Needham's Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital Raises More Than $600K at Annual Gala

Photo Credit: BIDH Needham

Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital–Needham hosted more than 800 guests and raised more than $600,000 at its annual fall gala, the “Dream A Modern Ball.”

At the event, held at the Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel, hospital President and CEO John Fogarty announced that Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center has named its cancer care facility in Needham the “Lank Cancer Center” in honor of Althea and Bertram “Buddy” Lank. The family’s most recent gift supported the capital campaign for the Cancer Center and Surgical Pavilion in Needham.

“The gala is truly a celebration of the hospital and its proud supporters who contribute to our success,” said Fogarty. “The annual gala this year was a particularly significant evening—it was truly an honor to announce the naming of the Lank Cancer Center in Needham. No community hospital in this day and age can be successful without support from the community, and the Lank family has really set the standard.”

Needham resident Carol Bolton Kappel, a member of the hospital’s Board of Advisors and a breast cancer survivor, shared her story about her breast cancer diagnosis and treatment at both BIDMC and BID–Needham. “I live my life to the fullest, and that includes remaining vigilant around promoting awareness, early detection, effective treatments and therapies and groundbreaking research,” she said. “It is also an honor to be able to advocate for the institutions that saved my life.”

“This year’s gala celebrated the strength that BID–Needham brings to the community,” said Jennifer A. Pline, Chair, Board of Trustees, BID–Needham. “It was a fun and fulfilling evening, hearing real-life stories from patients who have been touched by the hospital and a tribute to the generosity of Althea and Buddy Lank. This is an especially exciting time for BID–Needham, and it is gratifying to celebrate the successes that can result from strong community-level philanthropy.”

“I’m in awe of this night—to get 800 people in one room to support our local hospital. It’s overwhelming and inspiring,” said Samantha Sherman, Chief Development and External Relations Officer at BID–Needham. “This night couldn’t have been possible without the energy, generosity, and relentless dedication of our Gala committee. The night was a huge success and we are so grateful for the overwhelming support of the community and in particular, the Lank family for the dedication and commitment to the Beth Israel Deaconess family.”