1958 Gala

On Saturday, March 23, 2024, MMRI held its first annual 1958 Gala at the Fort Schuyler Clubhouse in Utica, New York, to raise awareness and support for its groundbreaking medical research. The proceeds benefited the organization’s innovative biomedical research in cardiovascular disease, neurocognitive disorders and autoimmunity.

The 1958 Gala took guests through an immersive journey “into the future” of medical research, as event-goers received an inside look into MMRI’s newest innovations in autism, lupus, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and heart disease research.

Your Impact: Whether you celebrated with MMRI at the Fort Schuyler Club or supported from afar, thank you! MMRI’s inaugural 1958 Gala, chaired by John and Jackie Romano, was a HUGE success! More than 200 people came together to celebrate and learn about the groundbreaking research being conducted at MMRI. The event raised more than $180,000 to benefit the organization’s mission.

“We are so excited to be part of the city’s revitalization, with plans for a new state-of-the-art campus in downtown Utica,” said Dr. Maria I. Kontaridis, executive director. “This event was the perfect opportunity to celebrate the exciting future of MMRI. We are no longer a ‘hidden’ gem.”

“MMRI is widely recognized worldwide by scientists for its groundbreaking research,” said Jackie Romano, chair of the 1958 gala. “Until now, few people in Utica were aware of MMRI’s tremendous accomplishments and contributions to the Mohawk Valley. Not only is MMRI bringing expert scientists to live and work in our community, but it is also making life-changing medical discoveries right in our backyard. Thank you to all who came out to support MMRI. It was a night to remember.”

What’s Next? This year’s gala is over—but MMRI’s impact isn’t slowing down. With your help, MMRI can make its 2025 gala another record-setting milestone for its mission and research. Save the date for Saturday, March 29, 2025, for the second 1958 gala!

However you choose to support MMRI, whether through making a donation, sponsoring an event or attending MMRI events, THANK YOU!

MMRI would especially like to thank their sponsors whose support made an immense impact.

MMRI Presenting Sponsors:
• The Fountainhead Group, Inc.
• The MMRI Board of Directors.

Red Carpet Sponsor:
• Mohawk Valley Health System

Platinum Sponsors:
• The John Brown team at Coldwell Banker Faith Properties
• Central New York Brain & Spine Neurosurgery
• Pacemaker Steel and Piping Company
• TangoSquared
• The Utica Comets.

Gold Sponsors:
• Baird Private Wealth Management
• The Topi Group
• Nicole Condon-Shih
• Empower Business Strategies
• The Hayner Hoyt Corp.
• Kenneth C. Miller Mason Contractor
• Mandia International Trading Corp.
• Morehouse Appliances
• Steve Lennon and Co. Jewelers
• Volo’s Auto Supply.