Ingalls Development Foundation hosted its 50th Annual Benefit Gala – A Centennial Celebration, featuring special guest, Diana Ross on Saturday, September 9th. The event kicked off the centennial celebration of UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial Hospital with nearly 900 guests at the Tinley Park Convention Center. The evening began with guests walking the red carpet and entering the Ingalls Speakeasy for live jazz and blues, photos, drinks and hors d’oeuvres.
Honorary Gala Committee chairs, Henry and LeNita Johnson, welcomed guests and led the charge to support Emergency Room medicine. Michael Antoniades, Interim President, raised a glass of champagne (sponsored by Alvarez and Marsal) to the Centennial Anniversary of UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial in the Chicago Southland. He was followed by Saif Nazir, MD, Chairman, Emergency Medicine, UChicago Medicine Ingalls Medical Staff, representing the Ingalls Medical Staff and president Engin Yilmaz.
The second part of the evening featured remarks from Tom Jackiewicz, President, University of Chicago Health System and Mark E. Anderson, MD, PhD, Dean and EVP for Medical Affairs, The University of Chicago. Both noted the rich history and essential role Ingalls plays in bringing access to healthcare to the communities we serve. A lively Paddle Raise followed the remarks to support emergency room renovations. Dr. Bernie Heilicser, Director of South County’s EMS Service, and Karen Stanford, Director of Emergency Medicine shared the importance of renovating UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial’s front door, the emergency department waiting room.
The evening culminated with a dazzling performance by Diana Ross. Guests danced and sang the night away as Ross performed some of her greatest hits throughout her career. Two costume changes later, guests were still up dancing to songs from the Supremes, Lady Sings the Blues and from her new album.
The Ingalls Development Foundation is grateful to all the sponsors, underwriters, attendees who purchased tickets, community leaders, and volunteers for making the Benefit Show Gala a success!
