| EVMS applauds superhero donors |
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| Friday, 09 October 2009 12:32 |
 Eastern Virginia Medical School hailed the generosity of its supporters Oct. 7 in a ceremony that combined a light-hearted theme with a heart-felt thanks.EVMS leaders took to the stage dressed in superhero capes and proceeded to bestow the garments as awards to recognize a representative cross-section of donors. The fun was part of the school's annual donor appreciation event. "You all are the heroes," said EVMS President Harry T. Lester, who gave his cape to George Darby, a long-time EVMS employee and loyal donor. "Your support enables us to make Hampton Roads a healthy, prosperous place to live, and that's a wonderful thing." Dean Gerald J. Pepe, PhD, who donned a superhero t-shirt before he passed on his cape to donor Paul Hirschbiel, said donor support has allowed the school to continue to grow despite economic pressures. Bob Aston, president and chair of the EVMS Foundation, announced that the school collected $3.6 million in donations during the fiscal year 2009. "It is because of loyal supporters - both individuals and organizations - that we're able to build on EVMS' legacy of success," Mr. Aston said as he introduced Judge Richard Bray, CEO of the Beazley Foundation. Wayne Wilbanks, co-chair of the school's annual fund, cited the impressive results of the 2009 Annual Fund. The fund exceeded the goal early with help from a 20 percent increase in donors from a year earlier. "You raised $782,735 - 11 percent more than our goal," Mr. Wilbanks said. "That makes you all heroes in my book." Mr. Wilbanks presented his cape to one of the school's newest donors, Laine Koch, MD, a 2005 EVMS graduate and current EVMS dermatology resident. The superhero theme, an homage to donors who contributed to the school despite the struggling economy, was evident in the evening's program and in props scattered around the library atrium and rotunda. Guest had their photos taken as their favorite cardboard-cut-out superhero. Soaring over the festivities was a large fabric scarf emblazoned with a spotlight Batman-style image of the EVMS logo. View photos of the event. |
| Last Updated on Tuesday, 27 October 2009 17:00 |
