Temple Health’s night under the lights—and Philadelphia’s longest-running philanthropic event—returned on May 30, when we celebrated the Acres of Diamonds Gala at Citizens Bank Park!
The gala supports investments in lifesaving patient care across our Temple Health campuses, as well as our vital commitment to health equity. This year’s event raised more than $1.6 million to support our critical work.
“Temple Health delivers elite, world-class care that attracts patients from across the country, while bridging gaps to ensure that care is available to all,” Michael A. Young, MHA, FACHE, President & CEO of Temple University Health System, told guests. “Your support empowers us to make important investments in the areas that our patients, our communities, and our neighbors need most.”
This year’s gala was co-chaired by Steven R. Carson, MHA, BSN, RN, Temple’s Senior Vice President for Population Health, and Krystle and Ryan Howard. Ryan is a former Phillies first baseman and one of the city’s most beloved players—as well as a National League MVP, a three-time NL All Star, winner of the Silver Slugger Award and the Hank Aaron Award, and the fastest player in MLB history to reach 100 and 200 home runs.
Krystle and Ryan have long since been tireless champions for causes making a difference in our community. We were honored to have them as co-chairs of the gala—and while Krystle wasn’t able to make it, our attendees couldn’t have been more excited to meet Ryan!
Honoring Exceptional Community Service
Ryan and Steve helped present Temple Health’s Diamond Award: our Health System’s highest honor, recognizing an individual, department, or organization for their exceptional social responsibility. This year’s recipients were Sister Mary Scullion and Joan Dawson McConnon, co-founders of Project HOME, a nonprofit with a 35-year history of working to end chronic street homelessness and alleviate poverty in Philadelphia.
Project HOME is one of Temple Health’s most trusted community partners. Together, we run Project HOME’s Inn of Amazing Mercy, 62 long-term recovery residences located on our Episcopal Campus, serving those who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or recovering from substance use disorder.
“Temple’s mission is deeply rooted in uplifting our community, and it is with great pride that we honor these two remarkable individuals who have played pivotal roles in shaping our city through their visionary leadership,” said Abhi Rastogi, MBA, MIS, President & CEO of Temple University Hospital, Inc. and Executive Vice President of Temple Health.
Sister Mary and Ms. McConnon accepted their award during the program, with Sister Mary sharing her reflections on the importance of Temple Health and Project HOME’s partnership, our shared commitment to serving Philadelphia’s most vulnerable populations, and the difference that we’ve made together in these communities.
“Sister Mary and Joan’s belief in, and commitment to, the transformational power of building relationships and community as the ultimate answer to the degradation of homelessness and poverty serves as a guidepost for us all,” Amy J. Goldberg, MD, FACS, The Marjorie Joy Katz Dean of the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University and a former Diamond Award honoree, told guests.
Supporting Our Lifesaving Mission
After the ceremony, guests had the opportunity to explore Citizens Bank Park. They walked the warning track, snapped photos on the field, took a special tour of the dugout, and tried out their swing in the batting cages. It was every Phillies fan’s dream! Later, they enjoyed dinner on the concourse, then danced the night away courtesy of Philly legend DJ Jazzy Jeff.
Not only was it a great night for everyone in attendance, but the funds we raised will be invested into providing the highest-quality, most advanced patient care for everyone in our community. We want to thank everyone who came out to celebrate with us—we can’t wait to see you at next year’s gala!
