Lighthouse Free Medical Clinic managers pose at the clinic’s annual Winter Gala Feb. 4 at the Atrium @ Rich’s.

Lighthouse Free Clinic Gala Sees Record Attendance

By Bill Bruton

Published February 16, 2023

To say the 2023 edition of the Lighthouse Free Medical Clinic’s annual Winter Gala was a success would be an understatement.

Jacobs School Comes Through in Fundraiser

“It was the largest gala in Lighthouse history.”
Jamie Hagerty
Lighthouse Free Medical Clinic fundraising and outreach coordinator
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“It was the largest gala in Lighthouse history,” said Jamie Hagerty, Lighthouse’s fundraising and outreach coordinator.

Nearly 400 Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences faculty, staff and students attended the event, which raised almost $30,000 for the clinic.

“This will all go directly to the medical care of our patients, including supplies, labs, imaging, our Food Box program (which provides free fresh food deliveries for patients), transportation for their visits, and more,” said Hagerty, a Jacobs School medical student.

Community Asset

The event is the chief fundraiser for Lighthouse Free Medical Clinic, a non-profit, drop-in clinic staffed by medical students at the Jacobs School and community health workers and physicians who provide free health care to uninsured and underserved patients in Buffalo. The clinic is located at 34 Benwood Avenue.

“Lighthouse Free Medical Clinic is such an asset to the community,” said Allison Brashear, MD, MBA, UB’s vice president for health sciences and dean of the Jacobs School. “The success of this event will help fund key services for those in our area who are most in need.”

Jacobs School medical students Ivette Chen, Victoria Hoffman, Ming Xia Lian and Mara Devia.

Jacobs School medical students Ivette Chen, Victoria Hoffman, Ming Xia Lian and Mara Devia enjoy the festivities.

Variety of Auction Items Prove Popular

Alan J. Lesse, MD, associate dean for medical curriculum, served as master of ceremonies for the live auction. Prizes that were most in demand were:

  • A week-long stay at a cabin at Rushford Lake provided by Raymond Dannenhoffer, PhD, retired associate dean for support services
  • Dinner with David A. Milling, MD, executive director of the Offices of Medical Education and senior associate dean for medical education
  • “Hatchets and Hops” with Nicholas J. Silvestri, MD, associate dean for student and academic affairs
  • Buffalo Bills preseason tickets along with a laser-signed photograph of star safety Jordan Poyer
  • Buffalo Sabres tickets along with a puck signed by Sabres forward Casey Mittelstadt

Volunteers Recognized With Awards

Favorite items in the basket raffle included a custom skin care basket provided by Michael R. Nazareth, MD; a teeth-whitening kit provided by the Aesthetic Associates Centre; baskets of wine and liquor; an Instapot; and many Buffalo-themed baskets.

Guests also had the opportunity to win prizes at various games, including mini golf, mini basketball, darts, roulette and Plinko. 

Volunteers recognized with awards included: 

  • Lighthouse Distinguished Educator Award — William Blymire Jr., MD, clinical assistant professor of pediatrics
  • Lighthouse Distinguished Allied Health Member Award — Mary Reed, UB student 
  • Dr. Susan Schwartz Distinguished Provider Award — Emilie Christie, Jacobs School medical student 
  • Lighthouse Distinguished Service Awards — Cody Manzanero, Olivia Sorci and Heidi Mueller, Jacobs School medical students

“The lighthouse managers and our guests had a fantastic time,” Hagerty said.

The event took place Feb. 4 at the Atrium @ Rich’s in Buffalo.