The success of “Pirates of the Mon,” Monongahela Valley Hospital's Twentieth Annual Gala, which raised $ 116,255, has advanced fund raising efforts of the Mon Vale Health Resources Fund Development Committee.

Gala 20, hosted and sponsored by the Fund Development Committee, was held at The Westin Convention Center in Pittsburgh.

Fund raising efforts to date, since the Fund Development Committee's formation in 1988, have reached more than $ 3.6 million, Louis J. Panza Jr., president and chief executive officer of the health system, announced. Proceeds from the first 19 Galas accounted for over $ 1.8 million of the total amount. Gala 20's proceeds bring total Gala proceeds to over $ 1,949,216.

"Money raised by the Fund Development Committee is used for many worthwhile causes and programs," Panza told the gathering of nearly 600 people.

Panza extended “sincere appreciation” to those in attendance for their continued support. “Because of your benevolence, you and others like you have helped us reach our goals and ideals in providing quality health services to our community,” he told the Gala guests. “We are extremely grateful to everyone who has supported our efforts over the years.”

Panza also summarized major activities in the health system over the past year. These included, among other things, the system’s Journey to Excellence program and its ongoing Together in Community efforts.

S.P. Hewie, M.D., chairman of the Fund Development Committee, welcomed the gathering and was an honoree that evening. A member of the MVHR Board of Directors and the Hospital Board of Trustees, she explained that the Fund Development committee assists and advises the MVHR Board in the solicitation and disbursement of benevolent contributions.

In addition to Dr. Hewie and Panza, the Fund Development Committee also includes Mrs. Lillian C. Beattie, Mrs. Bernice H. Bollman, Ms. Carol Ann Doman, William D. Hope Jr., V.M.D., Miss Maxine Horton, David T. Hunter, R.G. Krishnan, M.D., Anthony M. Lombardi, Mrs. Dorothy Paterline, Mrs. Karen L. Quinto, Daniel F. Simmons, and Gerald C. Smith.

The announcement of the winners of MVH’s Dimensions In Performance awards was the highlight of the evening’s activities.

The Dimensions In Performance awards were created in 1988 to recognize outstanding achievements to Monongahela Valley Hospital and the health system at large. They symbolize the multi-dimensional talents of special friends, benefactors and members of Team MVH who have distinguished themselves in the areas of philanthropy, board leadership, medicine, and civic well-being.

The 2008 recipients of the Dimensions In Performance honors are:

• Rose Award for Dimensions In Philanthropy
  – John M. Brandon, M.D.
  
• Pallone Award for Dimensions In Board Leadership
  – S.P. Hewie, M.D.

  Dr. Hewie, an anesthesiologist and a partner in Mon Valley Anesthesia Associates, which provides anesthesiology service to the hospital, also serves as chairperson of the MVHR Fund Development Committee.

• Sickman-Levin Award for Dimensions In Medicine
  – John A. Holets, M.D.
  
• The Gibbons Award for Dimensions In Service for the Health,
  Social and Civic Well-Being of Area Residents
  – Patrick T. Ballon of Hiller, PA.

Gala 20 began with a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m. in the Allegheny Ballroom of the Westin and dancing to the music of Pure Gold.