UAB Synopsis, Vol. 25, No. 28, November 6, 2006
The second annual UAB Minority Health and Research Center Gala raised $300,000 — double the amount raised at the first gala. The total was topped off with a spontaneous $70,000 gift from Honorary Chair Charles Barkley on the night of the event. Funds provide research awards to junior faculty focusing on health disparities, and support wellness and early diagnosis programs in rural and urban communities.
The first UAB Liver Center Dinner in February 2006 raised $150,000 to establish the Viral Hepatitis Support Fund. Some proceeds have already been used to create materials on liver disease for the new Patient Education Library at The Kirklin Clinic®. A second event, saluting Mr. and Mrs. Bart Starr, is planned for March 2007.
The fifth annual UAB Center for Palliative Care Cocktail Buffet and Auction raised the most ever — $65,000 — to support patient services at UAB’s palliative care inpatient unit and the Birmingham Veterans Administration Medical Center’s Safe Harbor. UAB Health System CEO David Hoidal was the honoree, recognized for his vision and support of the palliative care program. Gifts in his honor have funded installation of a Frank Fleming bronze at the UAB inpatient palliative care unit.