Lakewood Hospital’s Starry Night raises money to help uninsured and underinsured diabetes patients
On Friday, August 6, 2010, Lakewood Hospital hosted its fifth annual Starry Night, a patron benefit presented by Signature Sponsor, Regency Construction Services, Inc. More than 650 guests were in attendance and the event grossed nearly $120,000.
“Once again, Starry Night was a shining star in Lakewood,” said Janice Murphy, president of Lakewood and Fairview hospitals. “It was a perfect summer evening spent with friends and colleagues while raising money for two great causes. That’s a great combination and makes it even more memorable.”
The Lakewood Hospital Diabetes and Endocrine Center is the primary beneficiary of the monies raised. The Center uses event proceeds to host an educational Diabetes Symposium and to support its Diabetes Assistance Initiative (DAI), a program to help the uninsured and underinsured by providing funds for prescription diabetes medications and supplies as well as scholarships for diabetes education. Event proceeds also benefit the Lakewood Arts Festival Scholarship Fund.
A patient at the Center and recipient of a DAI scholarship shared his personal story at the event. He was not able to afford diabetes education classes and felt out of control with his diabetes. Yet, because of Starry Night, he was able to receive a DAI scholarship and is now able to learn how to better manage his disease and feels more in control. Murphy stated, “This is truly what Starry Night is all about – to better enable us to support and care for the thousands of people in our community who have diabetes.”
New this year, the four gourmet food stations prepared by AVI Foodsystems Teams, were judged by local culinary experts: James Bell, owner of Three Birds Restaurant; Patrice Campbell, owner/administrator of Ennis Court; Robert Ledzianowski, chef at Pier W and Gary Lucarelli, owner of Players on Madison.
The winning team consisted of chefs Darren Bland, Stephanie Cipolletta, Tim DelPapa, Bill Kelly, Sandi Liptow, Rachel Meyer, Steve McGowan, Roger Smith, and John Winpisinger from Marymount Hospital, Huron Hospital, and the Cleveland Clinic, main campus, who served Watermelon Gazpacho, Prosciutto Wrapped Shrimp, Petit Lamb Burger and a Pave of Chocolate. “The food was more than amazing,” said Murphy. “All of the teams put their heart and soul into the preparation and presentation and it shows. The food really is the shining star of the event.”
Highlights of the evening also included a wine cork raffle, music by The Bottom Line Band and a live and silent auction featuring the works of local artists. Once again, Lakewood Hospital worked closely with Linda Goik from Local Girl Gallery to secure the pieces for the auction. Those artists include: Peg Asensio; Mary Ellen Behmer & Jen Murray; Bluma Bluebond; David Bordine; Kate Bordine; Lois Bosworth; Linda Lee/Cleveland Clinic; Renee Froerer; Linda Goik/Local Girl Gallery; Leslie R. Greenberg, DDS; Joan E. Heinrich; Brian King; Tom Kochheiser; Brian Andrew Jasinski/Grey Cardigan.net; Cheryl Lee/ Local Girl Gallery; Jennifer Li; Sylvia Masek; Marcello Mellino, MD; Sharon Mikol, MD; David P. Milam; Leslie Grulich Moore; Michelle Mowery; Michele Rannells; Robert Rearick/Friends of Starry Night; Noreen Rotar; Amy Sebold; Chrystene Thomas; Kris Williams; W. Michael Winston; and Gerald J. Yustick.
“Linda Goik and all the artists who donated their work played a role in the success of Starry Night,” says Murphy. “The art was stunning! I’d like to extend my sincere appreciation to Linda and all of the local artists whose hard work and generosity made Starry Night dazzle.”
To learn more about the Diabetes Assistance Initiative, contact the Lakewood Hospital Diabetes and Endocrine Center at 216.529.5300.
Save the Date
Starry Night proceeds help fund the Fairview and Lakewood Hospitals Diabetes Symposium:
Living Well with Diabetes
Wednesday, Nov. 3, 4 – 8 p.m.
LaCentre Conference and Banquet Facility, 25777 Detroit Ave., Westlake
This day is planned for those who are looking for better ways to cope with their diabetes. Back by popular demand, nationally recognized diabetes expert: Ginger Kanser-Lewis will be the keynote speaker addressing “The Diabetes World According to Me!”
In addition, there will be numerous exhibits, opportunities to speak with health care experts and brief seminars with Cleveland Clinic, Fairview and Lakewood Hospital physicians and wellness experts.
The event will include dinner and door prizes. Learning can be fun! Come and see what is in store for you. Please choose two health topics for your break out sessions:
Healthy Eyes: Diabetic Eye Conditions
Ryan Deasy, MD
Effects of Alcohol on Blood Sugar
Sanjit Bindra, MD
Fitness for Life: Exercise made Easier
Hilary Hewkin Med, LAT, ATC, CSSCS
Meghan Loeffler, Health and Wellness Coordinator, Lakewood Family YMCA
Tips on Talking with Your Doctor
James Gutierrez, MD
Please have your topic selections chosen before you call. If you are registering other guests as well as yourself, please be ready to provide their home mailing addresses and topic selections. Reservations: toll free 1.877.234.FITT (3488). Cost for this event is a non-refundable fee of $10. Major credits cards only.