MGH Institute shatters fundraising records at Annual Scholarship Gala

MGH Institute of Health Professions shattered fundraising records at its 4^th Annual Scholarship Gala, raising $425,000 at the October 28, 2010 event.

“It's a strong indication that they value the education we provide to help alleviate the shortage of health care professionals. We are extremely grateful for their support.”

More than 360 people attended the dinner, held at the Park Plaza Hotel. The final tally bested the school's previous record by 39%. It included $54,000 pledged by audience members during a live auction.

Proceeds from the Gala fund scholarships for students in nursing, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, and medical imaging who attend Boston's health sciences graduate school.

"The mission of the MGH Institute to educate the best health care leaders continues to resonate with people," said President Dr. Janis P. Bellack. "It's a strong indication that they value the education we provide to help alleviate the shortage of health care professionals. We are extremely grateful for their support."

Six individuals or organizations each underwrote scholarships for a currently enrolled student:

• Nancy and George Putman, who donated $50,000, were the Presenting Sponsors.
• Four Scholarship Champions, who each donated $25,000, were:
  CVS MinuteClinic, John Hancock Financial Services,
  Massachusetts General Hospital, and Dr. and Mrs. Charles A. Sanders.
• Oracle/Phase Forward, which donated $15,000, was a Scholarship Investor.

Massachusetts General Hospital Board of Trustees Chair Cathy E. Minehan served as the evening's Master of Ceremonies.

Ari Buchler, a technology advisor and MGH Institute Trustee, and Dr. Sanders' daughter, Trish Joyce, co-chaired the Gala Planning Committee.

Honorary co-chairs for the evening were George & Nancy Putnam (Mr. Putnam is former chairman and CEO of Putnam Investments), and MGH Institute Trustee and President Emerita of Radcliffe College, Dr. Matina S. Horner.

Enrollment at the MGH Institute broke the 1,000-student mark this September for the first time in its 34-year history. It is an 87% increase since the beginning of this decade, as the school has expanded existing programs and added new degrees in response to the country's shortage of health care professionals.