Event Pics: My Big Fat Italian Gala

The Good Samaritans 32nd Annual Gala -- My Big Fat Italian Gala -- raised $500,000 to benefit the development of the Good Samaritan Hospital Concussion Management Program. Proceeds will enable the purchase of the most advanced, state-of-the-art equipment to perform nationally recognized concussion testing methods to increase diagnostic capability for local youth. The program will serve athletes in elementary school, high school, select sports and college. The event supported Good Samaritan Free Health Center and the Medical Education Research Fund. 

More that 630 supporters of Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation gathered at the Hyatt Regency, Cincinnati in the Regency Ballroom. Guests enjoyed a cocktail reception followed by a gourmet Italian dinner. Following dinner, guests donned blinking hats, sunglasses, bracelets and rings to dance the night away to the music of The Number One Party Band from Nashville. When taking a rest from the dance floor, guests were treated to a limonchello bar, late night pizza and a gelato bar, along with activities such as Create Your Own Chef Hat adn Apron, Palm Readers and Green Screen Photography Booth to commemorate the evening. 

God Samaritan Hospital Medical and Dental Staff generously underwrote the musical entertainment. Other corporate sponsors included: AK Steel Corporation, Fifth Third -- Obstetrics Division. These substantial underwriting and sponsorship donations had a considerable impact on the fundraising efforts for this annual event. 

The Good Samaritans is a dedicated volunteer organization of Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation and includes members with ties to the medical and business community. The Good Samaritans have raised $7.3 million in their history. This year's Gala Chairman was Cindy Rodrigues and her Co-Chairman was Sarah Klein. They worked diligently with other Gala committee volunteers and with physician champion Emily Dixon, DO.