Heart of Gold Gala raises funds for Haven House

The UB Association of Women’s Surgeons and Department of Surgery are hosting the event, which aims to raise funds for the Haven House of Buffalo. The black-tie optional event will be held 7-9:30 p.m. at the Lafayette Hotel and tickets cost $65 for students, residents nurses, APPs and administrative staff, and $100 for the general public. Guests can enjoy an art exhibition and dance performances by Premier Dance Arts, music, a photo booth, food and an open bar. UB AWS and the Department of Surgery are also accepting luxury item donations for the gala’s silent auction. This year’s gala benefits Haven House, which works to prevent domestic violence, offering services including an emergency shelter and transitional housing.

Kelly Wagner, a UB surgical resident and the president of UB AWS, said she hopes to host the gala yearly to raise funds for various local charities.

“As part of an initiative to give back to the community we serve we have organized this annual event to raise funds for local charities… ” Wagner said in a press release. “We pride ourselves on being the City of Good Neighbors, and [Haven House] truly embodies that motto. As such, we are thrilled to raise funds for them this year and hope you will be able to contribute.”

Tickets for the event are available until Nov. 7, and are worth the price –– for only $65- 100, guests receive a night of luxury, a silent auction and celebration, and help a great local organization.

Silent auction items currently include Buffalo Bills signed memorabilia, a jump with Western New York SkyDiving, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra tickets and various distillery and spa gift cards.

Those who would like to donate can do so via the Buffalo AWS Gives website for opportunities to sponsor the event as well as donate items for the silent auction or fiscal donations for Haven House.

Wagner said she hopes the gala will encourage community members to get involved and better their city.

“In the words of someone with far greater experience than myself, Winston Churchill, ‘We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.’”