Special Events
Despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mercy Health Foundation events team successfully and creatively pivoted to virtual online events in 2020 and 2021, netting over $350,000 in support of Mercy Health Services’ programs and patients across all campuses. The success of our virtual events was due in large part to the commitment of our dedicated volunteers and sponsors who, despite dealing with their own pandemic-related challenges, were steadfast in their support. We are truly grateful for their unwavering generosity.
The 11th annual Heat It To Beat It event was fully virtual in September, 2020. Net proceeds from the event provide essential support to research, education, and treatment efforts related to HIPEC, a highly effective therapeutic technique that treats advanced abdominal cancers. The event spanned a week that included nightly virtual activities. Among the event’s highlights was an entertaining magic show by Dr. Armando Sardi, Medical Director of The Institute for Cancer Care, livestreamed to an audience of over 100 viewers. Other online activities included Zoom meetings for cancer survivors, bingo, and a piano concert by Dr. Vadim Gushchin, Director of the HIPEC Program at Mercy. Over 1,000 participants and donors helped raise $150,000, surpassing the event’s fundraising goal of $100,000 by an amazing 50%.
In October, the 36th annual Stella Maris Crab Feast and Auction transitioned to a Virtual Crab Feast and Hospice Day of Giving, raising
$96,000, after expenses, for hospice programs. Chaired by long-time committee member Kali Mallik, the event had some amazing results: over 45 sponsors committed $94,100, exceeding the event’s sponsorship goal by 20%; 578 crab meals were distributed to patrons at a drive-thru station set up at Timonium Fairgrounds; 72 meals were donated back to Stella Maris’s front line healthcare workers; $11,500 was raised through donations; and a total of $5,600 was raised through raffle sales and an online auction. We are grateful for the generous, continued support of M&T Bank as Presenting Sponsor of this annual favorite.
BreastFest, an annual event produced by longstanding Mercy donor The Tyanna Foundation, also went virtual in November 2020 with “BreastFest in a Bag!” Two-hundred bags containing a cozy blanket, insulated tumbler, portable charging bank, and several other practical items sold out weeks before the event. BreastFest raises money to support patients and educational programs at the Hoffberger Breast Center at Mercy. Since 1990, the Tyanna Foundation’s fundraising efforts have resulted in cumulative support of over $1.6 million.
Frank D. Boston, III, a Stella Maris Advisory Board member, and wife Vanessa, co-chaired Stella Maris’s annual Wine Tasting event in April of 2021. Despite having to move to a virtual format due to COVID-19, the affair was a tremendous success, benefitting the needs of Stella Maris’s long-term care residents.
In April of 2021, Stella Maris offered its annual Wine Tasting in a virtual format. Chaired by Stella Maris Advisory Board Member Frank D. Boston, III, and his wife Vanessa, the drive-thru event proved very popular. Participants picked up pre-ordered wine and hors d’oeuvres packages on the Stella Maris campus. Guests then had the opportunity to participate in a live online Zoom discussion with Cynthia Lohr, Co-Owner and Chief Brand Officer, and Darrell Marcus, Tasting and Hospitality Manager, of J. Lohr Vineyards and Wines. A total of $81,000 was committed in sponsorships (117% of goal), 69 ticket packages were purchased (276% of goal) and the total net amount raised was $82,095 (130% of goal). We are grateful for our first-time Presenting Sponsor, AT&T, for their generous support.
In April of 2021, Stella Maris offered its annual Wine Tasting in a virtual format. Chaired by Stella Maris Advisory Board Member Frank D. Boston, III, and his wife Vanessa, the drive-thru event proved very popular. Participants picked up pre-ordered wine and hors d’oeuvres packages on the Stella Maris campus. Guests then had the opportunity to participate in a live online Zoom discussion with Cynthia Lohr, Co-Owner and
Chief Brand Officer, and Darrell Marcus, Tasting and Hospitality Manager, of J. Lohr Vineyards and Wines. A total of $81,000 was committed in sponsorships (117% of goal), 69 ticket packages were purchased (276% of goal) and the total net amount raised was $82,095 (130% of goal). We are grateful for our first-time Presenting Sponsor, AT&T, for their generous support.
The Mercy Advocate Society for Events
The Advocate Society recognizes individuals whose volunteer leadership and involvement played a vital role in supporting the mission, values, and philanthropic vision of Mercy Health Services between July 1, 2020, and June 30, 2021. We are indebted to these individuals who ensure that the mission and values of the Sisters of Mercy endure in both good and challenging times.
2020 Heat It To Beat It Committee
Lydia Komenda
Mandi Phillips
Pam Phillips
Denise Robideau
Michelle Sittig
Peggie Fairer
Debbie Giese
Anthony Jones
Samantha Kirby
Mary Caitlin King
2020 Crab Feast and Hospice Day of Giving Committee
Kali Mallik, Chair
Dee Anwar
Tom Barranco
Kathy Burleson
Marina Brockmann
Lara Chamberlain
Kathy Deane
Sonia Fierro-Luperini, M.D.
Donna Gaines
Dee Gittings
Lisa Gobrecht
Cooper Henry
Mary Beth Kelly
Dina Kuhns
Sean O’Conor
Denise Parker
Brian Peller
Amanda Russo
Julie Schott
Dan Sullivan
Carol Thrasher
Chuck Zeller
Sally Zeller
2021 Wine Tasting Committee
Frank D. Boston, III, Esq., Co-Chair
Vanessa Boston, Co-Chair
Karen Cook
David Denton
Beth Donahoo, M.D.
Tom Galloway
Jill Golueke
Steve Golueke
Dan Hughes
Spencer Lieske
Bob Moore
Brian Peller
Cheri Wheeler
Tyanna Foundation
Stacy Berver
Jeff Carmen
Carly Eutsler
Eddie Feustel
Jessie Feustel
Rose Kendig
Julie Kichline
Katelynne Lowensen
Beth Lubben
Tony Matero
Pepper Mintz
Anne O’Brien
Jacqueline Pearlstone
Julie Phillips
