Atrium Medical Center Foundation to Host Joie de Vivre Gala

Proceeds will fund new orthopedic technology and services for patients in Southwest Ohio.

SHARONVILLE, Ohio (May 9, 2022) – Atrium Medical Center Foundation will host its fifth triennial gala, Joie de Vivre: An Evening to Celebrate Life’s Joyful Movements, at Sharonville Convention Center on Saturday, May 14 from 5:30 to 11:30 p.m. 

Proceeds from the gala, silent auction, and raffle will help Atrium Foundation’s campaign, Joy of Movement, in purchasing new orthopedic and spine services, equipment, and technology for patients who rely on Atrium Medical Center and its affiliates. 

“Every day at Atrium, we help adults of all ages and abilities regain the joy of movement with joint replacements and other advanced orthopedic and spine procedures,” said Keith Bricking, MD, MBA, FAAEM, president of Atrium Medical Center. “Our entire team focuses on providing care to patients, close to home, and returning them to the lives they love.”

 This year’s gala, which was originally scheduled for 2020, will honor Physician Hero, Raymond Kiefhaber, MD. A pioneering orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Kiefhaber practiced in Middletown from 1960 until his retirement in 2010. He was a board trustee of Middletown Regional Hospital for 27 years and served as chief of staff from 1971 to 1973. He and his wife, Jean Anne, were ardent supporters of the new Atrium Medical Center campus. Dr. Kiefhaber was among a group of Middletown leaders who established Atrium Medical Center Foundation in 1984, and currently serves on the Foundation board. 

 The gala will also honor two Community Heroes, Dr. Bruce and Neila Barnes. The couple has lived in the Middletown area for more than 60 years. Both Dr. and Mrs. Barnes have made their mark on the hospital and the Foundation. Mrs. Barnes’ volunteer work includes chairing the Middletown Area Federation of Women’s Club Charity Ball in 1978 and serving on the Foundation’s gala committee since its first event in 2007. Dr. Barnes is a long-time member of the Middletown Fine Arts Center board, where he garnered two service awards. He also served as president of the Butler County Dental Society. In 2003, the Foundation’s board of directors asked Dr. and Mrs. Barnes to co-chair the Heritage Society, a new initiative composed of supporters who include Atrium Medical Center Foundation in their estate plans. A two-year term turned into more than 16 years. Under their stewardship, the Heritage Society has grown to more than 100 members.

 “Joie de Vivre means exuberant enjoyment of life,” said Michael D. Stautberg, president of Atrium Medical Center Foundation. “We all aspire to the joy of movement, no matter our age or physical condition. The funds raised from this gala will make a positive impact in helping our patients with orthopedic needs.”

 The Joie de Vivre gala will host a silent auction with proceeds supporting the Joy of Movement campaign. There will also be a $20 President’s Choice Bourbon Raffle, where one person will win five highly coveted bourbons and be invited to a bourbon tasting for two with Dr. Bricking and his wife, Cindy. Beginning May 9, the community can place their bids on auction and raffle items by visiting https://joy.givesmart.com. The silent auction and raffle will close at 9:30 p.m. on May 14. Winners selected need not be present to win.  

 “The pandemic prompted us to postpone our gala twice,” said Patricia Miller Gage, chair of the Joie de Vivre Gala Committee. “After more than two years, we are excited to bring this fun evening of fellowship. I encourage the community to support our foundation and their local hospital in enhancing comfort and care for patients in Southwest Ohio.”

 Gala guests will experience a festive evening with cocktails, dinner, dancing, silent auction, raffle, and some fun surprises. This year’s emcee is former Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Ken Anderson.

 To purchase tickets for this year’s Joie de Vivre: An Evening to Celebrate Life’s Joyful Movements gala, please visit https://joy.givesmart.com, call the Atrium Foundation at (513) 974-5144, or email Foundation@AtriumMedCenter.org.

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