UNC Health Southeastern Foundation Celebrates Record-Breaking 33rd Annual THE MED GALA: The Art of Health

By Heather Walters

Nearly 600 sponsors, donors, physicians, and community leaders gathered for the 33rd annual THE MED GALA: The Art of Health, presented by Smith’s Refrigeration, LLC. The evening raised over $237,000 to support women’s health services at UNC Health Southeastern, making it the most successful Gala in the event’s 33-year history.

Blending art, fashion, and philanthropy, THE MED GALA celebrated the creativity, strength, and compassion at the heart of care across UNC Health Southeastern. Guests enjoyed a night that reflected the partnerships and shared commitment that support healthcare for families throughout our region.

Proceeds from THE MED GALA help strengthen Women’s Health Services for mothers, babies, and families across southeastern North Carolina through Delivering for Women, the UNC Health Southeastern Foundation initiative focused on expanding care for women and families in our region. Generous support from our community has already helped establish the new Women’s Health Services floor, featuring modern birthing suites designed to enhance comfort and family centered care, along with AngelEye cameras in the Special Care Nursery that allow parents and loved ones to check in on their newborns from anywhere. For families serving in the military, returning to work, or unable to be at the bedside every moment, these cameras provide reassurance and connection. With Foundation support,the Women’s Health Services floor is also the first at UNC Health Southeastern to feature MEDISIGN digital communication boards, replacing traditional dry erase boards and strengthening communication between patients, families, and care teams. Continued donor support through THE MED GALA will help expand spaces dedicated to Women’s Health Services and ensure more families across our region can receive exceptional care close to home.

“Our committee worked hard to create a night that celebrated both artistic expression and compassionate care, but what truly made the evening special were the people who came together to support women’s health in our community,” said Gala Co-Chair Amy Campbell. “We are grateful to every sponsor, donor, volunteer, and guest who helped make this event so special.”

“We are so grateful for the generosity of this community and for the many supporters who make this work possible,” said UNC Health Southeastern Foundation Executive Director Sissy Grantham. “THE MED GALA reflects what can happen when people come together with a shared commitment to care for one another. We are especially thankful for our Gala Co-Chairs, Christy and Jason Bryant and Amy and Allan Campbell, whose leadership helped make this year’s event so meaningful, along with the incredible efforts of our Gala committee and volunteers.”

“It was an incredible night for our Foundation and for women’s health,” said UNC Health Southeastern Foundation Board Chairman Joe Williams, PharmD. “I was honored to welcome our guests and lead the Heads or Tails raffle. Thank you to everyone who attended, supported the event, and participated in the fun. Your support helps advance care for women and families across our region.”

A highlight of the evening was the art auction, featuring beautiful works generously created and shared by local artists. The collection showcased the talent found throughout our community and created a meaningful connection between the evening’s theme of art and the compassion that defines healthcare.

The Foundation extends special appreciation to Smith’s Refrigeration, LLC for their leadership support as presenting sponsor of THE MED GALA and for their year-long commitment as the Foundation’s signature events sponsor for both THE MED GALA and Boots & BBQ.

Additional major sponsors included the Robeson County Board of Commissioners, Band and Lounge Tent Sponsor; Contempora Fabrics, The Giving Moment Sponsor; and Allen Orthopedics and Robins & Morton, Main Bar Sponsors.

The evening was made possible through the dedication of many partners and volunteers. The Foundation extends sincere thanks to The Secret Garden for the evening’s floral design, Two Brothers Catering for dinner, and Healy Wholesale and Coca-Cola for providing beverages.

Vintage Soul Photography and Matt McGraw Photography captured images of a night filled with celebration, generosity, and community pride.

The Foundation also recognizes the many UNC Health Southeastern volunteers and teammates who worked behind the scenes to bring the evening to life.

For more than three decades, THE MED GALA has brought the community together in support of healthcare at UNC Health Southeastern, demonstrating the power of philanthropy to advance care for patients and families across our region.

Heather Walters is the manager of Donor Experience & Engagement for the UNC Health Southeastern Foundation.