ATLANTA – With more than 600 guests in attendance, the 2^nd Annual White Coat Grady Gala raised $866,000 for the Grady Health Foundation this past weekend. The money raised was a solid repeat performance of the inaugural event in 2011. A black-tie dinner and awards ceremony held at the Georgia Aquarium, the fundraising event also honored Atlanta’s Healthcare Heroes who support Grady. Toasts and standing ovations were given as the honorees accepted their awards and their inspirational stories were told through video tributes. Recipients included:

• Ada Lee and Pete Correll Healthcare Legacy Award | Mr. Tom Bell  – Credited for raising $320 million for Grady, Pete Correll explained that without Mr. Bell, the doors of Grady would not be open.
  
  
• Senior Sage Award | Dr. Alfred W. Brann – Pioneered neonatal and perinatal care around the world, even while battling cancer. His mother died while giving birth to him and he dedicated his life to his practice.
  
  
• Next Generation Healer Award | Dr. Tamara R. Espinoza – Dreamed of becoming a veterinarian as a child, but chose a career as an emergency medicine physician instead, specializing in traumatic brain injuries.
  
  
• Inspiring Mentor Award | Dr. Ken L. Wilson – Served at Grady and in the military in Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan. A real-life hero who, while in the Middle East, started a program that provided shoes to Afghan civilians.

The event was co-chaired by Kelly Loeffler and Jeff Sprecher along with June and Michael Tompkins. WSB-TV Anchor, John Bachman was the emcee. Notable business leaders in attendance included: Philanthropists Ada Lee and Pete Correll, Grady Health System President & CEO John Haupert, Delta VP Tad Hutcheson, FDHA Chair Tommy Dortch and many more.  Funds raised at the event will go towards new equipment, technology, and medical research for Grady Memorial Hospital, the metro region’s premier Level 1 Trauma Center and largest public hospital in the southeast.

The Grady Health Foundation is once again counting on support from the community. A tribute video shown at the Gala, created by Turner Broadcasting, has been nominated for a People’s Telly Award. To help Grady Health Foundation and Turner earn a spot among their peers, click the link and rate the video with a “thumbs up”: http://www.youtube.com/tellyawards?x=jkoimRwpFls.

The Gala was presented by The Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority in conjunction with Delta Air Lines, AdCare Health Systems, Alston + Bird, The Coca-Cola Company, General Electric, Kaiser Permanente, King & Spalding, Turner Broadcasting, Ada Lee and Pete Correll, AGL Resources, Coca-Cola Enterprises, The Marcus Foundation, Georgia-Pacific, Georgia Power, Norfolk Southern, ICE, Regions Bank, WSB, AT&T, Chamberlin Edmonds, Compass Group USA, Inc., EPIC Systems, James Starr Moore Foundation, June and Michael Tompkins, Kelly Loeffler and Jeff Sprecher, SKANSKA, Waffle House Foundation and Yancey Bros. Co.

ATLANTA – Save the date for the 2^nd Annual White Coat Grady Gala, a black-tie dinner and awards ceremony benefiting the Grady Health Foundation and honoring Atlanta’s healthcare heroes. The gala raised more than $869,000 for the health system in its inaugural year, and the hospital was able to give $227 million of uninsured care in 2011. This would not have been possible without the generosity of the community, and we invite you to join us on March 17, 2012 at the Georgia Aquarium as we recognize our outstanding philanthropists and awe-inspiring physicians.

Tom D. Bell, Jr. | Ada Lee and Pete Correll Healthcare Legacy Award – Currently the Chairman of Mesa Capital Partners, Mr. Bell has developed a wealth of experience in corporate management, governance and leadership in both the public and private sectors during his 40 year career. He presently serves on seven boards, including Grady Memorial Hospital Corporation, Regal Entertainment Group, Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Alfred W. Brann, Jr., M.D | Senior Sage Award – Dr. Brann is a Professor of Pediatrics and Gynecology/Obstetrics and Global Health at Emory University. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Emory University Center for Ethics and is the Director of the Global Collaborating Center in Reproductive Health in Atlanta (GCC/RH/ATL).  He served as a senior surgeon in the U.S. Public Health Service and chairman of the Committee on Fetus and Newborn of the American Academy of Pediatrics, among many roles in his career.

