Gala raises more than $735,000 for Women’s Health

Nearly 800 attendees were transported to the streets of the New Orleans French Quarter at Swedish Covenant Hospital’s 59th Annual Gala, On the Bayou. The event, held Oct. 18 at Sheraton Chicago, raised more than $735,000 for the Access and Education program within the Women’s Health Initiative. Dr. Christine Patte and Eric Schmitt chaired the event.“We are deeply appreciative of all who supported this year’s gala – sponors, attendees, and donors. We are honored to have had an opportunity to raise funds for the Women’s Health Initiative at Swedish Covenant Hospital because it’s an important cause that many can relate to,” Dr. Patte said.The gala featured an elegant dinner, silent auction, live appeal, and entertainment by Final Say and Lowdown Brass Band. Ana Belaval, reporter for WGN Morning News emceed the evening’s program.Both Project IMPACT and Swedish Covenant Hospital employees were honored with the Spirit of Compassion Award. The award recognizes individuals or organizations that have had a tremendous impact on the lives of many over the years. Project IMPACT, a program of Lutheran Social Services Illinois, was honored for its partnership with Swedish Covenant Hospital to stabilize adults who present in the emergency department in acute psychiatric crisis. The employees of Swedish Covenant Hospital were honored for their commitment to the hospital and its mission, as well as providing the community with the care and services it needs to thrive.Proceeds from the event will directly benefit women on Chicago’s north side through Swedish Covenant Hospital’s Access and Education program. The program is led by a Women’s Health Navigator who helps patients navigate the complex health care system.Special thanks to elite sponsors Covenant Ministries of Benevolence, Swedish Emergency Associates, Swedish Covenant Hospital Medical Staff, MedEx, Continental Electrical Construction Company, Mr. & Mrs. Paul A. Hawkinson and PNC for your partnership. Also, thank you to all of our supporters - Chairs Dr. Christine Patte and Eric Schmitt, Co-Chairs Dr. Jeffrey Cilley and Carrie Reznicek, the gala committee, Event Host Ana Belaval, gala sponsors, guests, and volunteers – for making the 2014 gala a huge success.View photos from the 2014 Gala.