Methodist Medical Center welcomes Casino Night fundraiser co-chairs

Plans are already under way for the Methodist Medical Center Foundation’s Casino Night fundraiser for 2013. This year’s event is themed, “An Evening in Paris” and will transport guests to the City of Lights where they can dine bistro-style in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower; browse in Les Puces (The Fleas), our auction-version of the famous French flea market, as they look for hidden treasures; and of course, there will be plenty of time to indulge in some friendly casino-style games.

The Methodist Medical Center Foundation is excited to welcome two new co-chairs: Foundation board member and president of CapitalMark Bank, David Bradshaw and his wife Sandy. The Bradshaws will lead the Casino Night committee as they begin preparations for this year’s event and reach out to community organizations and businesses for their support and sponsorship.

“We are fortunate in our community to have a spectacular hospital in Methodist Medical Center with a highly skilled and dedicated staff,” said Bradshaw of why he and his wife chose to chair this event. “We need to do everything we can to protect and support this valuable regional asset. By supporting Casino Night, we are doing our small part to support the hospital and all it provides to our community.”

Profits from Casino Night 2013: An Evening in Paris will benefit the Hospitality Houses of Methodist Medical Center, which provide free, temporary lodging to cancer patients and their families who must travel for treatment at Methodist Medical Center, as well as others seeking long-term treatment as space allows. The houses have been serving the patients of Methodist Medical Center since 1997. Now, so that these houses may always be available to those who need them, the Foundation is establishing a $1.5 million endowment to support the Hospitality Houses in perpetuity.

“Successful communities are those that welcome visitors with open arms; the fact that Methodist offers a no-cost place to stay that is close to the hospital is a wonderful community service for those experiencing an extremely challenging time in their lives,” notes Bradshaw. “Furthermore, the fact that the Hospitality Houses are in historic Manhattan Project structures that are being well utilized today is another good reason to be sure we continue to support their upkeep and positive impact in our community.”

This year’s Casino Night not only serves as a fundraiser for the Hospitality Houses, it reminds us of the important service that is offered to our neighbors in surrounding counties who utilize Methodist Medical Center and rely on the Hospitality Houses when they are sick, worried, and away from home.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, April 6, and join David and Sandy Bradshaw for An Evening in Paris as they say “Bienvenue!” Welcome to Casino Night!

For more information about Casino Night and to learn about sponsorship opportunities, please call (865) 835-5261.