DREAM CAMPAIGN LAUNCH GALA A SUCCESS
A pioneering event took place on Saturday, September 15, with the launch of the Duke Dream Campaign to support Anesthesiology research. Over 200 guests and volunteers converged at the new Lakeview Pavilion East, located on Erwin Road, to celebrate the launch of this new philanthropic initiative for the Department.
The gala represented a new chapter for Duke Anesthesiology and, in fact, for Anesthesiology departments nationwide. At the end of the evening, Duke Anesthesiology had raised over $200,000 for research—one tenth of the campaign’s overall $2 million goal. Equally impressive is the fact that leaders from other top ten Anesthesiology programs have already expressed interest in instituting similar initiatives within their departments based on the success of this campaign launch. Thus, the gala is just the latest example of Duke Anesthesiology’s tradition of innovation with the goal of producing the best possible outcomes for patients.
Since the campaign seeks to innovate research and research funding, a fresh, new location was the logical choice in which to launch the campaign. The Lakeview Pavilion is the latest local development project from Anthony & Company, founding sponsor to the Dream Campaign; the gala was the first time that the public had entered the space. On the second floor, where the evening’s festivities took place, concrete floors and steel support beams provided a dramatic backdrop for the black tie gala. Dramatic lighting, elegant table settings, and framed photography by award-winning photographer Richard Allnutt were juxtaposed with the industrial elements of the event space to lend a jazz-club atmosphere to the evening.
The ambiance was appropriate, since a Grammy-winning jazz group, the Branford Marsalis Quartet, headlined the event. Before the concert, guests enjoyed a cocktail hour sponsored by Morgan Keegan, two tour-themed wine tastings sponsored by Total Wine, exclusive previews of Lakeview’s luxury lofts on the building’s fourth floor, and a three-course meal catered by Giorgios Hospitality, whose local restaurants include Parizade, Verde, and George’s Garage.
Nonetheless, it was the Branford Marsalis Quartet’s performance, concluding with their rendition of the Irving Berlin classic, “Cheek to Cheek,” which was the highlight of the evening. After the concert, attendees were able to take the experience home; guests received gift boxes which each included autographed copies of the Quartet’s latest album, Braggtown.
If you are interested in becoming a donor to the Duke Dream Campaign, please contact Elizabeth Perez at elizabeth.perez@duke.edu or 919-681-2849.
To view photos taken by Richard M. Allnutt from the event please visit www.rmallnutt.com/dream