Raises Funds for Haiti Mission

NASHVILLE—On Thursday, May 5, 2016, MTSA hosted its third annual Mission & Awards Gala with 250 guests who gathered at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville. The event raised needed funds for the School’s Mission Initiative in Haiti and other local communities.

Local TV personality Meryll Rose, co-host of NewsChannel 5’s Talk of the Town program, served as master of ceremonies. After guests took a tour of the Museum, dinner was served and the program began.

President Chris Hulin started by celebrating the achievements of the anesthesia community and presenting awards to alumni, community partners and others for their dedication to MTSA.

“I am grateful for the support each financial contributor who has helped make this evening possible as proceeds fund MTSA’s new Mission Initiative,” Hulin said. “Your help will fund an ultrasound machine for primary use of regional anesthesia, trauma care, and critical obstetrical screening in Haiti.”

Hulin also thanked the committee that worked to make the evening a success. They included: Michelle Arant (Chairman), Buffy Lupear (Vice Chairman), Les Andrus, Diana Bird, Lois Bernard, Kay Chamberlain, Sherry Clem, Catherine Cunningham, Arlene Cooper, Matt Demaree, Rhonda Hendon, Roxanne Lenz, Julie Boskind Murphy, Cristy Pennington, Nancy Palmore, Kim Sharkey, Dina Velocci and Rachelle Wetmore.

During the award presentations, the School recognized the following individuals:

• Brad Koss, MS, CRNA, Ikey DeVasher Distinguished Alumni Service Award
• John Shields, DNP, CRNA, Clinical Excellence Award
• Patrick Moss, DNAP, CRNA, Nevin Downs, MD Leadership Award
• Lois J. Bernard, MS, CRNA, Philanthropy Award
• Linda C. Bauman, CRNA (posthumously), Mission& Heritage Award

The Gala also featured guitarist-vocalist Tim Rushlow who offered his “One Man, One Guitar, One Night” show, an intimate musical journey through his hits as well as songs by other artists that have deep meaning to him.

Rushlow is no stranger to the stage, having grown up in a musical family, then the lead vocalist for the country supergroup Little Texas, followed by a successful solo career. He has taken the approach with his solo show that every audience member is in his living room for the night.

Event sponsors included:

• Dinner: Northstar Anesthesia
• Reception: Phy-Med Healthcare Group
• Nevin Downs, MD Leadership Award: Myrtianne Downs
• Philanthropy Award: Mollenkopf Design Group
• Mission & Heritage Award: KY-TN Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
• Distinguished Alumni Service Award: Valley Anesthesia
• Clinical Excellence Award: Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists

Many thanks to those who attended the Gala or supported the Mission Initiative through special donations.