The Swingin’ Medallions and The Tams to headline MFMS Foundation 2006 Gala
CONTACT PERSON
Joel Thomas
Winter Haven Hospital
(863) 292-4334
Sounds of the ‘60s will entertain the audience at the 17th annual Gala at Nora Mayo Hall. Funds raised will go toward supporting the thousands of patients that Winter Haven Hospital cares for.
The Mid-Florida Medical Services Foundation is pleased to announce that ‘60s-era pop legends, The Swingin’ Medallions and The Tams will perform as the headline entertainment at the Foundation’s 17th annual Gala, scheduled for Friday, Nov. 17 at Nora Mayo Hall in Winter Haven.
The annual fund-raising event has raised in recent years hundreds of thousands of dollars to support the Foundation’s various health care initiatives.
“The Gala gets better every year. The Swingin’ Medallions and The Tams are two of those bands whose songs will bring back a ton of great memories,” said Richard Straughn, Foundation Chairman. “At the same time, it’s a chance to celebrate the successes of the Hospital and the Foundation, and to tell the community our plans for the future. It’s a fun night to observe the community-wide effort that brings quality health care to our region.”
The Swingin’ Medallions became famous in 1966 with the release of their multi-million-record seller, “Double Shot of My Baby’s Love,” which remains the signature song of the group today. Rock star Bruce Springsteen once labeled the song, “the greatest fraternity hit song of all time.”
The Swingin’ Medallions’ popularity today, according to one critic, “stems from the catchy, make-you-want-to-dance feeling that radiates throughout the band’s rhythm-and-blues, beach-music sound.”
The Tams gained fame in the ’60s with hits such as “What Kind of Fool,” and “Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy.” The band’s name is taken from the fact that all of the band members wear Tam O'Shanter hats on stage.
Larry Tucker, Gala Committee member and Foundation Trustee, said that although several organizations in east Polk and Highlands counties already have made sponsorship commitments to the Gala, a number of additional opportunities remain.
“The Gala is east Polk County’s biggest fund-raising event,” Tucker said. “And so it’s a great opportunity for friends of Winter Haven Hospital to get involved and help the Foundation work to provide quality health care in The Ridge community.”
Lynn Oakley, Gala Committee Member and Foundation Trustee, said one highlight of this year’s event will be a silent auction featuring premium items.
“Last year, our silent auction was a tremendous success,” Oakley said. “We think it will be even better this year.”
About The MFMS Foundation
The Mid-Florida Medical Services Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit charitable institution governed by a board of volunteer trustees who serve without pay. In an effort to meet the continuing needs of our health service organization and the growing communities it serves, the Foundation provides philanthropic support for the very latest in medical care, technology, equipment, facilities, manpower, and education for Winter Haven Hospital, the Regency Medical Center and the many other health services MFMS provides in east Polk and Highlands counties.
About Winter Haven Hospital
Established in 1926, Winter Haven Hospital serves as the major medical center for east Polk and Highlands counties and the U.S. Highway 27 / Ridge Corridor. The 527-bed hospital is a division of Mid-Florida Medical Services, Inc. a locally owned and operated not-for-profit organization. The hospital is fully accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation for Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) and has more than 300 board-certified physicians on its medical staff representing every major specialty. Winter Haven Hospital is affiliated with the University of Florida College of Medicine/Shands Healthcare. And with more than 2,500 employees, Winter Haven Hospital is the largest private employer in east Polk County. Winter Haven Hospital recently was recognized by Polk Works Workforce 2020 as one of the best places to work in Polk County