WellStar Foundation gala raises $800k for trauma services

ATLANTA, Ga. (April 25, 2017) – The WellStar Foundation raised more than $800,000 during the first private event at The Coca-Cola Roxy Theatre in the Battery Atlanta adjacent to SunTrust Park. The Roxy was transformed from an open-space concert hall to an elegant 600-person ballroom where business leaders and community philanthropists across Georgia gathered for the annual philanthropic event benefiting vital trauma services for WellStar Health System.
The evening started with an exclusive on-field experience at SunTrust Park and the singing of the National Anthem by Cobb County native Zach Seabaugh, 2015 contestant on NBC show ‘The Voice.’ The baseball theme continued with a mid-program seventh inning stretch led by honorary chair Ryan Klesko, former Atlanta Brave and 1995 World Series Champion.Gary Miller, former president of the WellStar Health System Board of Trustees and president & CEO of GreyStone Power Corporation and Pete Quinones, WellStar Foundation board member and president & CEO of MetroAtlanta Ambulance Services served as Gala Host Committee co-chairs along with their wives Bonnie and Michelle.
“The opportunity to be among the first at The Roxy reaffirms the new partnership between WellStar and the Atlanta Braves,” said Miller and Quinones. “This event reiterates the impact both organizations have on the community, while bringing awareness to WellStar trauma services and helping WellStar expand on delivering world-class healthcare every day.”
Along with raising funds for WellStar trauma services, the Gala also honored influential WellStar supporters for their continued support of WellStar’s mission in delivering world-class healthcare close to home. Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle shared a personal message with the crowd about WellStar’s prestigious Visionary Leadership Award recipient Bob Prillaman.
2017 WellStar Foundation Honorees include: Bob Prillaman, Visionary Leadership Award; Dana and David Parks, M.D., Philanthropists of the Year; Tiffaney Barber and her therapy dogs, Volunteer of the Year; Tom Gearhard, M.D., Physician of the Year; Rishi Gupta, M.D., Physician of the Year; and Allison Christou, RN, Caregiver of the Year.
WellStar is the largest provider of trauma care in the state of Georgia. WellStar Atlanta Medical Center is a Level I Trauma Center, WellStar Kennestone Hospital is a Level II Trauma Center and WellStar North Fulton Hospital is a Level II Trauma Center and the first in Georgia verified by the American College of Surgeons. Proceeds from the event will further equip WellStar trauma centers with specialized medical technology, educational trainings, and valuable resources used to treat critical injuries 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
To learn more about the WellStar Foundation or to make a contribution to WellStar trauma services, visit wellstar.org/give or call 770-956-GIVE (4483).

About the WellStar Foundation
For more than 30 years, the WellStar Foundation has been at the forefront of securing life-saving resources for the WellStar Health System, the largest health system in Georgia. As a not-for profit, donations from individuals, businesses and community organizations are critical for WellStar to achieve world-class healthcare. The Foundation reinvests 100 percent of every dollar donated toward initiatives that advance the level of healthcare provided to WellStar communities through improved patient services and assistance for those in need. To learn more, visit wellstar.org/foundation or call 770-956-GIVE (4483).