Eighth Annual Black Tie/White Coat Gala

Dear Sir or Madam,
(Click for sponsor form)

The University of South Carolina School of Medicine Class of 2009 and the School's Alumni Association are excitedly planning the Eighth Annual Black Tie/White Coat Gala .  The Gala will be held at The Zone on Friday, March 13, 2009. We greatly appreciate all of the support we received last year, and we look forward to your participation this year.  Please mark your calendar now!

Last year's Gala was a fantastic success. Over 500 people attended to participate in the festivities and silent auction. Local businesses, individuals, and organizations donated more than 200 auction items to help raise funds for our two charities: the USC School of Medicine Alumni Scholarship Fund and Columbia's Free Medical Clinic (Information below.).

Thanks to your support, over the past seven years we have raised almost $275,000, and our goal is to raise over $50,000 at this year's Gala. At this time, we invite you to support our 2009 Gala by purchasing sponsorships, tickets, and ads or donating auction items. One hundred percent of the proceeds will be donated to our two charities. Please return the enclosed form if you would like to participate. Your contribution is tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law.

This event was started in 2002 by the USC School of Medicine fourth year students as a means of giving a lasting contribution to the community and to the school. Our class has seen first-hand the need for local health care, and the support we give to the scholarship fund will ensure that future students receive the same quality medical education afforded to us. The Gala is an immense undertaking that is graciously rewarded by the outpouring of support from across South Carolina.

Please help us to make a difference in our community. Your generosity is graciously appreciated. We hope to see you at the Gala on Friday, March 13, 2009.

Eighth Annual
Black Tie / White Coat Gala

Friday, March 13, 2009
The Zone

The Alumni Scholarship Fund

The Alumni Scholarship Fund was initiated in 1988 with an original $10,000 contribution. It remained relatively dormant until 1998 when it was reactivated along with the University's Bicentennial Campaign. Recipients are chosen by the School of Medicine Scholarship and Loan Committee on established criteria including need. This Fund serves as a means for alumni to improve the health of the community by assuring financial assistance for the doctors of tomorrow.

The Free Medical Clinic

The Free Medical Clinic, Inc. provides medical care and pharmaceutical services at no cost to people of all ages without insurance or adequate financial resources. Treatment is provided by volunteer physicians, nurses, and pharmacists including USC School of Medicine faculty, alumni, residents, and students. The clinic sees almost 12,000 people a year, distributes nearly $3,000,000.00 worth of medicine, and sees patients between 18 and 65 who do not have insurance, Medicaid or Medicare. The clinic relies on the generosity of donations of money from leading community members such as you.