HOLYOKE MEDICAL CENTER TO HOST ANNUAL GALA

FEATURING THE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD & ACE AWARDS

HOLYOKE, MA – October 1, 2019 – Holyoke Medical Center will host its Annual Gala on Saturday, November 23, 2019 at the Log Cabin. All proceeds will benefit Valley Health Systems, which includes Holyoke Medical Center, Holyoke Medical Group, Holyoke VNA Hospice Life Care, and River Valley Counseling Center.

The Holyoke Medical Center Annual Gala will feature a complimentary cocktail reception, a seven-course chef’s dinner, each with its own wine pairing, a silent auction to support Valley Health Systems, award presentations, and dancing to music performed by The O-Tones.

Holyoke Medical Center has proudly selected M. Saleem Bajwa, MD of South Hadley to be honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding dedication and hard work on behalf of Holyoke Medical Center and the local community for over forty years.

“My motto is to provide state-of-the-art care close at home,” says M. Saleem Bajwa, MD. “HMC has been a wonderful place, and very supportive in helping me to provide the best possible medical care to Valley residents.”

Also being recognized are select members of the Valley Health Systems staff who exemplify exceptional care in the categories of Best Physician, Best Caregiver, Best Supporting Employee and Best Leader. This year’s finalists are:

BEST PHYSICIAN FINALISTS: Tedd Ackerman, MD – Psychiatry; John J. Mazzucco, MD – General Surgery; Lorenver Po, MD – Internal Medicine

BEST CAREGIVER FINALISTS: Kirsten Lindgren – Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Therapy; Cornelius Maddox, BSN, RN – Nursing (Intermediate Care Unit); Maria Quinn, MSN, PMHNP-BC – Center for Behavioral Health

BEST SUPPORTING EMPLOYEE FINALISTS:  Terry Hoague – Environmental Services; Angelo Martinez – Plant Operations; Jennifer Zelasko – Food Services

BEST LEADER FINALISTS: Kathryn Girardin, Au.D., FAAA – Speech & Hearing; Hasaan Khawaja, DPT – CORE (Centers of Rehabilitation Excellence); Sheila Laroche, CPC – Revenue Cycle

“We are proud to have the ability to offer our community an opportunity to support Holyoke Medical Center and Valley Health Systems through this fun event, while also providing them a chance to celebrate some of our most talented team members who tirelessly care for our family, friends, and neighbors every day,” said Spiros Hatiras, President and Chief Executive Officer of Holyoke Medical Center and Valley Health Systems.

The seven-course menu will consist of:

First Course
Chef’s Choice Scallop “Amuse”
Paired with: Hopler Gruner Veltliner

Second Course
Lamb Moussaka Medallions
Paired With: Gascon Malbec

Third Course
“Wedge” Caesar Salad
Paired With: Storypoint Chardonnay

Fourth Course
Thai Chowder – Deconstructed
Paired with: J. Vineyard Pinot Gris

Fifth Course
Salmon Encroute
Paired with: Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc

Sixth Course
Marinated NY Sirloin “Club” served with Homemade Anna Potato & Asparagus Wrapped in Prosciutto
Paired with: Bear Flag Cabernet

Seventh Course: Dessert
Flourless Chocolate Ganache Torte with Fresh Raspberries, Whipped Cream and Raspberry Coulis
Paired with: Taylor Fladgate Ruby Porto

Coffee, Decaf and Assorted Teas

Tickets for this black tie optional gala are $125 per person and can be purchased through the Holyoke Medical Center website at holyokehealth.com/gala19 or by calling the Development Office at (413) 534-2579.