Celebrate Shades of Autumn, benefit new trauma area at Augusta Health

Shades of Autumn, a celebration of this beautiful and colorful season, will be held on Friday, September 16 from 6 pm until 9 pm at Gaie Lea Pavilion, Bells Lane, in Staunton.

As the signature event of the Augusta Health Foundation, proceeds will benefit the community and patients of Augusta Health by supporting the building of a new trauma area to treat critical care patients in the Augusta Health Emergency Department.  The event will feature heavy hors d-oeuvres, adult beverages and a jazz quartet.  The cost is $100 person, and $50 of which will directly support the critical care area.

Reservations are required, and can be made by calling the Augusta Health Foundation at 540.332.5174 or visiting the website, augustahealth.com/foundation/shades-of-autumn.

When seconds count in during a medical emergency, it’s important that physicians and caregivers have access to the equipment and space they need.  “Given our location not far from Interstates 81 and 64, Augusta Health Emergency Department physicians and staff care for many patients with severe trauma,” said David Fosnocht, MD, Chair of Emergency Medicine at Augusta Health.  “This new Resuscitation (trauma) Area will provide ample space and the most advanced technology to diagnose and treat patients with critical injuries, or experiencing a stroke, heart attack or other life-threatening event.”

Augusta Health’s Emergency Department, built in 1994 to accommodate 35,000 visits per year, will undergo a complete renovation to meet current needs that exceed 60,000 visits per year.  The number of treatment rooms will expand from 30 to 48, with special care areas for critical care, behavioral health, sexual assault, isolation and bariatric patients.

Shades of Autumn is made possible through the generosity of more than 20 local businesses and hospital vendors who have become sponsors, as well as attendees and individual donors.  Bob and Liz Schreiber, the proprietors of Gaie Lea, have provided a rustic, yet elegant venue and Sodexo, Augusta Health’s food service partner, has generously provided food and catering services.  Alltran, an Augusta Health business partner, is serving as the Signature Event Grand Sponsor.

“We are truly humbled by the generosity of our sponsors,” said Tami Radecke, Executive Director of the Augusta Health Foundation.  “Without their support, this special event would not be possible.  It should be a really fun night!”

Those with a desire to support the critical care area in the new Augusta Health Emergency Department, but unable to attend the event, can make a contribution by calling the Augusta Health Foundation at 540.332.5174 or online at https://augustahealth.thankyou4caring.org/.

The Event Committee includes Doris Clark, Christi Coiner, Barbara Franklin, Virginia Gillock, Casey Just, Whitney-Cole Novotny, Karen Santos, Jean Wade, Tami Radecke and Susannah Via.

Shades of Autumn is hosted by the Augusta Health Foundation.  Its mission is to inspire community ownership through charitable giving to advance health and wellness in our region. The Foundation is the charitable arm of Augusta Health and supports essential patient care programs and services at Augusta Health, including Augusta Health Hospice of the Shenandoah.

For more information about Augusta Health Foundation, please visit the website, augustahealth.com/foundation.