(L-R): Maria P. Ducharme, DNP, RN, President of The Miriam and Brown University Health’s Chief Quality Executive; Gala Co-Chairs Natasha Buckler and Wendy Buckler; David Rampone Chair, The Miriam Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees
The Miriam Hospital hosted 533 donors, friends, and supporters at their 2025 Gala & Auction, which took place Friday, May 30, at the Wildcat Center on the Harborside Campus of Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island.
A total of $893,640 was raised through the event to support and advance the compassionate, world-class care that has defined The Miriam throughout its nearly century-long history. Of the total, $434,630 from the evening’s auctions and fund-a-need proceeds is earmarked to bring additional surgical navigation technology to The Miriam’s Spine Center.
A Moonlight Masquerade
“Moonlight Masquerade” was the theme of the elegant event, which was co-chaired by Wendy and Natasha Buckler. The mother-in-law/daughter-in-law duo, both longtime hospital supporters, led an evening of fun and fundraising, and perfectly framed up the special relationship The Miriam has with the community it serves.
“It’s likely that everyone here has a story about how The Miriam has been there for us, a family member, a friend, or a neighbor,” Wendy said to those in attendance, “and that’s why we’ve all gathered tonight—to be there for The Miriam.”
“The Miriam is our neighborhood hospital, right in our backyard,” Natasha echoed. “We know firsthand what a gem we have in The Miriam and how critically important it is to support this special place of hope and healing.”
Reflecting on a century of care,
preparing for the next 100 years
Celebrating The Miriam and recognizing its impact were central messages that reverberated throughout the Gala, as was the critical role philanthropy plays in sustaining the hospital.
“It would be impossible to overstate the impact philanthropy has had on our patients and on our ability to deliver compassionate, leading-edge care,” explained Maria P. Ducharme, DNP, RN, President of The Miriam and Brown University Health’s Chief Quality Executive. “Our amazing donor community steps up time and time again to ensure we have the resources to be at our best when we’re needed most.”
Dr. Ducharme kicked off the evening’s program and spoke passionately about the hospital’s rich, storied history and its bold plans for the future of care and innovation. “This is an especially exciting time for The Miriam Hospital,” she pointed out. “As we approach our centennial, we are not just celebrating 100 years of caring for our community—we are also preparing for the future with a transformational rebuild of our campus’ oldest building.”
A patient story … and a whole lot of gratitude
The evening’s program also featured a moving patient story from Phyllis DeMaio, a local mom who was diagnosed with scoliosis at 14. Phyllis lived in constant pain her whole life, she recounted from stage, until Alan Daniels, MD, Chief of The Miriam’s Division of Spine Surgery, performed the complicated procedure that repaired her severe spinal deformity and restored her quality of life. “Dr. Daniels and The Miriam Hospital not only changed my life—they saved it!” she said. “The environment, the care I received, the fact that the hospital was close to home…it really was the perfect patient experience.” A video of Phyllis’ journey was also shared at the Gala. After which, she received a standing ovation.
Sponsorship and ticket sale proceeds from the event benefit The Miriam’s Greatest Needs Fund, which provides resources to support patient care services, educational programs, and innovative research projects.
The Miriam Hospital extends its sincere gratitude and appreciation to everyone who helped make the 2025 Gala & Auction possible, including their committees, sponsors, auction donors, and entire community of supporters.