53rd Annual fundraising gala set to benefit Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center’s Trauma Outreach Program
PHOENIX (September 24, 2007) – A significant portion of Arizona’s population resides in outlying and rural communities where medical professionals and facilities are limited and trauma centers are distant. Therefore, when people in these areas are involved in a major accident or suffer from a life-threatening injury, stabilizing and transporting these patients to a Trauma Center is critical in order to save their lives. Banner Good Samaritan’s Level 1 Trauma Outreach Program – this year’s Candlelight Capers beneficiary – trains medical professionals in rural communities how to stabilize patients and teaches life-saving skills in the event of an emergency.
Often referred to as the “golden” hour, the care delivered in the minutes following a traumatic injury is the most important deciding factor in that patient’s survival. The 53rd annual Candlelight Capers Ball is appropriately themed “The Golden Hour” and will take place on Saturday, Dec. 15, 2007, at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa.
The event is produced and hosted by the Friends of Good Sam committee, which has raised more than $1.5 million to support such programs as the Laura Dreier Breast Center, the Simulation Education and Training Center (SimET Center), cancer care and research, neurosciences, organ transplant services, the Healing Garden and various pieces of specialized medical and surgical equipment. Co-chairs Leah Lewis and Terri Hoffman, community volunteers with a commitment to Banner Good Samaritan, anticipate a highly successful event.
Proceeds from last year’s Candlelight Capers event, nearly $300,000, supported the SimET Center and funded high-tech training technology, including simulated mannequins and virtual-reality trainers, that provide residents, physicians and staff with a safe practice environment and hands-on training opportunities.
Originally started as a tea dance more than 50 years ago, Candlelight Capers has become one of Banner Good Samaritan’s primary fundraising events. Gala tickets, which include a cocktail reception, silent auction, dinner, dancing and a live auction, are priced at $250 per person; preferred seating tickets start at $1,000 per couple. Table sponsorship and additional sponsorship opportunities are also available.
To purchase tickets or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact the Banner Good Samaritan Volunteer Services at (602) 239-4380.
About Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center
Located in downtown Phoenix, Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center has been providing medical care since 1911, and is the flagship hospital within Banner Health. Licensed for 659 inpatient beds, Banner Good Samaritan is recognized as a Magnet™ hospital for nursing excellence and is ranked as one of America’s “Best Hospitals” by U.S.News & World Report. Today, more than 3,600 nurses and Banner Good Samaritan staff members work with more than 1,700 physicians representing nearly 50 specialties to provide care to more than 36,000 inpatients each year.
Contact:
Banner Good Samaritan Public Relations
(602) 239-4411