b'6 CONCORD HOSPITAL TRUSTSpecial EventEVOLUTIONFrom Viva Las Vegas to an EveningIt was McManis who championed theFrom cycling in the Pedaling for in Paris, Steve McManis recallsidea of bringing back a new versionPayson ride to walking for the Bridge how he and other volunteers onceof the gala that would elicit moneyto Recovery (or staffing a checkpoint worked to transform business spacesfor a designated Hospital program,at those events) to attending a gala, into magical events for a series ofwith an aim of raising upwards ofopportunities abound for every level of Concord Hospital theme galas. $100,000 annually from ticket salesinterest. Additional fundraising events McManis, who currently serves as viceand sponsorships. Next fall will markin Laconia and Franklin, including the chair of the Concord Hospital Trustthe third such gala. The 2021 and 2022Apple Blossom Social and the Laconia Board of Trustees, remembers the galasevents served as bookends to theClassic Golf Tournament, have followed for their whimsical spirit and the funspecial project campaign benefitinga similar model.he had putting them together with histhe Concord Hospital CardiovascularWe have a group of events that are peers. But he also acknowledges thatInstitute. fitness focused that attract a broad base the events required hundreds of hoursMcManis credits the leadership ofof participation, McManis says. They of planning and logistics that shiftedformer CEO Michael B. Green andget people engaged in an activity, the emphasis away from their purpose. current CEO Robert P. Steigmeyer forbut its not a huge commitment. The theme galas were a lot of fun,having the vision and the foresight toAnother purpose of our events lies McManis says, but being able to havehelp the Hospital evolve in its offeringsin an opportunity for education and different levels of events plays to theof programs and services. Prior togetting people more in tune with the various donor mindsets, so we began tojoining the Trust Board of Trustees,mission of the health system through look at other options. McManis served for many years ontheir participation. Those events are the Philanthropy Committee and wasdesigned to be entrees into getting After some thoughtful consideration,a member of the steering committeemore people to become engaged. If the theme galas evolved into thethat established the organization hewe go back over time, we will find that outdoor Evening en Blanc events, withnow vice chairs. He also establisheda good share of the people involved locations that included the State Housethe McManis Family Endowment forin any leadership roles in philanthropy lawn and the top of the Hospitalscharitable care. stepped up through an event.parking garage, offering opportunitiesUnderstanding how people want to for more supporters to attend byparticipate in supporting the initiatives targeting different audiences.of the Hospital is part of the Trusts mission. McManis points to the variety of ways through which community members can contribute. Steve McManis CONCORD HOSPITAL TRUST BOARD OF TRUSTEES VICE CHAIR'