Starburst Gala
2023 Starburst Gala Sets Record for Funds Raised!
The Starburst Gala is the premiere fundraising event for the Affinia Healthcare Foundation. In 2023, the annual fundraiser for the Affinia Healthcare Foundation set a record for the amount raised to help support Affinia Healthcare’s mission of providing healthcare to our community.
The Affinia Healthcare Foundation provides funding and resources to support healthcare and services for the most vulnerable and disenfranchised in our community, through the work of Affinia Healthcare, our community health center.
“This year the theme of our Starburst Gala is Advancing Equity, focusing on the health disparities among Black, Brown, Veterans, LGBTQIA+ individuals and other vulnerable populations in our region,” explained Yvonne Buhlinger, Executive Vice President for the Foundation. “Each of the leaders recognized with our Advancing Equity award during the Starburst Gala have demonstrated excellence in their respective fields and a stellar level of commitment to equity for our community.”
Community Leaders Were Honored in the Following Categories
Immigrant and Refugee Health
Arrey Obenson, President and CEO, International Institute of St. Louis
Antonio Maldonado, Chair of the Hispanic Leaders Group of Greater St. Louis
Kris Le, President, St. Louis Vietnamese Community
Dental Health for Veterans
Dr. Herbert Silva, Professor, A.T. Still University Missouri School of Dentistry and Oral Health/St. Louis Dental Center, and Founder of Veterans Smiles
Behavioral Health, Substance Use Disorders and Violence Prevention
Wesley Bell, St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney
Maternal and Infant Health
Infant Health – Dr. Yolette Brown, Pediatrician and former Chief Medical Officer at Affinia Healthcare
Maternal Health – Kendra Copanas, Executive Director, Generate Health
Unhoused Services
Opal Jones, President and CEO, Doorways
LGBTQIA+ Community Outreach and Support
Right Reverend Bishop Deon Johnson, Episcopal Diocese of Missouri
For additional information, contact:
Yvonne Buhlinger, Foundation Executive Vice President
Phone: 314-814-8507
Email: yvonnebu@affiniahealthcare.org
A Special Thank You to Our Starburst Gala Sponsors
Use the button below to make a tax-deductible donation to the Affinia Healthcare Foundation today!
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