TMH Golden Gala Glitters in 35th Year

The Edison was abuzz and alight even more so on Jan. 18 as the Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) Foundation partnered with Tallahassee Magazine to host a preview party for the 35th annual Golden Gala as well as celebrating the January/February issue of Tallahassee Magazine, which featured a behind-the-scenes look at all the dedication put into the TMH Gala. The evening generated excitement about the Golden Gala scheduled for April 19 at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center and shared with guests The first 2018 issue of Tallahassee Magazine.

TMH, alongside presenting sponsor SunTrust Bank, answered the call of anticipation via an engaging video that revealed the No.1 best-selling duo in music history, Daryl Hall and John Oates, would be the Gala’s 35th performers. SunTrust Senior Vice President, Brad White, had the honor of announcing the performers to the anticipatory crowd, who greeted the news with much excitement.

Dave Barfield

The Golden Gala is the Foundation’s premier and most profitable event and fundraiser, with this year’s funds benefiting the Tallahassee Memorial Animal Therapy Program. The Animal Therapy Program, which began in 2005, is the only of its kind in the Big Bend region. It fosters the therapeutic bond that can only be found between animals and humans – bringing joy, interaction and often healing during a patient's stay. Some of those very pups were present at the party; Brody the Black Lab/Golden mix, Lucke the Golden Retriever and Starla the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Mickey Moore, president/chief advancement officer of the Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare Foundation, welcomed guests to the second annual preview party partnering with Tallahassee Magazine and presenting sponsor SunTrust Bank. He invited up to the stage TMH President and Chief Executive Officer, Mark O’Bryant, who announced Chuck and Patty Mitchell as the honorary chairs.

O’Bryant gave guests insight into the history and purpose of the Gala. A special touch to his remarks included honoring Ron Bradford who has attended all 35 of the Galas, even the very first which starred Barbara Mandrell.

Joslym alcala

The night of elation of course included a signature celebratory cocktail titled, Rich Swirl containing Ron Zacapa rum, simple syrup, angostura bitters and chocolate bitters. A full open bar of cocktails, wine and beer were available. The Edison offered up an impressive array of decadent delights including: tuna tartare with prawn chips, caprese skewers with balsamic drizzle, tenderloin beef tips, fried chicken bites with avocado aioli and for dessert, chocolate covered strawberries, key lime pie tartlets and chocolate mousse cups.

The beautiful yet brisk night was accompanied by the tunes of a jazz trio led by Daniel Tenbusch. Guests mingled, munched, sipped, flipped through pages of the  January/February issue of Tallahassee Magazine and petted the pups that provide care and comfort for TMH patients.

The night was focused around the excitement of the talented performers Golden Gala welcomes each year, but also much more. The true meaning resonated with many – Golden Gala serves as a beacon shining light on the exemplary hospital that TMH is.

For more information about the TMH Golden Gala visit: TMH.ORG/GoldenGala