Tamara R. Espinoza, M.D. | Next Gen Healer Award – Dr. Espinoza is a practicing emergency medicine physician at Grady Memorial Hospital. She is a co-investigator in the multicenter Progesterone for Traumatic Brain Injury (ProTECT) and is involved in a second trial funded by the Department of Defense. Additionally, Dr. Espinoza volunteers at Grady High School to discuss teenage alcohol abuse.

Kenneth L. Wilson, M.D., FACS | Inspiring Mentor Award – Dr. Wilson was a Deputy Clinical Commander at the 344^th Combat Support Hospital in Salerno, Afghanistan from 2010-2011. He spent several months at the 801^st Combat Support Hospital in Kuwait City, Kuwait in 2007 and was the Chief of Surgery at the 948^th Forward Surgical in Al Kut, Iraq in 2003.  He is an Attending Surgeon and Trauma Resuscitation Committee member at Grady Memorial Hospital, and an Assistant Professor at Morehouse School of Medicine.

From patron sponsor to table sponsor, the White Coat Grady Gala has a number of opportunities for individuals and businesses to support this local institution. “Every gift truly makes a difference and helps us continue to meet our mission of caring for those without health coverage and ensure our medical availability 24/7/365 for the entire community,” says Lisa Borders, President of Grady Health Foundation. Visit http://www.gradyhealthfoundation.org/good-causes/white-coat-grady-gala/ or contact 404-489-1550 for more information.

The 2^nd Annual White Coat Grady Gala is presented by The Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority in conjunction with Delta Air Lines, AdCare Health Systems, Alston + Bird, The Coca-Cola Company, General Electric, Kaiser Permanente, King & Spalding, Ada Lee and Pete Correll, The Marcus Foundation, Georgia-Pacific, Georgia Power, Norfolk Southern and ICE.  More sponsors: www.gradyhealthfoundation.org.

ATLANTA – Start your engines! After the thrilling success of last year’s inaugural event, Grady Health Foundation is excited to announce the 2^nd Annual Rock-N-Ride, scheduled for June 23, 2012. More than just an unforgettable ride through Atlanta and an electrifying music festival, the event benefits the Grady Health Foundation and the Gold Shield Foundation of Metro Atlanta.

The Ride: The motorcycle ride will begin at Killer Creek Harley-Davidson in Roswell and will finish outside the infamous Hard Rock Café on Peachtree Street in downtown Atlanta. Registration is now available at http://www.gradyhealthfoundation.org/good-causes/rock-n-ride/individual-sponsorship/. Entry starts as low as $40 and includes a pre-ride party at Killer Creek Harley-Davidson, a commemorative ride pin and t-shirt, along with parking at the festival. Proceeds go towards both causes.

The Rock: Peachtree Street (between Harris Street and Ellis Street) will close down for an afternoon of festivities and live music with a line-up of performers rocking out on two stages*. Other happenings include mouthwatering food and drink vendors, an artist market with one-of-a-kind pieces and a boot drive, all in the name of two great foundations. Participating in the motorcycle ride is NOT required to enter. The music festival portion of Rock-N-Ride is free and open to the public, and a small donation at the boot drive on-site is appreciated. Every gift makes a difference.

The Reason: Grady Health Foundation raises funds for state-of-the-art medical equipment, facilities and programs for Grady Hospital and its nationally acclaimed emergency room. Staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, Grady Hospital depends on contributions to advance the work of physicians and the services they provide. Going hand-in-hand with emergency services, Gold Shield Foundation of Metro Atlanta is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing financial assistance to families of law enforcement officers and firefighters killed or injured in the line of duty. Tragedy is unpredictable, but through generosity and support, we can continue to ensure that the best quality care is available when it is needed the most.

The 2012 Annual Rock-N-Ride is sponsored by the Hard Rock Café, 97.1FM The River, Southland’s Full Throttle Magazine, Killer Creek Harley-Davidson and Q&A Events. For more information on vendor opportunities, becoming a sponsor, registering for the ride or donating to the event, please visit: www.gradyhealthfoundation.org/good-causes/rock-n-ride/.

