Holyoke Hospital Auxiliary Plans Starlight Gala on June 14

HOLYOKE — The Holyoke Hospital Auxiliary invites the public to an evening that combines many of Holyoke’s treasured landmarks with dinner and dancing. The event, called the Starlight Gala, will be held on Saturday, June 14.

The evening will begin at 6 p.m. with cocktails at the Heritage State Park Visitors Center, with hors d’oeuvres prepared by Holyoke’s own Log Cabin and Delaney House. The historic Mountain Park carousel will also be open to add to the fun.

The event will then proceed to the Holyoke City Hall Ballroom, where guests will be served a menu including grilled filet mignon with fire-roasted artichokes and Madeira wine sauce, and seared mahi-mahi with mango salsa. A vegan option will also be available.

Preceding dinner will be a special presentation of Holyoke Medical Center’s first Distinguished Service Award, awarded to orthopedic surgeon Dr. Victor Panitch.

“It is our pleasure to honor Dr. Victor Panitch for his 49 years of dedicated service to Holyoke Medical Center and to the field of orthopedics,” said HMC President and CEO Spiros Hatiras. “He has given of himself generously over the years and has truly made a difference in the lives of many.”

To cap off the evening, guests can dance to the music of Brass Attack of Springfield. Parking will be available in the Proulx Parking Garage on Dwight Street, and shuttle service to and from the garage, the Visitors Center, and City Hall will be provided by Valet Park of America.

Proceeds from the event will benefit Valley Health Systems, which includes Holyoke Medical Center, the Holyoke Visiting Nurse Assoc., and River Valley Counseling Center.

Tickets for this black-tie-optional gala are $150 per person and can be purchased through the Holyoke Medical Center Development Office at (413) 534-2579. For further information or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, call Denise Rebmann in the Development Office, or e-mail rebmann_denise@holyokehealth.com.