Sapphire Ball raises nearly $1 million
KC and The Sunshine Band helps gala guests 'get down tonight'
More than 800 sponsors and supporters of Summa Health rocked to one of music's most iconic bands on Saturday, September 21, at the John S. Knight Center during Akron's premier philanthropic gala.
The 18th annual Sapphire Ball raised nearly $1 million. Net proceeds this year benefit Summa Health Cancer Institute Patient Support Services and other key clinical areas at Summa Health.
KC and The Sunshine Band played iconic hits like "That's The Way (I Like It)," "Get Down Tonight" and "Shake Your Booty." Lead singer Harry Wayne Casey and his team joined a long list of legends such as the Four Tops, Kool and The Gang, Frank Sinatra Jr. and Jay Leno who have entertained Summa Health supporters at the Sapphire Ball.
Cliff Deveny, M.D., president and chief executive officer of Summa Health, highlighted Patient Support Services and its myriad services — financial support, wig-fittings, psychological and nutritional counseling, and much more, all generously supported by the philanthropy of Summa Health supporters. A video featured Jamie McKinley, a lymphoma survivor, and other Summa Health cancer patients.
Bob and Regina Cooper, longtime philanthropic leaders in the Akron community, served as the honorary chairs. James Simon led a group of 22 volunteer fundraisers as the corporate committee chair. Sameer Mahesh, M.D., one of the leading oncology specialists in Northeast Ohio, served as the physician chair.
Sara Shookman, WKYC news anchor and Akron native, served as mistress of ceremonies.
Named for the precious gemstone that symbolizes wisdom, virtue and good fortune, the Sapphire Ball supports clinically excellent care and life-saving programs for Summa Health patients. The gala has raised more than $12 million for Summa Health in its lifetime.
The 2020 Sapphire Ball will be Saturday, November 7. For more information, contact Nikki Hawk at 330.375.3548 or hawkn@summahealth.org.