AdventHealth Foundation West Florida raised more than $2.3 million at its sold-out annual Starlight Gala to support cardiac care across its West Florida hospitals.
“The power of philanthropy was on full display at this year’s Starlight Gala,” says Kristen McCall, president of AdventHealth Foundation West Florida. “From the dollars raised to the fellowship experienced, I couldn’t be prouder of how our community comes together to support causes that matter.”
McCall also highlighted Jeremiyah and his family, who shared his recovery after he collapsed on an AAU basketball court and underwent open-heart surgery.
“We’re deeply grateful to Jeremiyah and his family for sharing his journey of resilience and recovery,” McCall says. “His healing is a testament to AdventHealth’s whole-person approach to care.”
Tom Johnston, founder and president of Stability Biologics, chaired this year’s gala. During the event, Johnston shared his family’s experience after both he and his wife required emergency care at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel.
The foundation also announced Jugal and Manju Taneja as honorary event chairs for the 2027 Starlight Gala, which returns to the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street on Aug. 26.