Mercy Medical Center Cancels Caritas Gala

SPRINGFIELD — Mercy Medical Center has cancelled its annual Caritas Gala due to coronavirus concerns.

“At Mercy Medical Center and its affiliates, our first priority is the well-being of our community,” the hospital noted in a statement. “With this in mind, we have made the difficult decision to cancel Mercy Medical Center’s Caritas Gala scheduled for Saturday, March 21 at MGM Springfield. We recognize that the Caritas Gala is an important event to connect with people and advance our mission. However, our priority is always the health and safety of our community, and, at this time, these additional precautions are prudent and necessary.

“Based upon the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) COVID-19 (coronavirus disease) response recommendations and acting in an abundance of caution to ensure we do not contribute to additional risk of exposure to the virus for the community we serve, Trinity Health and its ministries have made the decision to not participate in or hold external community events. This action follows CDC guidelines to limit gatherings that could unintentionally put our community at risk.

“We wish to thank all of our generous donors, including our sponsors, ad contributors, attendees, volunteers, committee members, all contributors, and our honorees: Nicholas Cocchi, Hampden County sheriff; Anthony Gulluni, Hampden County district attorney; and in memory of Carolyn Meuse, RN, BSN, Complex Care coordinator, Mercy Medical Center. In addition, we are grateful to MGM, and all our contractors, who have been so understanding throughout this process. To recognize our supporters, we will prominently display all ads, logos, and recognition of our honorees throughout Mercy Medical Center during the next 30 days.”

Individuals with questions should call Lynn Rossini, regional vice president of Philanthropy, at (860) 714-9005.