ElevateMeD to Host 3rd Annual ‘Explosion of Dream’ Fundraiser to Celebrate Diversity In Medicine and Honor its 20 Scholars Program Recipients
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Highlights
The organization is led by physician couple Dr. Alyx Porter Umphrey and Dr. Gregory Umphrey, who together combated over $500,000 in medical school debt and saw the opportunity to create an organization that removes the barriers many face along their journey.
The organization has already awarded more than $250,000 to its 20 Scholars Program recipients in 2020 and 2021 in addition to providing mentorship and support.
This year’s ‘Explosion of a Dream’ fundraising event will have virtual and in-person tickets available; taking place on Saturday, October 2, 2021, at the Red Room at Scottsdale Hangar One.
Scottsdale, Arizona- Since its formal launch in 2019, Scottsdale-based nonprofit ElevateMeD has provided support to 20 African American/Black, Latinx, and Native American medical students from across the country through its flagship Scholars Program, awarding more than $250,000 in scholarships. This Fall, the organization is hosting its third annual, “Explosion of a Dream” fundraising event on the evening of Saturday, October 2, 2021, at Hangar One- Red Room (15220 N 78th Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85260), beginning at 5PM PDT / 8PM EDT with both virtual and in-person ticket options. The weekend will also feature the first Scholars Summit, a series of live professional development and networking opportunities for the program’s recipients. Presale tickets and donations are now available through September 30th, 2021.
ElevateMeD is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization managed by a diverse Board of Directors committed to elevating medicine by providing scholarships, leadership training, mentorship, and financial management education to medical students from underrepresented backgrounds in medicine. The organization is led by physician couple Dr. Alyx Porter Umphrey and Dr. Gregory Umphrey, who together combated over $500,000 in medical school debt and saw the opportunity to create an organization that removes the barriers many face along their journey.
Research continues to demonstrate how underrepresentation in medicine directly contributes to the health disparities present in our healthcare systems today. According to the AMA, “underrepresented students face barriers regarding matriculation due to the financial burden of the costs of medical school.” ElevateMeD currently provides each student with a $10,000 scholarship for each year remaining of medical school. The program is in partnership with 14 institutions across the country including Howard University College of Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, and U.T. Southwestern Medical School.
As a hybrid event following COVID19 regulations, the 2021 Explosion of a Dream fundraiser will provide guests the unique opportunity to see the impact of the program by meeting the 2020 and 2021 Scholars, participate in the live auction event while enjoying dinner and live entertainment. The first Breaking Barriers Award will also be presented to physician champion Dr. Dale Okorodudu, author and Founder of BlackMenWhiteCoats and DiverseMedicine, Inc.
Tickets for in person and virtual attendance are available online through September 30, 2021, at register.elevatemed.org. Event sponsorship opportunities are also still available at sponsor.elevatemed.org.
ABOUT ELEVATEMED:
ElevateMeD is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to elevating medicine by providing scholarships, mentorship, leadership training, and financial management education to future physicians from African-American/Black, Latinx, and Native American backgrounds. Through our Scholars Program, we aim to increase physician workforce diversity and improve cultural competence among physicians to reduce health disparities. Learn more about our mission and vision by visiting elevatemed.org/who-we-are and follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @elevatemedinc.
Media Contact:
Keiona Eady
keiona@theauthenticmessenger.com | 843-312-1027