Masonic Medical Research Institute (MMRI) Holds Second Annual 1958 Gala

UTICA, NY – On Saturday, March 29, 2025, MMRI held its second annual 1958 Gala at the Fort Schuyler Club in Utica, New York, to raise awareness and support for its groundbreaking medical research. The proceeds benefited the organization’s innovative biomedical research.

The 1958 Gala, presented by Adirondack Bank, The Fountainhead Group, and MMRI’s Board of Directors, was an unforgettable evening to celebrate MMRI’s medical breakthroughs in heart disease, diabetes, autism, lupus, and more. The event brought guests through an immersive journey into the future of medical research at MMRI through interactive science experiments and discussions with its principal investigators.

“MMRI’s research is making a real difference in people’s lives right here in our community,” said Robert Hewson, DPM, co-chair of the 1958 Gala and MMRI board president. “This gala was a celebration of the incredible work being done at MMRI and a call to action for all of us, especially now, to support and invest in the future of medical research.”

“This event was the perfect opportunity to celebrate the exciting and innovative future of MMRI. We are no longer a “hidden” gem,” said Maria Kontaridis, Ph.D., executive director and Gordon K. Moe professor and chair of biomedical research and translational medicine at MMRI. “Thank you to Jackie Romano, Rocco Arcuri, and Robert A. Hewson, DPM, chairs of the 1958 Gala, and our entire Board of Directors for their support.”

“MMRI is widely recognized worldwide for its groundbreaking research,” said Rocco Arcuri Sr., co-chair of the 1958 Gala and president/CEO at Adirondack Bank. “However, few people right here in the Utica region, are aware of its tremendous impact, accomplishments and contributions to the world. Not only is MMRI bringing expert scientists to live and work in our community, but it’s also making life-changing medical discoveries in our own backyard.”

With the help of its sponsors and eventgoers, the second annual 1958 Gala was a success!

The elegant evening featured delightful hors d’oeuvres, futuristic themed cocktails by expert mixologists, delicious dinner stations, a live DJ performance, and much more.

MMRI would especially like to thank all of their sponsors whose support made an immense impact: including presenting sponsors, Adirondack Bank, The Fountainhead Group, Inc., and the MMRI Board of Directors; our platinum sponsors, Enessa Carbone & the Carbone family, Central New York Cardiology, Coldwell Banker Faith Properties, Inc., First Source Federal Credit Union, Mohawk Valley Health Systems, NYSTEC, Pusterla, and Steve Lennon & Co. Jewelers; and gold sponsors, A&P Master Images, Baird –the Earl Savory Group, Central New York Brain and Spine Neurosurgery, Dupli Envelopes & Graphics, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, Lupus and Allied Diseases Association, Inc., PAR Technology Corp., Sentinel Media, Volo’s Auto Supply, Inc., and WKTV. MMRI was also pleased to have 24 silver sponsors who contributed to the success of this event.