*The music line-up has not been announced yet. Please stay tuned for details soon!

In spite of the continued downturned economy – or maybe in spite of it – Grady Health Foundation, its staff, volunteers and donors have made this year one of our most exciting, eventful and fruitful. Through the unprecedented support of The Woodruff Foundation and many other donors and allies, Grady Hospital continues to offer premier Level 1 trauma care to the metro Atlanta region and beyond.

Grady’s board appoints new CEO

This year was one of new beginnings. The Grady Memorial Hospital Corporation Board of Directors appointed John Haupert President and CEO of Grady Health System and he began work with us in October. We are excited to have him lead our team!

Grady White Coat Gala

We invite you to SAVE THE DATE for the second annual White Coat Grady Gala, a black-tie dinner and awards ceremony to be held March 17, 2012 at the Georgia Aquarium. In association with our premier partner, Delta Air Lines, we will honor some of Atlanta’s healthcare heroes, outstanding philanthropists, along with our awe-inspiring physicians.

Rock-N-Ride

On Saturday, June 25, people came from across the state to a packed Peachtree Street, to experience our first “Rock-N-Ride” event. AirTran Airways presented the activities featuring motorcycles and music. The event, benefiting Grady Health Foundation and Gold Shield Atlanta was a rousing success, honoring Georgia’s First Responders and closing historic Peachtree Street for the first time in Atlanta’s history. The 2nd Annual “Rock-N-Ride”, scheduled for June 23, 2012. Don’t miss out!

Opening of Marcus Trauma Center

Through the remarkable and ongoing support of philanthropist Bernie Marcus, Grady Memorial Hospital was able to renovate and update our trauma center. This 12,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility allows Grady to deliver the best possible trauma care available in the nation 24/7/365. In 2010, Mr. Marcus enabled the creation of the Marcus Stroke Center. We are grateful for his ongoing support and the vision he brings to the health care needs of our community.

Launching of the Walk-In Center

The health system opened a new venue to handle minor medical casualties without an appointment. The center allows less acute issues to be addressed in a more appropriate and accessible setting. Fellow healthcare provider, Kaiser Permanente, offered its support through contribution of the full cost of the center. Patients are able to come in as they need services and be seen on a first-come, first-saved basis. This Kaiser gift ensures multiple levels of medical need are accommodated in the most timely and cost-effective manner.

Unveiling of Angel II Ambulance

This month, Grady cut the ribbon on our newest support vehicle, the Angel II Ambulance. Georgia ranks among states with large numbers of premature and low birth weight babies. This vehicle, provided in collaboration with the March of Dimes, serves as a mobile intensive care unit, monitoring an infant’s condition in transit. The unit will transport approximately 500 sick neonates to Grady and regional hospitals throughout the state of Georgia.

Building the Board, Building the Brand

The work that goes on behind the scenes to make all of our efforts come to life is the result of efforts by dedicated staff and board volunteers. Grady Health Foundation has a truly amazing board of directors and a staff who has worked diligently to ensure that our programs and activities are shared with the community. Our team has delivered an updated, streamlined website to enable broad awareness about our work and tools that will ensure our work continues.

I am humbled when I recount the accomplishments this year. Through your support, we have delivered critical health care to thousands, trained the next generation of Georgia’s physicians and continued groundbreaking research. Having said that, there is still much more work to do. We invite you to consider a gift to the health system to continue the great work that is underway.

As we all take a breath from our hard work and look toward the opportunities of a new year, I want to thank you for your generosity of spirit and financial support. With a grateful heart, I wish you and your family a peaceful, prosperous and joyous holiday season.

Most sincerely,

Lisa M. Borders, MHA
President
Grady Health Foundation

The Grady Memorial Hospital Corporation Board of Directors appointed John Haupert President and CEO of Grady Health System on Monday.

Haupert began his career in healthcare management at Methodist Dallas Medical Center in 1992 where he served as Administrative Resident.

In August 2003, he was named Executive Vice President for Corporate Services and Business Development for Methodist Health System and in October 2006 left the Methodist Health System to become the Chief Operating Officer at Parkland.

As part of his duties as COO, John is overseeing the design and construction of the New Parkland Hospital, a $1.3 Billion, 862-bed replacement hospital and supporting specialty clinics.

