PINEAPPLE PAJAMA GALA
A Virtual Celebration:
Pineapple Pajama Gala More than 1,000 people participated in Baptist Health Foundation’s first-ever virtual Pineapple Pajama Gala, honoring Baptist Health’s inspiring healthcare heroes and their tireless efforts in caring for the South Florida community throughout the pandemic. The April 24 event raised more than $1.5 million to support advanced research, programs, resources and outstanding patient care at Baptist Health hospitals, Institutes and Programs, and outpatient facilities. The Pineapple Pajama Gala featured a video tribute to Baptist Health’s clinical staff, messages from leaders, silent auction, cooking and mixology demos, musical performances, dinner and dancing to a “live” band. Guests were delivered multicourse gourmet meal packages complete with wine and cocktail ingredients, as well as “Fun Boxes” with the evening’s program and festive party swag. The dress code encouraged chic pajamas and loungewear. As a result of the pandemic, many in our community have adjusted to working and socializing from home, often in pajamas. The Pajama Gala was a vivid reminder of how fortunate many of us are to be safe at home while our healthcare workers serve on the front lines every day. Pajamas and Fun Boxes aside, perhaps what made this virtual event so special was how the community came together, even from afar, to celebrate our dedicated heroes and generous donors, and to raise critical funds for Baptist Health. Though the Pineapple Pajama Gala was unconventional — completely reimagined for this unprecedented time — there was plenty of excitement among those who helped plan the event and those who participated. Even a pandemic could not dampen the collective joy of recognizing those who have given so much to all of us. 16 BAPTIST HEALTH FOUNDATION 2021
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