You are here

UMass Memorial - HealthAlliance Hospital Foundation Announces G.A.L.A. Award Recipients

On October 29th, the UMass Memorial - HealthAlliance Hospital Foundation will hold its second annual Gala Event. Proceeds will go to support the Foundation's Doyle Community Fund and the Mass Lung and Allergy Foundation. Both foundations will be directing funds back into the community to support programs and initiatives that address health and wellness, treatment and prevention of lung cancer and other pulmonary diseases in the North Worcester County region. This black tie affair will feature the music of the Tom Nutile Band, dinner and dancing and an electronic silent auction. Thank you in advance to all of our sponsors and dinner guests as this will be a sold out event.
 
During the evening three individuals will be presented with the coveted “G.A.L.A.” Award for their community service. All three will be recognized for their efforts to improve the health and wellness in our region. These awards have been created to recognize individuals who have unselfishly given of their time, leadership skills and vision to make a positive impact in the community through volunteerism. On behalf of the Gala Committee Co-Chairs, Deborah Weymouth, President & CEO, FACHE, UMass Memorial – HealthAlliance Hospital and Corey Saltin, DO, FCCP, Mass Lung & Allergy, PC., we are pleased to announce the following G.A.L.A. Awards recipients for 2016.
 
Community Award - John Girouard, Fitchburg Fire Department and Army Combat Veteran
John Girouard has been a member of the Fitchburg Fire Department since 2013. In his time as a member of the department he has been dedicated to the department and the community through various activities. As an Army combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient, John works closely with the Home Base Program by providing outreach, debriefing/distressing talks, and as a reference point for returning veterans who are seeking help. John also volunteers for Leadership Under Fire, Inc. and delivers motivational speeches.
 
Employee Award - Erika Constant, UMass Memorial - HealthAlliance Hospital Nutrition Department
Erika works full time and is also a volunteer at the hospital. She is a person who is always giving  of her time, energy, resources and support for those around her and members of her community. She has participated in numerous benefit walks and fundraising events for various causes: Michael’s Run, Education Foundation 5K, Relay for Life, Boys & Girls Club Great Futures 5K and the Buzz Off for Kids at Gillette Stadium. Erika is also a volunteer with the Arc of Opportunity and a full time caregiver to her brother and regularly speaks at AA meetings to help support recovering alcoholics.
 
Physician Award Winner - Dr. Fernando Catalina, MD, PHD, F.A.A.P., Medical Associates Pediatrics 
Dr. Catalina is a pediatrician at Medical Associates Pediatrics in Leominster and is very active as a member of the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Club of Fitchburg and Leominster. Dr. Catalina also serves on the Board of Trustees of Central New England HealthAlliance. Working with the Boys and Girls Club, he strives to help the organization focus on health and wellness for children, implement creative after school activities and supports their fundraisers such as the Celebrity Survivor Show and the Great Futures 5K. 
 
Please join us in congratulating them all for the impact they have made to our community.
For questions or to purchase tickets to the Gala, please contact Deborah LaPointe, Director of Development and External Affairs at 978-466-2214dlapointe@healthalliance.org or visit www.healthalliancefoundation.org.