Haupert begins work at Grady on October 1.

Inaugural Event Raises Awareness for Grady Health Foundation & Gold Shield Foundation

On Saturday, June 25, people came from all over the state to the packed Peachtree Street which was shut down for the Grady Health Foundation’s “Rock-N-Ride” presented by AirTran Airways. The event, benefiting Grady Health Foundation and Gold Shield Atlanta was a rousing success, honoring Georgia’s First Responders and closing historic Peachtree Street for the first time in Atlanta’s history.

More than 450 riders were ready at 11:00am to get their engines roaring on the start of their journey from Killer Creek Harley-Davidson in Roswell, to the Hard Rock Café in downtown Atlanta. When the hogs arrived at the “Party on Peachtree – MusicFest”, the afternoon festivities began with a performance by Six Shot Revival. The crowd roared when Atlanta’s own Yacht Rock Revue took the stage, singing along to the popular smooth sounds of the 70s. Mother’s Finest headlined the music festival on the main stage – the popular Atlanta band brought out fans from near and far and rocked the crowd.

Attendees sampled the flavors of Big Boys Smokin’ BBQ, Jamaican Flavors and the Sugar Shack while they shopped the artists market and checked out the performances at Hard Rock Café’s Velvet Underground Stage. Philanthropy was a key theme throughout the event and Atlanta proved to be a very generous city with folks eager to give back and say thanks to the men and women who put their lives on the line each day.

Photos of the event are available for viewing at http://www.modernluxury.com/the-atlantan/scene/grady-health-foundation-rock-n-ride/img17894, courtesy of Modern Luxury.

Rock-N-Ride 2011 is sponsored by AirTran Airways, Hard Rock Cafe, Southland’s Full Throttle Magazine, Killer Creek Harley-Davidson, Q&A Events, Lawbike.com, 97.1 The River, WSB‐TV, Budweiser, Bank of America and Wells Fargo.

Atlanta is honoring police officers, firefighters , EMTs and other first-responders with motorcycles, rock ’n’ roll and a street party on Peachtree June 25.

Rock-N-Ride is the first fundraiser to group federal, state and local first-responders into one benefit.

“Typically, fundraisers are all for police, like the Blue Knights, or just for firefighters,” Grady Health Foundation President Lisa Borders said. “We’ve gotten not a warm embrace, but a hot embrace from the first-responder community. We’re calling every police chief in the state, and every one I’ve talked to is thrilled we are doing this. It’s hard for them to imagine.”

Motorcycles participating in the ride start registering at 11 a.m. at Killer Creek Harley-Davidson in Roswell. Kickstands go up at 2 p.m. The Georgia State Patrol will escort riders to the Hard Rock Café, 215 Peachtree St. NE, where MusicFest, Part Two of the benefit, begins at 3 p.m., with food and artist vendors and six bands on two stages, featuring headliner Mother’s Finest.

AirTran Airways is sponsoring the event that will benefit the Grady Health Foundation and the Gold Shield Foundation, which aids families of first responders killed in the line of duty.

“First-responders are there for us 24-7-365, from the Bluffton baseball bus crash to the Olympics bombing,” Borders said. “We are showing them we’re not only here for them, but we’re going to actively raise money for that firefighter who gets burned or the DEA agent who gets shot. They come to Grady. They want us open every day, with the latest and greatest equipment.”

For details and motorcycle pre-registration (recommended but not required for riders), visit www.gradyhealthfoundation.org/good-causes/rock-n-ride/. $40 per bike; $75 for an additional passenger.

Grady Health Foundation’s Rock-N-Ride is a Party from Start to Finish

Warm weather, music and motorcycles and a great cause all in one spot could only mean one thing: Grady Health Foundation’s “Rock‐N‐Ride” presented by AirTran Airways is right around the corner. On Saturday, June 25 motorcyclists will gather at Killer Creek Harley-Davidson in Roswell to kick off the event that benefits Grady Health Foundation and Gold Shield Atlanta.

