10/7/2008
On Oct. 2, nearly 350 of Cleveland Clinic’s friends and supporters gathered at the recently renovated Cleveland Museum of Art for Cleveland Clinic’s 3rd 1921 Society Dinner.
The dinner celebrated the induction of 71 new 1921 Society members who’ve donated $1 million or more to Cleveland Clinic. New members were presented with a commendatory book that honored their generosity and impact toward Cleveland Clinic. A total of 300 members belong to this prestigious group.
Hosted by Mrs. Norma Lerner, Chair of the 1921 Society and Honorary Chair of Today’s Innovations, Tomorrow’s Healthcare: Campaign for Cleveland Clinic, the program also honored four new Distinguished Fellows of Cleveland Clinic and the 2008 recipient of the Alfred and Norma Lerner Humanitarian Award.
Lerner Humanitarian Award
Mrs. Lerner awarded the Alfred and Norma Lerner Humanitarian Award to Dr. Bruce Lytle, Chairman of the Heart & Vascular Institute.
Established in 2002, the Lerner Humanitarian Award is the most prestigious physician honor at Cleveland Clinic and recognizes a doctor who, in all personal and professional qualities, has earned the organization’s deepest measure of gratitude and esteem.
Dr. Lytle expressed his appreciation and said he was grateful he was able to do his part to “lighten the load of human kind.”
Dr. Lytle joins past recipients, Dr. Toby Cosgrove (2007), Dr. Victor Fazio (2006), Dr. Robert Kay (2005), Dr. Floyd Loop (2004) and Dr. Pat Sweeney (2003).
Distinguished Fellow
Dr. Toby Cosgrove, President and CEO, Cleveland Clinic, presented Gus P. Karos and Barbara and Malachi Mixon with the Distinguished Fellow. Tracie and Scott Hamilton, Arlene Holden and Margaret and M. Frank Rudy also received the honor, but were unable to attend the event.
Dr. Cosgrove explained that the Distinguished Fellow, established in 1971, is bestowed upon select individuals who have made extraordinary contributions of service and resources to advance the mission of Cleveland Clinic.
Evening festivities
Guests perused select galleries and were serenaded by the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus prior to dinner.
The evening’s menu, prepared by chef and restaurateur Zack Bruell from Table 45, was enhanced by musical performances by Cleveland Institute of Music student harpist, Karen Abrahamson, and the Hoopes Trio.
