LAKEWOOD HOSPITAL’S STARRY NIGHT EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS

Recognized as one of the west side’s premier events of the summer, Lakewood Hospital’s fourth annual Starry Night benefit exceeded all expectations with nearly 650 people in attendance and more than $125,000 raised.  Net proceeds will benefit two great causes – the Lakewood Hospital Diabetes and Endocrine Center and the Lakewood Arts Festival Scholarship Fund.

Held on Friday, July 31 under two huge tents on Belle Avenue, the event brought Lakewood Hospital family, community friends and neighbors together to enjoy four gourmet food stations, a wine cork raffle, live and silent art auctions, an art activity, palm reading, and music by The Bottom Line band. Monica Robins, WKYC-TV3 News Anchor and Senior Health Correspondent, served as the evening’s mistress of ceremonies.

Lakewood Hospital President Jack Gustin was overwhelmed with the response to this year’s event.  “Based on the state of our economy, we thought attendance and support might be impacted this year.  But I am happy to say, it was quite the contrary.  This was the biggest and most successful Starry Night in the event’s four years!” Gustin goes on to say, “We raised more than $125,000 thanks to our sponsors, including our signature sponsor for the second year, Regency Construction Services, Inc. I would also like to extend my appreciation to Fairview and Lutheran Hospitals and Fred DeGrandis, CEO and president of the Cleveland Regional Hospitals – as well as the evening’s other corporate, print and media sponsors.  I would also like to thank the City of Lakewood; AVI Foodsystems; the Starry Night planning committee; and all of those who purchased event and raffle tickets to help raise money for two deserving causes.”  

For the second successful year, Lakewood Hospital worked closely with Linda Goik from Local Girl Gallery asking the community to submit their personal interpretation of the event’s theme, Summer Nights, Under the Stars.  More than 30 talented, local artists submitted their work of art that was up for bid during both a silent and live auction.   “Linda Goik and all the artists who donated their works of art were instrumental in the success of Starry Night,” says Gustin.  “The art was beautiful and created a great deal of excitement.  I’d like to extend my sincere appreciation to Linda and all of the local artists whose hard work and talent made Starry Night shine bright.”    

Another highlight of the evening was the delicious menu.  The event was catered by members of AVI Foodsystems from eight Cleveland Clinic regional hospitals, who donated their time and expertise.  There were four gourmet food stations throughout various areas of the tent and judges voted on their favorite.  Congratulations to this year’s winning team from Lakewood and Fairview Hospitals whose menu featured Southern Fried Shrimp Salad, Pulled Pork and Beans with Apple Smoked Bacon Brittle, and a unique gourmet S’mores dessert that was the talk of the evening.   Each winning team member won a special prize.    

The Lakewood Hospital Diabetes and Endocrine Center, one of the beneficiaries of this event, has a team of experts who focus on disease management, education and prevention as well as the treatment of other endocrine disorders. The Center is using event proceeds to host an educational Diabetes Expo on October 29 and to support its Diabetes Assistance Initiative, a program to help the uninsured and underinsured by providing funds for prescription diabetes medications and supplies as well as scholarships for diabetes education. “I would like to join Jack Gustin in thanking our guests and sponsors for supporting Starry Night. We are fortunate to have such good friends in the community who help us achieve great things,” says Fred DeGrandis, president and CEO of Cleveland Clinic Regional Hospitals. “I love this event because it gives me the opportunity to talk with people in and around this wonderful community. The support given by the City of Lakewood, its residents, the hospital employees, physicians, and volunteers will guarantee that this event will shine for many years to come.” 

Additionally, Lakewood Hospital provided free community health screenings under the Starry Night tent as a part of the Arts Festival activities on Saturday, August 1.  Attendees who stopped by the hospital’s tent had a chance to receive various screenings such as cholesterol, BMI (body mass index), and waist circumference.  Nearly 700 different screenings were performed, which is an important way to detect abnormal health levels that could lead to stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease.