HEART & SOUL GALA FOR ST. MARY’S GOOD SAMARITAN HOSPITAL A HUGE SUCCESS

Riezl Baker | March 30, 2023

The 2023 Heart & Soul Gala benefiting St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital was an incredible success, raising over $450,000 with a sold-out event at The Ritz-Carlton, Reynolds Lake Oconee and over 400 supporters and community sponsors. Riezl served as Co-Chair of this year’s annual fundraiser working to raise funds to expand the emergency department. “The hospital is the cornerstone of our community and is a critical component to the economic viability of our area,” said Riezl.

Riezl and her husband Ted chaired the inaugural Gala in 2014, and have been committed to fundraising for the hospital since it opened in 2012.

“It is hard to believe that Ted and I chaired the inaugural gala nine years ago in 2014,” said Riezl. “I can still remember the day we came up with the event name, Heart & Soul, because the hospital is the heart of the community. The support that we have received through the years has proven that again and again.

“The pandemic certainly magnified the role of our hospital. As a foundation board member since 2012, and a former board Chair, I am proud to serve alongside leaders who are passionate about elevating healthcare and supporting St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital’s mission to be a compassionate healing presence. It is a cornerstone in our community and will continue to be a critical component to the economic viability of our area.”