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(From left) Event committee co-chairs Eric Dunphy and Matt Salmon; UMass Memorial Health Care President and CEO Eric W. Dickson; Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito; Gov. Charlie Baker; and UMMS Chancellor Michael F. Collins |
The eighth annual Winter Ball hit a major milestone on Friday, Dec. 2, raising more than $1 million for UMass Medical School and UMass Memorial Medical Center. That figure includes nearly $250,000 for the Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (CANDO) Clinic, the designated Fund-A-Need at the event. It is the largest amount ever raised for the Fund-A-Need, and is being matched by an anonymous donor.
Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito were among the 400 community members who attended the celebration. Overall, the event has raised nearly $6 million since its inception.
“It is amazing how people from our community—the corporate community and individuals—have come together to support our institutions,” said Chancellor Michael F. Collins. “Together, we are committed to caring for those in great need, educating future caregivers and scientists, and undertaking groundbreaking biomedical research. We are grateful to have the support of our community in support of these missions.”
“What a phenomenal accomplishment and validation of the wonderful relationship between our academic medical center and the communities we serve,” said Eric Dickson, MD, president and CEO of UMass Memorial Health Care. “I want to thank our Winter Ball sponsors and patrons—this historic night would not be possible without their support. I also want to commend our co-chairs and staff for putting on such a memorable event. We have an important mission in helping to improve the health and well-being of our communities. Funds raised through the Winter Ball play an important role in that mission.”
The CANDO Clinic, a collaborative effort of UMass Medical School and UMass Memorial, specializes in the diagnosis and interdisciplinary treatment of mental health and neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly complex cases. The funds raised at the 2016 event will support the clinic in its efforts to alleviate the burden of mental illness on children and families.
Gifts to support the Winter Ball and/or the Fund-a-Need are still being accepted at www.umassmed.edu/give-to-Winter-Ball.
Related media coverage:
MassLive: Seen@ The UMass Medical Center 8th Annual Winter Ball in Worcester
Boston Globe: UMass Winter Ball raises $1 million
