An interactive “Who dunnit” Theme in an artistic setting
San Diego CA— San Diego-based non-profit ConnectMed International is hosting its Annual Fundraising Gala this Saturday, October 16th, at the Sparks Art Gallery, 530 Sixth Avenue, downtown San Diego. Celebrating 11 years of providing full recovery care for children with physical differences, this year’s gala is an interactive “Who Dunnit” theme, featuring professional actors in a masquerade live mystery game. The Sparks Art Gallery will add to the excitement, revealing a brand new art exhibit featuring new artwork by renowned local artist Perry Vásquez. Anne Gaffey, Balboa Artwalk Award of Excellence winner, will also host a pop-up with proceeds directly benefiting ConnectMed.
ConnectMed is committed to improving the quality of life for children with physical differences from birth defects or traumas. This often means multiple surgeries as well as other treatments and services for full recovery care and their physical, psychological and social well-being. The organization also provides education and resources to local community medical teams in multiple countries including the U.S., Mexico, Malawi, Viet Nam, Guatemala, so they can better serve their own communities.
ConnectMed was founded in 2010 by its President, Dr. Amanda Gosman, Chief of Plastic Surgery at the University of California, San Diego and Rady Children’s Hospital. Since then, its comprehensive services have grown to include global medical outreach and psychosocial programs that empower patients and develop self-esteem. Today, ConnectMed is a thriving network of professionals, organizations, businesses and institutions which share the belief that access to safe, affordable and timely medical care is a human right.
“Sparks Gallery is proud to work with ConnectMed to create this unique and dynamic experience,” said Sonya Sparks, Gallery Owner. “We hope our space contributes to the success of this worthy cause.”
ConnectMed’s Gala on October 16th will start at 5:30pm with a VIP reception and cocktails, followed by a murder mystery game where teams of attendees are entertained by professional actors and encouraged to solve the mystery of the night. There will be open bar and tapas-style dishes served at tasting stations throughout the gallery, a live and silent auction, opportunity drawings, and awards for winning teams. Presenting sponsors include John Selby & family, ObjectEdge, Anne Gaffey Art, The Donegan Burns Foundation, and Vangar Foundation. Event contributors include Cove House, Dough Momma Pizzeria, Shore Rider, Candles on Tap, Patagonia, Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, Market Restaurant, La Jolla Shores Hotel, Callaway Golf and Jimbo’s, among others.
“We are overwhelmed by the support and participation we’ve received from the community this year,” stated Rita Abbati Albert, ConnectMed Executive Director. “Artists, theaters, hotels and so many local proprietors have been incredibly generous and this event will be our best yet. We are excited for the future and very grateful that we can continue to expand our services for these special children.”
All proceeds will support ConnectMed’s mission of improving access to sustainable healthcare in resource-limited communities through education, partnerships and research. For more information about ConnectMed and the craniofacial community, visit ConnectMed.org.
About ConnectMed
ConnectMed secures ongoing full recovery care for children with physical differences. This often means care and services for multiple surgeries and treatments, speech, orthodontic and mental health. Its comprehensive services include global medical outreach and psychosocial programs that empower patients and develop self-esteem. The organization also provides education and resources to local community medical teams in multiple countries including the U.S., Mexico, Malawi, Viet Nam, Guatemala, among others.