Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/829941
18 | YOU AT YOUR BEST | NWADG.COM/YOUATYOURBEST JUNE - MENTAL HEALTH | SATURDAY, MAY 27, 2017 SPECIAL TO NWA DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE What began in the 1990s as an inventive idea – an annual fundraising gala to provide support for area healthcare needs – now has been reinvented. The Washington Regional Gala is set for 6 p.m., Saturday, July 15, at the recently expanded Walton Arts Center. Attendees can expect a lively program that features unique performances and also spot- lights exceptional healthcare leadership. The highlight of the evening will be the special acknowledgment of Washington Regional's longest- serving chief executive offi cer, William L. Bradley, who has set his retirement for this November. The Washing- ton Regional Medical System Board of Di- rectors voted unanimously to honor Bradley at the gala with its Vision Award in recogni- tion of his positive impact on the health of Northwest Arkansas in general and Wash- ington Regional in particular. This is only the third time a Washington Regional board has elected to present a Vision Award, the system's highest individual honor. Greg Lee, chair of the Washington Regional board, said, "We believe this is an appropriate way to acknowledge Bill's 13+ years of exemplary service to Washington Regional and to Northwest Arkansas, and his more than 35 years of visionary leader- ship in the healthcare industry. Bill's tenure at Washington Regional has been especially notable due to the system's extraordinary growth in volumes, services and facilities. Washington Regional's main campus has doubled in size, with two major facility ex- pansions and new services focused on se- niors, hospice care, stroke care and women's and infants' care. During his time at Wash- ington Regional, the medical system also implemented enhanced employee programs and created 600 new jobs." For more than 25 years, proceeds from the gala have been instrumental to Washing- ton Regional Medical Foundation's efforts to support the medical system's mission through community philanthropy and out- reach services. Continuing that tradition, proceeds from the 2017 gala will provide support for the Patient Benevolence Fund, which offers assistance to patients who are experiencing fi nancial diffi culties. This year's gala entertainment will offer attendees a new twist, starting with the dancers, aerialists, visual artists and musi- cians of performance art ensemble Quixotic Cirque Nouveau, who will provide enter- tainment throughout the evening – and even throughout the venue. With a unique com- bination of dance, music, technology and light, the group's exhilarating display of art in motion has been called "an absolute feast for the senses." Then, at the end of the eve- ning, an optional after-party with a live band will entertain attendees who wish to keep the fun going. The gala's signature pre-performance re- ception with food and libations will begin at 6 p.m.; the after-party will feature late-night food and drink favorites. For gala tickets or sponsorship opportuni- ties go to www.wregional.com/gala or call 479-463-4483. About Washington Regional: Washington Regional is here for you, for life, with a comprehensive healthcare net- work that includes the only not-for-profi t, community-owned and locally governed medical center in Northwest Arkansas. Washington Regional is committed to im- proving the health of people in communities we serve through compassionate, high-qual- ity care, prevention and wellness education. Visit wregional.com for more information. Washington Regional Gala to Honor Leadership, Vision, Growth