MidState gala draws hundreds, raises tens of thousands

By Adam Wittenberg
Record-Journal staff

SOUTHINGTON — It happens only once every two years, but it’s hard to top.
“We don’t have anything like this in the community,” said Marianne Papandrea, co-chair of the Moonlight Blues Gala, a benefit for MidState Medical Center. “Nothing compares to this.”
“This” was a gathering of about 500 hospital employees, supporters and friends for a night of dinner, dancing and entertainment at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville. For the third time in six years, and the first time in Southington, the event brought together people from the local area to raise money for Mid State.
The hospital and the MidState Medical Center Auxiliary sponsor the event, which has quickly become its single largest fundraiser. An annual golf tournament in June raised about $70,000, but corporate sponsorship for the gala had already totaled $80,000 before the event began.
Additional money from ticket sales — $150 each, although MidState employees received a discount — and a live and silent auction, would boost the amount.
“It’s definitely a record-breaker,” said Pam Cretella, the hospital’s communications coordinator.
The 2005 event, which was held at the Chevrolet Theater in Wallingford, raised about $55,000 for hospital programs and equipment.
The auxiliary will meet Monday to announce the gala’s total and how the gift will be designated.
This year, attendance was up and so was the fun.
“I love the decorations,” said Debbie Tansino of Wallingford, gala co chair.
On each table was a saxophone and piano key centerpiece.
Eight to the Bar, a live band, performed, and professional Blues Brothers impersonators from Boston were slated to appear later in the evening.
“When they come on, I’ve got sunglasses for everyone,” said Gail Millerick, Mid State’s development director.
The new venue also allowed for a change in the meal. Instead of a sit-down dinner, attendees feasted on a buffet with options including sushi and a potini bar, or mashed potatoes with various toppings served in a martini glass.
Dr. Bob Biondino, an orthopedic surgeon who lives in Wallingford, made a splash with his tiger tuxedo, which he received at his 25th reunion at Princeton University in 1990.
“(Former Sen.) Bill Bradley was my lab partner,” Biondino said.
The hospital is planning its second expansion since it opened on Lewis Avenue in 1998.
“One of the reasons for our amazing success is because of our dedicated staff,” said Lucille Janatka, hospital president and chief executive officer. “This is a wonderful event tonight.