Temple to Shine Brightly at 62nd Annual Acres of Diamonds Gala

On Saturday, May 2nd at the Westin Philadelphia, Temple University Hospital (TUH) Auxiliary will be hosting its 62nd Annual Acres of Diamonds Gala. This black-tie event, which has for decades been the hospital's marquee social gathering, is not only an opportunity for friends, patients, staff, students and physicians of Temple University Hospital to come together and celebrate the lifesaving work that they do, but it is also a premier fundraising event with proceeds benefiting the patients and families that TUH serves.

This year's event will honor and support the Department of Emergency Medicine, whose chair, Dr. Robert McNamara, will accept the Diamond Award on this department's behalf. TUH's emergency department handles more than 100,000 emergency visits every year – many of which are from underserved patients in North Philadelphia and beyond. The Diamond Award will recognize the department's role as the backbone of front-line emergency care in Philadelphia, and as a major lifesaving force in this city.

In addition to the Diamond Award, this year, three new exciting honors are being established by the TUH Auxiliary, underscoring the many ways that members of the Temple community come together to support the hospital. These new awards will include:

• Cherry and White Award – recognizing Daniel J. Hilferty, President and CEO of Independence Blue Cross, for his longstanding generosity and commitment to TUH.
• Auxiliary Service Award – honoring Fran Dunphy, Head Coach, Temple University Men's Basketball as a member of the Temple family who has demonstrated service and tireless dedication to those in need.
• Trailblazers Award – recognizing Yoshiya Toyoda, MD, PhD, Professor of Surgery and Chief of Cardiovascular Surgery at Temple, as a visionary leader who exhibits courage, perseverance, and a pioneering spirit to improve health care for our community.

The Auxiliary is a dedicated group of volunteers for TUH, and has worked to raise funds on its behalf since 1944, and began celebrating the Gala a decade later. Over the past ten years, the Auxiliary and its Gala has raised almost $2.5 million to fund significant programs and projects at TUH.

This spectacular event on May 2nd will include a cocktail reception, silent auction, an exciting wine pull, live entertainment and gourmet dinner. For more information on the TUH Auxiliary or the Acres of Diamonds gala, please contact galarsvp@temple.edu or 215-707-4898. Visit the Auxiliary website here.