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Local Fundraising Event Wins Statewide Award

March 7, 2024 | Reading Time: 2 minutes
Huntsville Hospital Foundation team members pictured with award for Alabama’s Philanthropic Project of the Year

One of Madison County’s longest-running fundraising events has been named Alabama’s Philanthropic Project of the Year because of its immense success and impact. Huntsville Hospital Foundation received the statewide honor for their 2023 Huntsville Classic concert at Business Alabama Magazine’s March 1 awards ceremony in Birmingham.

The 2023 Huntsville Classic was a record-breaking event for the city of Huntsville and North Alabama, raising $1.7 million to fully fund a new cardiac CT scanner for not-for-profit Huntsville Hospital Heart Center. This equipment is improving access and outcomes for heart patients, cutting diagnostic wait times from months to weeks. The new CT scanner – expected to arrive in June – will be one of very few of its kind in the nation, putting Huntsville Hospital on the forefront of coronary CT imaging.

“This innovative technology is a paradigm shift in imaging, and provides a substantially better resolution image while also giving our patients significantly less radiation,” said Morgan Dennis, vice president of Huntsville Hospital’s Heart Center and Cardiovascular Service Line. “This improves the diagnostic capabilities for our physicians, allowing for early detection of coronary disease and the opportunity to provide preventative treatment.”

This technology would not have been possible without Huntsville Classic sponsors and guests.

More than 4,600 people attended the May 20, 2023, benefit concert featuring country legend Martina McBride. Prior to the Orion Amphitheater gates opening, 1,400 sponsor guests enjoyed an exclusive VIP dinner and cocktails experience. Top sponsors for the night included “Certified Diamond Partners” IronMountain Solutions, Torch Technologies, and the Wicks Family Foundation, and “Center Stage Partner” Thompson Gray.

“Local businesses and individuals supported this cause and event at unprecedented levels, which is a testament to how our residents value their community hospital and having access to exceptional cardiac care, right here close to home,” said HHF President Sarah Savage-Jones.

“This was one of the biggest fundraisers Huntsville has ever seen, and our Classic Chairmen Hank Isenberg and Bill Roark were integral to that success,” Savage-Jones said. “Both men have experienced the lifesaving care of Huntsville Hospital and chose to give back in an incredible way through Huntsville Classic. We were thrilled to be able to fully fund this high-tech equipment to save more lives, and honored this work has been recognized at the state level. Thank you, Business Alabama.”

Business Alabama took nominations for the 2024 Business Alabama Awards, and a selection committee named a winner and finalists in seven categories. Other Philanthropic Project of the Year finalists included: Alabama Power Foundation, Bank Independent Life Without Limits Half-Marathon, Full Moon BBQ’s Backpack Blessings, and Redstone Federal Credit Union’s support of Boys & Girls Clubs of North Alabama.

Tickets and sponsorships are now available for Huntsville Hospital Foundation’s 2024 Huntsville Classic featuring the iconic Steve Miller Band on Saturday, May 18, at Orion Amphitheater. Get your tickets at theorionhuntsville.com, or email hhfoundation@hhsys.org for sponsorship details.

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