The Heart and Soul Gala Committee, from left to right: Patty Dailey, Christa Hyatt, Tim Green, Lisa Tubbs, Riezl Baker (Event Chair),  Elizabeth Davis, Chuck Shaheen, Susan Helmrath and Chris Helmrath

The 2025 Heart and Soul Gala, held at The Ritz-Carlton ballroom, was an unprecedented success, raising over $800,000 in gross proceeds to benefit St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital. Community members packed the ballroom as they came together for a sold-out evening filled with generosity, camaraderie, and philanthropy, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to supporting quality healthcare in the greater Lake Oconee region.

The night featured a live auction, led by auctioneer Perry Walden, that raised over $107,000 for seven offerings which included unique experiences and one-of-a-kind items. The highlight of the auction was a “Dinner Along the Silk Road,” a culinary experience for 20, hosted by three community leaders, with wine provided by Oconee Cellar and entertainment by OPAS. The package sold for an impressive $16,000. Other auction items included a luxurious trip to Italy and Antigua, which fetched $20,000, and a stunning painting of the iconic Oconee Bridge by Atlanta-based artist Stephanie Wheeler, which was acquired for $11,000.

In addition to the live auction, the silent auction raised over $46,000, with standout items such as a Georgia Safari experience, purchased by local resident Lori Bonnington, who looks forward to taking her grandchildren on this adventure this summer. Other notable auctioned items included an exclusive dinner donated by Table at The Lake and a lunch with a cooking demonstration by renowned Chef Deborah.

Community sponsors have been essential to the success of the Gala from the beginning. Dr. Art Torsiglieri, Foundation Board Chair, especially recognized BankSouth for their support of the hospital since its inception. 

A particularly moving moment of the evening came when Perry Walden led the paddle raise, which generated an astounding $123,000 for the hospital. The energy in the room was palpable as guests eagerly stepped up to make a difference.

Riezl Baker, chair of the event and Foundation Board member, opened the evening’s program by reflecting on the hospital’s journey. “It’s hard to believe that Good Samaritan Hospital has been open for 10 years and just as hard to believe that we were here a decade ago for the inaugural gala. The dream of bringing quality healthcare to our community has grown into something extraordinary. Over the past decade, the hospital has become a pillar of healing and hope.”

A heartfelt video featuring Maurie and Ed Drambel was shown, sharing their family’s experience at Good Samaritan Hospital following the passing of their son, who had cerebral palsy. Ed Drambel, expressing his gratitude for the compassionate care they received, noted, “This is something we would not have experienced in a metropolitan hospital.”

The evening also included an announcement from Stonish Pierce, President/CEO of Trinity Health Georgia, who unveiled renderings of a much-needed new medical pavilion, a testament to the hospital’s ongoing commitment to growth and service to the community.

“We are deeply grateful for the dedication and commitment this entire community has demonstrated to St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital,” Pierce said. “The level of excellence we have achieved here is possible because of the incredible partnership between our health ministry and this amazing community.”

Baker also took the opportunity to recognize the gala committee, which successfully secured over $500,000 in sponsorships prior to the event. “It takes dedication and commitment, and you are truly the heart and soul of this gala,” she said, acknowledging their tireless efforts. She also expressed gratitude to the guests, stating, “Your unwavering generosity is what makes this community remarkable.”

Baker stressed that the record-breaking success of the 2025 Heart and Soul Gala reinforces the community’s deep-seated support for Good Samaritan Hospital and its mission to provide high-quality healthcare.

“As the hospital embarks on its next chapter with the planned expansion, this year’s gala stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared purpose,” she said.