Patti LaBelle Headlines Temple University Hospital Gala

Two-time Grammy® Award-winner and legendary recording artist Patti LaBelle will perform a private concert for attendees of this year’s Temple University Hospital (TUH) Acres of Diamonds Gala, taking place April 29 at the Please Touch Museum. This year’s Gala marks the 125th anniversary of Temple University Hospital, and is presented by the Temple University Hospital Medical Staff. The Gala serves as the hospital’s top fundraising event each year.

A Philadelphia native, LaBelle received an honorary degree from Temple University in 2010 and gave birth to her son in 1973 at TUH. LaBelle’s 50-plus-year career includes headlining groups such as Patti LaBelle & The Bluebells and Labelle, in addition to her remarkable solo success. Beyond her musical achievements, LaBelle is also well known for her humanitarian efforts and entrepreneurial spirit.

The 2017 Acres of Diamonds Gala also will feature a red carpet entrance to the Please Touch Museum and dinner under a custom tent in Fairmount Park. In addition to traditional sponsorship, attendees of this year’s Gala have the opportunity to cover the cost of admission for TUH’s longtime employees, as a thank you for their 35, 40 or even 50 years of service. Approximately 1,000 guests are expected to attend the black-tie event.

For more information on how to support the 2017 Acres of Diamonds Gala, visit tuhgala.com. 

The annual Acres of Diamonds Gala is one of the oldest charitable events in Philadelphia, bringing together TUH’s most avid supporters for an entertaining and memorable evening. Proceeds from the 2017 event will benefit the enhancement of patient and family spaces and rooms at Temple University Hospital. A special appeal at this year’s Gala will benefit the Women and Infants Division at TUH. The evening’s program will be emceed by local favorite Lauren Hart.

The Diamond Award, given at each Acres of Diamonds Gala, recognizes an individual or department for their exceptional social responsibility. This year’s Diamond Award Honoree is the president of Temple University, Richard M. Englert, EdD. Dr. Englert is being recognized for more than 40 years of service to Philadelphia and the university community. 

“The Acres of Diamonds Gala is an opportunity to bring together many of Temple Health and Temple University Hospital’s biggest advocates and to look back on 125 years of excellent patient care, dedicated staff members and community support,” said Larry R. Kaiser, MD, FACS, President and CEO of Temple University Health System. “We’re especially thrilled to welcome Patti LaBelle as part of this year’s milestone celebration.”

From its humble beginnings with just two staff members and a single horse-drawn ambulance, TUH has become one of the most active and advanced hospitals in the region. Founded in 1892 by Russell Conwell, who gave the famous “Acres of Diamonds” address from which the Gala gets its name, TUH operated strictly as a charity organization for its first five years, and began accepting payments from patients of means only to subsidize care for those without. TUH is celebrating its 125th anniversary throughout 2017 with a series of special events.

For more information about the 125th Anniversary of Temple University Hospital, visit tuh125.org.