine occur every day right here in Baltimore. Our team of specialists is sought after to provide consultation and care for the most complex and challenging cases, and we are excited to share these compelling stories with you.”

Following dinner and the program, the gala crowd of nearly 1000 guests was once again entertained by the sweet sounds of Mood Swings, lead by psychiatrist Jack Vaeth, Class of 1992. Gordon Feinblatt kindly sponsored the entertainment.

The gala raised nearly half a million dollars, money that will provide critical funding for both translational research and clinical initiatives at the School of Medicine. "It is with immense pride that I have witnessed the growth of our research enterprise," said Michael Cryor, Chairman of the School of Medicine Board of Visitors. "The School of Medicine has become a national leader in biomedical research, and its economic and health care impact is changing lives in profound ways. Speaking of economic impact, you should know that the School of Medicine continues to be an economic engine for Maryland. Together, the School of Medicine and the Medical System produce $5 billion in annual economic activity for our State and our region."

Recognizing the importance of the School of Medicine to Maryland, we had many wonderful sponsors step up to support this year’s gala. The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company was once again the presenting sponsor of this event. Platinum Sponsors were PNC Bank, the University of Maryland Medical System and the Law Offices of Peter Angelos. Silver sponsors were Baker Hostetler, LLP; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Carlucci; Kelly Benefit Strategies; Mercy Medical Health Services; M&T Bank; and University of Maryland Faculty Physicians, Inc. Bronze sponsors were the Banks Contracting Company, Inc. ; BD Diagnostics; Bevel Design; Mahogany, Inc.; MedStar Health; the University of Maryland Baltimore Foundation, Inc.; and the University System of Maryland Foundation, Inc.

To make your own gift to the School of Medicine, click here.

2012 Photo Gallery

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First Lady of Maryland Katie O'Malley.

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Our students show off their glamorous side.

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The lovely Knipp family, including Board of Visitors member Harry Knipp, MD, Class of 1976 (in red tie) and his son David, a second-year student (in tux, on the far left).

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Former Chair of the Board of Visitors, Mel Sharoky, MD, Class of 1976, with his wife Alexias.

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 Chairman of the Board of Visitors Michael Cryor and his wife with Dr. Stephen Bartlett and his daughter.

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UMB President Dr. Jay Perman (far left) and Board of Visitors member Kenneth Banks (far right), catch up with other supporters of the School of Medicine.