Ride registration begins at $40 and includes a commemorative Rock‐N‐Ride T-shirt, a ride pin and complimentary bike parking downtown at the festival. The event starts at 11:00am with entertainment by RATL at Killer Creek Harley‐Davidson in Roswell. Kickstands up at 2:00pm and the group will head downtown for the “Party on Peachtree” – MusicFest ‐ which begins at 3:00pm.

Don’t ride? Don’t worry you can join in the fun at 3 p.m. on Peachtree Street which will be shut down between Harris Street and Ellis Street for the first time ever. You won’t need a ticket to get in, so stop by and shop at the local artist market, purchase your exclusive Rock-N-Ride merchandise, eat drink and be merry and do it all with a light heart knowing that a portion of the proceeds from this public event will benefit the two organizations.

In addition, the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department will also be out hosting a boot drive, so make sure to bring a little extra cash and say thanks to those who put their lives on the line each day for our states resident’s. The event honors first responders from across Georgia and supports traumatic injuries treated at Grady Health System, metro Atlanta’s premier Level 1 Trauma Center. Gold Shield Foundation is dedicated to assisting surviving spouses and dependent children of law enforcement officers and firefighters inured in the line of duty.

ROCK-N-RIDE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
as of June 17, 2011

Time                                         Event

11:00am – 1:30pm:              Ride Registration and Pre‐Ride Party at Killer Creek Harley‐Davidson featuring RATL

2:00pm:                                   Ride leaves Killer Creek Harley‐Davidson for MusicFest

3:00pm:                                   Rock‐N‐Ride MusicFest Opens**

3:30pm:                                  Six Shot Revival ‐ Main Stage

4:30pm:                                   Pelvis Breastlies ‐ Velvet Underground Stage*

5:30pm:                                  Yacht Rock ‐ Main Stage

6:30pm:                                   Stonerider ‐ Velvet Underground Stage*

7:30pm:                                  Mother’s Finest ‐ Main Stage

8:45pm:                                   Ledfoot Messiah ‐ Velvet Underground Stage*

*Velvet Underground is located inside the Hard Rock Café
** MusicFest is located on Peachtree Street between Harris Street and Ellis Street

Don’t delay, head to Hard Rock Café and register for your chance to win a Punta Cana trip giveaway valued at $4,000.  You can bask in the sun at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Your trip includes airfare and is the perfect getaway for two. Anyone is invited to come out and register and the winner will be announced live on stage at MusicFest.

Rock‐N‐Ride 2011 is sponsored by AirTran Airways, Hard Rock Cafe, Southland’s Full Throttle Magazine, Killer Creek Harley‐Davidson, Q&A Events, Lawbike.com, 97.1 The River ,WSB‐TV and Budweiser. For more information on registering for the ride or donating to the event, please visit www.gradyhealthfoundation.org/good‐causes/rock‐n‐ride/.

Media interested in covering the event onsite should email Michelle Serra at mserra@360media.net.

The residents of Downtown Atlanta and the Atlanta Downtown Neighborhood Association (ADNA) welcome Grady Health Foundation’s Rock-n-Ride!! Grady Hospital is part of our everyday lives and the heart of the City, since 1892! Raising funds for the Foundation and bringing live music to Peachtree St. is something we have been waiting for!

Saturday June 25 will be a busy day all around Downtown and the streets around Grady. ADNA is presenting the 3rd Annual Downtown Atlanta Scavenger. $500 CASH goes to the winner!! See atlantadna.org or Active.com to register. Starts at noon.

Also, very close to Grady Hospital, on Edgewood Ave., will be Atlanta Streets Alive. Streets, our largest public space, belong to all of us. On a normal day, people riding bikes, walking, or jogging have to dodge cars to use them. Not on June 25th! It is the people’s day, for friends and family and games in the street, so join us for Atlanta’s only open-streets day. It’s streets for all! See AtlantaStreetsAlive.com for more. Starts at 4 p.m. at Woodruff Park, one block south of Rock-n-Ride on Peachtree St.

Grady Health Foundation president Lisa Borders spoke recently on 11 Alive’s Atlanta & Company about the upcoming Rock-N-Ride event on Saturday, June 25. First responders from the city, county, state, and federal level will be participating in the escorted ride from Killer Creek Harley-Davidson in Roswell down to Hard Rock Café in downtown Atlanta. Check out the video below!