UNC Health Southeastern Foundation Announces a First Look at THE MED GALA: The Art of Health

By Heather Walters, Manager, Donor Experience & Engagement, UNC Health Southeastern Foundation

UNC Health Southeastern Foundation’s Gala Chairs and committee members gathered recently at the kickoff for THE MED GALA: The Art of Health, which will strengthen care throughout UNC Health Southeastern’s Women’s Health Services by enhancing patient spaces, updating equipment, expanding comfort amenities, and creating an environment where mothers, babies, and families feel supported at every step.

Art, fashion, and philanthropy are coming together in a bold new way as the UNC Health Southeastern Foundation officially launches THE MED GALA: The Art of Health, taking place Friday, February 27, 2026, at the Southeastern NC Agricultural Center.

This year’s event will shine a spotlight on the Foundation’s Delivering for Women campaign, an initiative that is transforming women’s services across UNC Health Southeastern. Support from THE MED GALA will continue to strengthen care throughout Women’s Health Services, including Labor and Delivery, Obstetrics, and Gynecology by enhancing patient spaces, updating equipment, expanding comfort amenities, and creating an environment where mothers, babies, and families feel supported at every step.

THE MED GALA is presented by Smith’s Refrigeration-A PremiStar Company, whose support helps make this signature evening possible and advances the continued investment in women’s health across the community.

Christy and Jason Bryant, along with Amy and Allan Campbell, will serve as co-chairs for this year’s gala. The Bryants and the Campbells are longtime members of the gala committee, and their leadership reflects both experience and a deep personal connection to the mission. Christy Bryant and Amy Campbell have both previously worked as nurses in Labor and Delivery at UNC Health Southeastern, where they witnessed the importance of warm, welcoming spaces and thoughtful care for mothers and newborns. Their clinical experience continues to inspire their commitment to advancing women’s health in the region.

Christy and Amy recently toured the renewed Women’s Health Services unit and shared their excitement for the improvements that have taken shape.

“Seeing the updated unit and reconnecting with longtime friends and teammates brought back so many memories, and it was incredible to imagine the families who will experience this beautiful space,” said Christy Bryant. “Everything feels welcoming, calming, and centered on thoughtful care. It makes me proud to support an event that invests so deeply in the health of women and families in our community.”

Planning for this year’s gala began as the committee gathered at the home of Christy and Jason Bryant, where co-chairs and committee members outlined a shared vision for an evening centered on creativity, purpose, and celebration.

Now officially branded as THE MED GALA, the Foundation’s signature event embraces a refreshed identity that elevates its profile and reflects an experience that is creative, community driven, and focused on advancing healthcare close to home. The new name captures a vision for an evening that is memorable, meaningful, and unmistakably the UNC Health Southeastern Foundation.

The 2026 theme, The Art of Health, brings this vision to life through gallery-inspired designs, sculptural floral arrangements, artistic installations, and thoughtful touches that honor both beauty and healing. Throughout the evening, guests will see how art speaks, fashion inspires, and health transforms, highlighting the community’s commitment to advancing care for women across the region.

“Our community continues to show extraordinary heart for women’s health,” said Executive Director of the UNC Health Southeastern Foundation Sissy Grantham. “Rebranding our signature event as THE MED GALA reflects the level of excellence and creativity our supporters bring to this mission. The Art of Health is a celebration of their generosity and the impact they are making through the Delivering for Women campaign.”

The evening will feature live entertainment by PUNCH, sponsored by the Robeson County Board of Commissioners. PUNCH is a high-energy, eight-piece band that turns every event into an unforgettable experience with their high-octane blend of modern rock, R&B, Motown, soul, and current pop hits.

Major sponsorship opportunities are now available. Businesses, community partners, and individuals interested in supporting women’s health through THE MED GALA may contact the Foundation at sefoundation@unchealth.unc.edu or (910) 671-5583. Tickets and sponsorships may also be purchased online at www.unchealthsoutheastern.org/foundation/events/gala.

Make plans now to join us Friday, Feb. 27 at the Southeastern NC Agricultural Center for an evening where art, fashion, and generosity come together to advance the health of women and families close to home.