ElevateMeD triples goal and raises $90,000 for scholarships at launch reception
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Scottsdale, Arizona- Set on the backdrop of beautiful Scottsdale, Arizona, more than 130 guests joined ElevateMeD at their first launch reception on Saturday night at the Hotel Valley Ho Skyline Rooftop. The goal for this fundraising event was to raise $30,000 for the 2020 ElevateMeD Scholars Program. By the end of the evening, the organization successfully raised more than $90,000, tripling their goal.
As guests arrived in their cocktail attire, they had the opportunity to be photographed on the step and repeat, enjoy heavy appetizers, and be entertained by Showstoppers Entertainment and Eric Gilliam the Magician with music provided by DJ Aaron of Arizona Music Force. Guests were also able to mingle among the organization’s Board of Directors, community leaders, top physicians, Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine students, ASU undergraduates and various supporters of the non-profit’s mission.
Dr Alyx Porter Umphrey shared a moving welcome explaining the birth of ElevateMeD and her journey to become the first black female neurooncologist in the country. This was followed by a live auction with national auctioneer Subyn Wadsworth with items ranging from professional sporting event tickets, to a Carribean cruise, and concluding with custom diamond earrings by JN Jewels. Following additional remarks from Board Member Dr. Marissa Vasquez, Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine student, Johanny Vasquez Dominguez, shared her personal journey to becoming a second year medical student. Dr. Gregory Umphrey closed the evening with announcing the tremendous success of the evening. This event was made possible as a result of the generosity of the following sponsors: Mayo Clinic, Barrow Brain and Spine, Blake Mortgage, Briova, and Innovative Anesthesia and Analgesia.
ElevateMeD’s board membership includes a diverse group of professionals committed to the mission and vision of the organization. Those members include: Alyx Porter Umphrey MD, FAAN, Founder and Director and Gregory Umphrey MD- Co Founder, both of Scottsdale Arizona, Marissa Vasquez, MD MBA of Los Angeles, California, Patrick Brooks, CPA of Atlanta, Georgia, Bert Vargas FAHS, FAAN of Dallas, Texas ; Shannon Smith Hamilton MD of Atlanta, Georgia, Andrew Sanderson MD, MPH of Washington, DC; Tiffany Hardaway MD, MS of Phoenix, Arizona; and Gyasi Chisely PMP, FACHE of Chicago, IL.
ElevateMeD is excited by the overwhelming support of the ElevateMeD Scholars Program, which will competitively award 10 medical students from African American, Latinx, and Native American backgrounds who are underrepresented in medicine with $40,000 scholarships ($10,000/year).
Donations towards the Scholars Program are still being accepted at www.elevatemed.org/contribute.
ABOUT ElevateMeD:
ElevateMeD is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization committed to elevating the field of medicine by advancing physician workforce diversity. We’re supporting the next generation of physician leaders through the creation of a Scholars Program that will include scholarship support, mentorship, financial management education, and leadership training.
Learn more about our mission and vision, visit elevatemed.org and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook @elevatemedinc.
Media Contact:
Keiona Eady
keiona@theauthenticmessenger.com | 843-312-1027
