“Tonight has been perfect,” said Charles Sawyer, DC, senior vice
president and provost, regarding Northwestern Health Sciences University’s
2008 Stars Among Us Gala. “It’s been great.”
Previously held in venues such as The Depot
in Minneapolis, Minn., and the Landmark Center in St. Paul, Minn.,
this year Northwestern was able to host the event on its own
campus. With decorations fit for a king, the new Wolfe-Harris
Center for Excellence was unveiled for the Gala with elated responses
from guests. According to Jane Clark, gala attendee, “The
Gala was wonderful in the new building and garden!” Norman
Horns, MD, BCACP, Northwestern associate professor, agreed by
saying, “It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to have
the Gala here.” Even guests attending the event for the
first time could tell it was something special. Mary Berg, MA,
Northwestern’s clinical experiential education coordinator,
and first-time Gala guest, was amazed by the “glitz” of
the Gala.
The 2008 Stars Among Us Gala included some
new twists from previous years. Fuji Ya, an award-winning authentic
Japanese sushi restaurant from Minneapolis, served freshly prepared
sushi during the cocktail hour; and an ice bar in the Standard
Process Healing Garden provided drinks, with the liquor donated
by MGM Liquor. “We don’t usually get to have a sushi
and an ice bar at the Gala!” commented Jan Halleen, director
of purchasing of Northwestern’s bookstore. As evening descended,
colored lights began glimmering around the bar, fading from blue,
to green, to purple and red. “It’s beautiful,” said
Jamie Greenawalt, the daughter of Kent Greenawalt president of
Foot Levelers, Inc. “We went outside and said, ‘Wow!’”
As the night progressed, about 430 guests
dressed to the nines filtered in. From fur coats to gowns that
would out-do Scarlett O’Hara, guests looked stunning as
they walked about the building. Activities included casino games,
extravagant raffle baskets, professional portrait opportunities,
building tours, and of course dinner and dancing.
Prior to dinner, Greenawalt, the 2008 Brilliant
Star Honoree, delivered an inspiring speech. He urged guests
to ask themselves, “What would I do if I knew I couldn’t
fail?” He encouraged the audience to give back to the chiropractic
community and to keep concern for the patient as their primary
focus. The highlight of the evening was Greenawalt announcing
that Foot Levelers will match, up to $500,000, every dollar donated
by the Northwestern community, illustrating his continued commitment
to the University. “Kent’s donation means a lot to
Northwestern,” said Jim McDonald, MBA, vice president of
administrative services at Northwestern.
As the night came to a close, it was deemed
a success. “Everything came together very well,” concluded
Dr. Sawyer. According to Brady Forseth, BA, chief development
officer, the amount of money raised at the Gala to support Northwestern
is still being totaled. “The Gala is not just a fundraiser
for Northwestern, but also a ‘friendraiser,’” noted
Forseth.
© Northwestern
Health Sciences University