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Delighting in the sounds of the Howard University Jazz Ensemble, Phil Sloane and fellow musician-members of the AGS community, Mark William's "Geriatrics by Magic," drinks, a never ending array of dazzling desserts, and one another's company, guests packed AGS' 2008 "An Evening With Friends" benefit in Washington, D.C. last month.
Proceeds from the sixth annual benefit - a perennial highlight of AGS' Annual Scientific Meeting - went to the AGS Foundation for Health in Aging's Student Researcher Fund. The fund helps defray the travel expenses of students who have been invited to present their research at a special student poster session during the meeting. This year, a total of 126 promising student researchers were able to present their research -- and get a better sense of all that geriatrics affords -- thanks to the fund.
"We all know how important it is for promising student-scientists to have a sense of the challenges, satisfactions, and opportunities in this field; and giving them the chance to attend and present their findings at AGS' annual meeting is an ideal way to do this," said Meghan Gerety, Chair of the Foundation for Health in Aging's Board of Directors. Sally Brooks, an AGS Board member and the emcee for the evening added, "An Evening With Friends is a great recruitment tool, and it's a great deal of fun."
The Omni Shoreham Hotel's opulent Blue Ballroom - this year's EWF venue - was jumping as Howard University's acclaimed five-member jazz ensemble performed a sampling of jazz and pop favorites. Directed by Fred Irby, III, the ensemble has released over 30 recordings, won numerous accolades, and regularly performs during the annual Kennedy Center Honors Gala.
Mark Williams' "Geriatrics Through Magic" show, which followed, drew both gasps and laughs. While performing a series of expert rope tricks, Williams took viewers through the steps of a wry mini mental status exam.
Then it was onto the dance floor as Phil Sloane and AGS music makers Neil Alexander, Sally Brooks, Charlie Thomas, Miguel Paniagua, Eric Tangalos, Sally Brooks, Ron Shorr, Jim Pacala, and Charles Mouton, joined by Howard jazz musicians Glenn Scimonelli, and (sax player) picked up the tempo with "Ain't Too Proud to Beg," "Proud Mary," and other crowd pleasers.
For the first time, this year's EWF included a raffle. Thanks to the generosity of Bruce Ferrell, who donated of his exquisitely crafted cutting boards; Linda Hiddemen Barondess, who contributed her stunning handmade necklace with lampwork beads, and donors Sally Brooks, Todd Semla, Keela Herr, Seth Landefeld, Thomas Yoshikawa, Cathy Alessi, Jane Potter, and Marie Bernard, lucky winners also took home an Apple iPod Touch; copies of Primary Care Geriatrics, the 2008-2009 Geriatrics At Your Fingertips, and gift certificates from Starbucks, American Express, VISA, and Barnes and Noble.
Brooks and Eric Tangalos emceed the event, which raised a total of $31,000 for the FHA's Student Researcher Fund.
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