Heart and Soul Gala a Huge Success for Hospital and Community

The 2023 Heart & Soul Gala on Feb. 11 was an astounding success, selling out the beautiful Ritz Carlton Reynolds Lake Oconee and raising over $450,000 for St. Mary's Good Samaritan Hospital.

The event brought together 360 supporters and featured highly successful live and silent auctions that raised $125,000 that evening. In addition, the community came together to contribute over $300,000 in sponsorships, surpassing previous Heart and Soul Galas.

"We are absolutely delighted with the outpouring of support from our community," said Sherri Kerstetter, Gala Co-Chair. "We are grateful to our generous sponsors and those who donated to our auctions and raffles."

The gala weekend started on Friday evening with a VIP Recognition Event for the gala’s highest-level sponsors and their guests at the beautiful lake home of Ted and Riezl Baker. On Saturday, premier-level sponsors and above gathered at the Pavilion of the Ritz Carlton for a special event before proceeding to the ballroom for dinner and dance.

“It is hard to believe that the inaugural gala was nine years ago, in 2014,” said Riezl Baker, Gala Co-Chair. “I can still remember the day we came up with the event name, Heart and Soul, because the hospital is the heart of the community. Your presence and support this evening proves that.”

All proceeds will go to help St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital address chronic health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, and also toward expansion of the hospital’s emergency department.

“The community’s support for our gala and our hospital has been tremendous,” said Becky Smith, Chair of the Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation Board. “It is truly an honor to work with all the volunteers to make this happen.”

^{Michael and June Tompkins with friends Brenda and William Stewart}

^{Former Hospital Foundation Board Chair Louie Seabolt, seated, and wife Jane Hutterfly, center, were the winners of “The Perfect Blend,” a five-course gourmet dinner and wine experience for 14 people by The Chef and the Wife and Matt and Daniela Garofalo of The Oconee Cellar.}

^{Gala co- chairs Sherri Kerstetter and Riezl Baker with their spouses}

^{Jim and Gala Committee member Tammy Beatty}

^{The 2023 Heart and Soul Gala Committee}

^{Craig and Faye Lefkov enjoy the live auction}