ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Hundreds of guests gathered Saturday night for Good Shepherd Rehabilitation’s annual Gala in the Garden, raising more than $217,000 in the process for the Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital Emily Howatt Pliskatt Pediatric Unit.
Hosted in a climate-controlled tent outside of the Hyland Center for Health & Technology, the 2023 Gala benefits children and families served by the inpatient rehabilitation programs at the Pediatric Unit, located at 2855 Schoenersville Road in Bethlehem. Led by Pediatric Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Medical Director Kimberly Kuchinski, MD, MPH, Good Shepherd’s 20-bed unit is the only pediatric rehabilitation unit in the region and the only CARF-certified ventilator weaning provider in Pennsylvania. The unit cares for children from birth to age 21, regardless of a family’s ability to pay.
“I want to thank all of our donors for making this event so spectacular and allowing us to celebrate what we get to do throughout the year,” said Administrative Director of Pediatrics Amanda Kleckner, PT, DPT. “Philanthropy and your generosity are why we can go the extra mile for our families. This extra mile may be minor, like ordering food from a local restaurant to help a child eat, to something significant, like being the only hospital with all three sizes of Trexo Plus robotic walking device.”
Each year, the gala highlights an inspiring story of a family cared for at the Pediatric Unit. This year’s honorees are the Gerrity family. On 2-22-22, Katie and Ryan Gerrity welcomed twins Addison and Rylee; Rylee’s growth was restricted, and she weighed three pounds less than her twin. Rylee was quickly transported to the NICU to receive care for breathing issues and concerns about her kidneys. After a 114-day stay in the NICU, Rylee was transferred to Good Shepherd’s Pediatric Unit to receive specialized rehabilitation services under the care of Dr. Kuchinski.
Watch the full story:
Thank you to Chris and Sara Lakatosh, who served as co-chairs of the Gala in the Garden Committee.
Thank you to presenting sponsors, Cornerstone Advisors Asset Management, Lutron Electronics Co. Inc. and AblePay Health, and all of our sponsors, supporters, guests and volunteers for making this a wonderful evening.
Learn more about the Emily Howatt Pliskatt Pediatric Unit, including how you can support the leading rehabilitation care provided there.
Watch the full Gala in the Garden 2023 program below:
View photos from the Gala in the Garden 2023 below:
