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.
“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.
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.”
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:
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:
“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.