The Miriam Hospital hosted more than 450 donors, friends, and supporters at their 2023 Gala and Auction, which took place Saturday, April 29, at the WaterFire Arts Center in Providence.

Inspired by the passion and creativity of gala chairs, CeCe Bazar Aparo and Michael J. Sweeney, and powered by the efforts of their fabulous sponsorship and event committees, the venue was transformed into one of America’s most unique and premier destinations for one night only. The “Welcome to South Beach” themed soiree featured choreographed dance performances, high-energy party music, spot-on beach and nightlife décor, and a delicious assortment of foods and drinks.

But the true star of the show—and what took center stage all night long—was the cause itself: Raising much-needed funds to help support and advance the world-class, compassionate care the hospital delivers to the community it serves. In total, $930,000 was raised.

A celebration of people, philanthropy,
and possibilities

In their respective remarks, Susan H. Kaplan, Chair of The Miriam’s Foundation Board of Trustees, and Maria P. Ducharme, DNP, President of The Miriam Hospital, both praised the hospital’s staff of dedicated caregivers and talked about how their efforts are being augmented by advanced technologies, which are helping them realize amazing patient outcomes.

Moreover, they added, this lifesaving work is made possible thanks, in large part, to the hospital’s generous and caring donor family. “Philanthropy is not only the key,” Dr. Ducharme pointed out from the podium, “but also what continues to set us apart as a hospital of excellence.”

The evening also featured a moving story from a grateful patient, who detailed her harrowing experience surviving a heart attack caused by spontaneous coronary artery dissection, as well as a video featuring physicians from The Miriam underscoring the need to increase awareness about women’s cardiac disease—the leading cause of death for women in the United States—and its unique and often nontraditional symptoms.

Highlights . . . and gratitude

In a night filled with great moments, several stood out as shining examples of the community’s generosity in their support of its beloved hospital. To kick off the fund-a-need, Susan Kaplan received a call from Betty and Joe Brito that they wanted to get the ball rolling with a $50,000 donation. Shortly before, an anonymous phone bidder won the sports live auction package with a bid of $35,000. And there were many first-time supporters in attendance, revealed when CeCe and Michael playfully asked all newbies to raise their hand—something that bodes well for future galas.

Sponsorship and ticket sale proceeds from the event benefit The Miriam’s Greatest Needs Fund for a New Generation, which provides resources to support patient care services, educational programs, and innovative research projects.

Thanks to donors eager to support this cause, the auctions, spirited fund-a-need, and raffle raised $440,000. The money raised will help bring groundbreaking and lifesaving technology to the Women’s Cardiovascular Program at The Miriam, making it the only program in Rhode Island to use state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging to detect coronary artery abnormalities unique to women.

The Miriam Hospital extends its sincere gratitude and appreciation to everyone who helped make the 2023 Gala and Auction possible, including their generous sponsors, auction donors, and entire donor community.