Our annual ReSurge International Transformations gala was a huge success! Thank you to everyone who joined us, either in person or during the digital streaming event, to celebrate ReSurge’s mission and impact. This year’s gala took place at Pier 27 in San Francisco and celebrated the life-changing transformations that occur when people around the world can access their right to surgical care. Keep reading to see photos from the event, watch the program online, and learn how you can keep the momentum alive!
This year, in addition to our in-person gala, we hosted a live stream of the event online so that our entire global community could watch our inspiring speakers, see our short ReSurge films, and support our cause.
The Event Program
The cocktail hour started with passed hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, and stunning Bay Bridge views from the Pier 27 venue. Guests were surrounded by monochromatic decor and a gallery of historical ReSurge images depicting the need for reconstructive surgical care. After the cocktail hour, the colorful, life-changing journey began! Seated dinner was served by McCalls Catering, followed by an inspiring program with guest speakers and short documentary-style films.
2023 Transformations Gala Co-Chairs, Dr. Arvin Taneja, Dr. Archana Rao, and Gail and George Shell welcomed our guests and set the tone for a lively and inspiring evening. ReSurge President and CEO Claire Lachance gave a moving speech about her personal connection to ReSurge’s mission, and Board Chair Meredith Taylor presented the ReSurge International Leadership Award to Jeff Whisenant.
The program then moved to Uganda and Tanzania, with a short film about our ReSurge International Program in Africa. ReSurge Consulting Medical Officer Dr. James Chang and Chief Program Officer Natalie Meyers spoke about our programmatic work and its impact throughout Sub-Saharan Africa.
One of the highlights of the evening was Special Guest Speaker and 2023 Donald R. Laub Humanitarian Award recipient, Professor Godfrey Muguti. Professor Muguti is the immediate past president of the College of Surgeons of Eastern, Central, and Southern Africa, who joined us all the way from Zimbabwe. Watch a special podcast taping of Professor Muguti, Dr. Chang, and Natalie Meyers to learn more about how we are working together to train the next generation of surgeons across Africa and other low- and middle-income countries around the world.
The evening concluded with a short film about ReSurge patient nine-year-old Aastha from rural Nepal. A live auction and fund-a-need provided crucial funding for ReSurge’s work and we celebrated our success with a live performance by the Midnight Rounds!
Get Involved!
If you didn’t have a chance to attend the gala or make a contribution, you can keep the gala spirit alive by giving to our Transformations 100 campaign.
In addition to what we raised at the gala, this campaign aims to provide life-changing reconstructive surgeries for 100 patients across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, and your support will help us get one step closer to our goal.
Event Photos
Thank you to all of our guests for joining us for the ReSurge International 2023 transformations Gala!
View more photos from the evening here.
View more photos from the ReSurge Step and Repeat here.
The evening wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our Transformations Gala sponsors! Slide through the album to see all of the evening’s generous sponsors.
