The 2025 Heart and Soul Gala, held Feb. 15 at The Ritz-Carlton ballroom, was an unmitigated success, raising more than $800,000 to benefit St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital in Greensboro.
Community members packed the ballroom as they came together for a sold-out evening filled with generosity, camaraderie, and philanthropy while demonstrating an unwavering commitment to supporting quality healthcare in Lake Country.
Foundation Board member and chair of the event, Riezl Baker, opened the evening’s program by reflecting on the hospital’s journey.
“It’s hard to believe that Good Samaritan Hospital has been open for 10 years and just as hard to believe that we were here a decade ago for the inaugural gala,” she said. “The dream of bringing quality healthcare to our community has grown into something extraordinary. Over the past decade, the hospital has become a pillar of healing and hope.”
The night featured a live auction, led by auctioneer Perry Walden, that raised more than $107,000 for seven offerings, including unique experiences and one-of-a-kind items. The highlight of the auction was “Dinner Along the Silk Road,” a culinary experience for 20 hosted by three community leaders. Wine provided by Oconee Cellar and entertainment by OPAS rounded out the package, which sold for an impressive $16,000.
Other auction items included a luxurious trip to Italy and Antigua, which sold for $20,000, and a stunning painting of the iconic Oconee Bridge by Atlanta-based artist Stephanie Wheeler, which was acquired for $11,000.
In addition to the live auction, a silent auction raised more than $46,000. Standout items included a Georgia Safari experience purchased by local resident Lori Bonnington. She said she is looking forward to taking her grandchildren on the adventure this summer.
Other notable auctioned items included an exclusive dinner donated by Table at The Lake and lunch with a cooking demonstration by renowned Chef Deborah.
Foundation Board Chair Dr. Art Torsiglieri singled out BankSouth for its support of the hospital since its inception, and a particularly moving moment of the evening came when Perry Walden led the paddle raise, which generated an astounding $123,000 for the hospital.
A heartfelt video featuring Maurie and Ed Drambel was also shown, sharing their family’s experience at Good Samaritan Hospital following the passing of their son, who had cerebral palsy.
“This is something we would not have experienced in a metropolitan hospital,” said Ed Drambel, expressing his gratitude for the compassionate care they received at St. Mary’s.
The evening also included an announcement from Trinity Health Georgia President and CEO Stonish Pierce, who, in a testament to the hospital’s ongoing commitment to growth and community service, unveiled renderings of a new medical pavilion coming to St. Mary’s.
“We are deeply grateful for the dedication and commitment this entire community has demonstrated to St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital,” Pierce stated. “The level of excellence we have achieved here is possible because of the incredible partnership between our health ministry and this amazing community.”
Baker also recognized the gala committee, which had successfully secured more than $500,000 in sponsorships before the event.
“It takes dedication and commitment, and you are truly the heart and soul of this gala,” she said, acknowledging their tireless efforts, while adding of the guests, “Your unwavering generosity is what makes this community remarkable.”
Baker stressed the record-breaking success of the 2025 Heart and Soul Gala reinforces the community’s deep-seated support for Good Samaritan Hospital and its mission to provide high-quality healthcare.
“As the hospital embarks on its next chapter with the planned expansion, this year’s gala stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared purpose,” she said.