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Annual event raises nearly $400,000 to continue free medical care for the region's uninsured
The Great White Way was shining bright in Central Florida on Saturday, October 20, 2018 as 555 guests raised nearly $400,000 to benefit Shepherd's Hope and its mission of providing free and compassionate healthcare to the uninsured.
This year's Famous Faces Masquerade Ball transformed the Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando into the world's most famous theater district in midtown Manhattan. The evening included interactive entertainment, gourmet dining, fine wine and spirits, costume contests, live and silent auctions, dancing and more.
"'Night on Broadway' shined a light on our community's increasing need for free medical care for the uninsured," said CEO/President Marni Stahlman. In Central Florida, an estimated 450,000 people are without health insurance, including 50,000 children.
"The proceeds from our annual Famous Faces Masquerade Ball have a profound impact on the lives of thousands of people each year," Stahlman added. "In 2018, we are already seeing the number of provided primary care and specialty care visits to uninsured men, women and children surpass what was provided in 2017, with the help of an all-volunteer medical team and thousands of general volunteers. The dollars raised at Famous Faces are essential in order for us to continue to provide these valuable services in the future."
During the entertaining evening, Dom and Kalani Meffe were honored with the Maryanne Brown Award of Distinction. As the Chief Executive Office of Kroger Specialty Pharmacy, Meffe currently serves on the Shepherd's Hope Board of Directors, returning after eight years when he was previously Chairman. He and his wife, Kalani, are immense community supporters who have given of their time, talents and resources to many organizations in Central Florida.
Generous community partners who contributed to the success of the Shepherd's Hope Famous Faces Masquerade Ball included the event's presenting sponsors, Kroger's Specialty Pharmacy and Lucky's Market, as well as a number of corporate sponsors, including Universal Orlando Resorts, Megan's Moving & Staging, Orlando Health, Florida Hospital, SeaWorld, Nemours Children's Hospital, Rae of Sunshine Foundation, Vaco, Bioclinica, Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando®, ABC Fine Wine and Spirits, City Beverage, Production Resource Group, VER, Sunbelt Rentals, Spectacular Themes, Quest Drape, Amazing Pictures by Colorvision International, Shephard Exposition Center, Orange Appeal and numerous other businesses and individuals.
Shepherd's Hope is the leading voice for the uninsured and underinsured in Central Florida. Founded in 1997, the faith-based nonprofit organization provides free primary care and specialty care medical services to uninsured men, women and children from five free standing health centers in Orange and Seminole counties. In 2017, Shepherd's Hope provided 19,575 free patient visits and medical services thanks to partnerships with 2,800 licensed medical and general volunteers, three community hospital systems, 100 diagnostic/secondary providers and 23 multi-faith partners. To learn more, visit www.shepherdshope.org or call (407) 876-6699, ext. 228.
