The Mid Florida Medical Services Foundation (the Fund Raising Organization for Winter Haven Hospital, the Regency Medical Center, and its parent company, Mid Florida Medical Services) held its Annual Fall Gala on Tuesday, November 12.

Dressed in evening gowns and tuxedos, 330 donors, corporate sponsors and philanthropists attended the Gala, which was held at Nora Mayo Hall in Winter Haven.

Commenting on the event, Larry Tucker, Mid Florida Medical Services Foundation Chairman stated, "This year's Gala was extremely important. I can think of few things that are more important than having access to high quality health care, yet it's something we rarely think about until we actually need it. The biggest challenge we have today in health care is acquiring the vital manpower necessary to deliver the care we all depend on. Having raised $180,000 for scholarships we think the Gala was a great success and a real contribution toward addressing this issue."

Adding to Mr. Tucker's remarks, Winter Haven Hospital/Mid Florida Medical Services board chairman and Gala Master of Ceremonies, Ron Morrow commented, "We want to sincerely thank all of this years Gala underwriters, as well as the Mid Florida Medical Services Foundation Board of Trustees and management team. By working together through this event, community leaders and the Foundation have successfully established a new health care scholarship fund for Polk residents."

Foundation scholarships will be provided to R.N., L.P.N., and other allied health program students wishing to attend Polk Community College, Ridge and Traviss Vocational-Technical schools. Mr. Tucker noted, "We expect to begin reviewing scholarship candidate applications between January and May 2003 and scholarships will be awarded in June".

Lance Anastasio, President and CEO, Mid Florida Medical Services/Winter Haven Hospital noted, " The need to attract and train more individuals who want to become nurses as well as other types of health care professionals is a national objective. The establishment of the Foundation's health care scholarship fund is a great example of local businesses and civic leadership getting behind a great cause. The outcome of this initiative is it benefits future health care professionals, it helps Winter Haven Hospital in its mission to deliver high quality, cost effective care and it ultimately helps the thousands of families and businesses we serve in east Polk".

For information on how to make a tax-deductible contribution to the Mid Florida Medical Services Foundation Scholarship Fund, call 863-291-6732. Individuals interested in receiving information on how to become a scholarship candidate should call 297-1896.