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Thursday evening, Memorial Hospital and Manor held the 2024 Foundation Gala at the Simmons House at Greenwood Triangle.

After 15 years, the Foundation Gala was brought back to actively engage with the community. The Foundation Gala is a fundraiser for the hospital to buy equipment for the radiology division within the emergency department.

This is the first event that welcomed the new renovation to the Simmons House. Lesley Taylor and her team worked diligently for the event and they are eager to welcome back the Gala. She exclaimed, “Mom and I are so glad to host the comeback of the Foundation Gala at The Simmons House at Greenwood Triangle. It was a great kick-off to what we hope will continue to be a big fundraiser for our hospital!”

Guests were chauffered to the Simmons House by Brooks Hines, Taylor’s relative who works for her. Once arrived, the Simmons House grounds were majestic with a long paved driveway and lively green grass. The house was plastered with lights and fall pumpkin decorations laid on the stairway entrance.

It was a black tie event so many women dressed in floor-length gowns while men dressed in tuxedos. At 6:00  the doors were open, and many guests lined up and took photos in the living room. Alec and Doreen Poitevint were in attendance as presenting and band sponsor.

Outside the venue, it was cocktail hour. McKenzie Conder served drinks to guests. The Mainstream Band performed for the event. Memorial Hospital staff made, prepared, and served the food. Summer Confer was in charge of the silent auction event that was open from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The Silent Auction event consisted of 33 items that varied in artifacts and services that were donated from different businesses. Some of the items were: One standard oil change, G2C Handgun, an Art Deco glass bowl, $100 gift certificate, and many many more.

Jamie Sinko, Director of Development at the Memorial Hospital and Manor, welcomed the guest and gave recognition to the Foundation Board Members. Dr. Charles Walker, General Surgeon at the Memorial Hospital and Manor, blessed the food and dinner was served. Matt Palmer of Palmer Insurance Agency recognized the many sponsors who donated to the hospital and the community benefits of the foundation. Some of the sponsors that were recognized were New South Roofing, Inc., First National Bank, First Port City Bank, Bainbridge Pharmacy, Bank OZK, and Farm Credit, to name a few. Sinko expressed appreciation and enthusiasm for the many sponsors’ generosity to the hospital. She exclaimed, “The hospital is thankful to the foundation and community for the year-round commitment. We are thankful for Lesley Taylor and her team for everything they did to put the event together and make it such a wonderful night.”

Afterwards, the live auction began. There were five live auction items in the form of tickets, experiences, classes, packages, fine craftsmanship, and heartwarming gifts. A variety of people and businesses donated for the occasion.

As time passed by and everyone was full and merry, Glennie Bench, Board Chair of the Memorial Hospital, gave the closing remarks.

“This is the first time we’ve had a gala in 15 years and the response from the community was amazing,” she said. “The gala committee, the foundation board, and the support from the hospital authority, not to mention Lesley Taylor and her team with the venue made it a spectacular evening. The dining services did a great job with the meal. It was delicious and the desserts that were being passed around were amazing.”