They Came, They Celebrated, They Gave
By any measure, the April 9 event was a roaring success. Nearly 200 people packed the hall and pledged contributions of more than $130,000 which will help CMC purchase a state-of-the-art C-Arm Fluoroscopy Machine for its new Pediatric Specialty Center at the Ranipet campus. The facility is scheduled to open in October.
Since the event was a double-match, the funds thus made available for the new unit will exceed a quarter of a million dollars.
Representing the Scudder Association Foundation at the event were Drs. James and Susan Taylor and Virgil and Susan Scudder.
Dr. Ida Sophia Scudder founded a clinic for women in 1900 that has grown to be CMC Vellore, one of the largest and most renowned hospitals in Asia. It now serves an incredible three million patients a year—men, women, and children alike—regardless of their ability to pay.
A defining moment of the evening came from Nancy Block, a relative of Dr. Ida, who shared her reflections on her relationship with the legendary missionary doctor. She was at Aunt Ida’s bedside when she died in 1960 at the age of 90.
Though long deceased, Dr. Ida’s presence permeated the gathering. There was even a free book about her given to attendees by the author.
How has CMC Vellore been so successful for so long? In addition to an ongoing commitment to excellence and community service by a dedicated faculty and staff, generous donors have played a key role.
One such donor, Ajit Isaac, Founder and Chairman of Quess Corporation and the Ajit Issac Foundation, was honored at the Gala with the Ida S. Scudder Global Philanthropy Leadership Award.
In accepting the award, Isaac said “Our partnership with CMC Vellore is something we are very proud of.”
His added: “Over time I have come to believe that the most meaningful impact comes from strengthening institutions, institutions that outlast individuals and continue serving long after we are gone. In the end it is these institutions that shape the kind of society we leave behind.”
He left the stage to rousing applause.
The audience left the hall with satisfaction at a job well done.
