Springtime kicks off benefit season in earnest, and standing out from the crowd of cocktail parties, silent auctions and other similarly themed soirees is easier said than done. Fortunately for the beneficiaries of MedWish International’s mission, the nonprofit's Band Aid Bash maintains a reputation as one of the best parties of the year.
The 2011 Band Aid Bash will be held on Saturday, May 21, from 7 to 11:00 p.m. The event is MedWish International’s primary annual fundraising event, and is expected to raise more than $200,000 to support its mission of saving lives and using medical supplies that would otherwise be wasted. MedWish recovers surplus medical supplies – designated for disposal by 38 hospitals throughout Northeast Ohio – and redistributes them to developing nations where they can save lives and promote better health.
The organization, founded in 1993 by Dr. Lee Ponsky, grew by nearly 50 percent in 2010, and served 54 countries around the world. Each year, more than 2,000 people volunteer with MedWish, which employs 60 young adults with special needs on a weekly basis to help with various jobs. In 2010 alone, MedWish saved 450 tons of medical surplus from our local landfills, supplying 201 shipments to 54 different countries around the world. "From our humble start in Dr. Ponsky’s garage to our current location at the Cleveland Clinic Parker Building, located at 17325 Euclid Avenue, MedWish International has greatly expanded our operations, offering more supplies, hope and healing to the poor in developing countries," says spokesman Matthew Fieldman.
Rather than renting the standard hotel ballroom or conference center, the Band Aid Bash underscores the organization's mission because it is held in the MedWish warehouse, where more than 400 attendees are surrounded by 40,000 square feet of medical surplus waiting to be shipped overseas. For just one night, MedWish transforms its industrial headquarters into a nightclub setting, allowing partygoers to enjoy the festivities while providing a constant reminder of the evening's purpose. The event will also include a live video conference with an overseas recipient hospital.
The party is a culinary-themed evening, with a variety of international cuisine provided by Spice of Life, a Cleveland-based catering company dedicated to using only local and sustainable foods. Taste the cuisine of the Caribbean (jerk chicken and plaintains), Africa (exotic breads and dips), the Middle East (lamb vindaloo and Israeli salad), and South America (grass-fed grilled flank steak with chimichurri sauce and homemade tortilla chips) while hearing about the life-saving work MedWish is performing every day in those countries. Dessert will be homemade poundcake from MedWish board member and renowned local baker Scott Hamilton, along with a seasonal fresh fruit selection.
Guests will also have the opportunity to contribute to MedWish by bidding on one-of-a-kind culinary experiences, including a wine- and cheese-tasting for the winner and 10 friends with Brandon Chrostowski, general manager of L'Albatros Brasserie + Bar. "Not only myself, but Zack [Bruell] as well both support local organizations trying to make a difference," says Chrostowski. "Especially after visiting the facility and understanding MedWish's concept: They are using what would otherwise be thrown away at Cleveland's hospitals … old ultrasound machines, hospital beds.
"It's improving the quality of life for others and in some cases saving a life."
Also up for grabs are two seats at one of Spice of Life's Plated Landscape dinners, featuring a five-course, locally sourced meal with wine pairings and hosted by MedWish founder Dr. Lee Ponsky and Monica Ponsky; dinner for four prepared by chef Robert Cabrales of Paladar Latin Kitchen & Rum Bar; and tickets to an Emerging Chefs event. Sure to be one of the hot ticket items of the night is a chance to cook in the kitchen of fire food & drink with chef and owner Douglas Katz, followed by a Champagne brunch. "My wife's cousin Lee started MedWish, and we are happy to support him," says Katz. "Also, it is a great organization that focuses on sustainability by providing much needed medical supplies to needy Third World countries. It teaches us to reduce, reuse and recycle. Not to mention that it saves lives!"
MedWish's warehouse is located at 17325 Euclid Avenue in Cleveland. Tickets ($125) and additional information are available at www.medwish.org. For details or to make a donation, contact Matt Fieldman at mfieldman@medwish.org or 216-692-1685.
