Elevating the Next Generation of Black, Latinx, and Native Physician Leaders at ElevateMeD's second annual “Explosion of a Dream” Virtual Fundraiser
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Scottsdale, AZ-- Ten outstanding medical students from backgrounds underrepresented in medicine, ten committed partnering medical institutions and ten $10k scholarships mark the success of ElevateMeD, a new national nonprofit committed to diversifying medicine and ending health disparities. Heading into its second year, the organization is proud to announce its annual philanthropy event, “Explosion of a Dream… Nothing Is Impossible”, set to take place virtually on Saturday, October 3, 2020 beginning at 4:30PM PDT / 7:30PM EDT.
“Our success in 2019 is a testament to the power of the collective sharing a mission and vision for prioritizing diversity in medicine in pursuit of health equity in this country”
ElevateMeD launched in 2019 by Dr. Alyx Porter Umphrey and husband Dr. Gregory Umphrey, after conquering nearly half a million dollars in medical school debt. They envisioned creating the resources and support they wished they had as first-generation medical students, and decided the time was now to encourage philanthropy as working physicians.
With alarming statistics regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on communities of color in tandem with less than 10% of practicing physicians representing these communities, this organization is on a mission to provide scholarships, mentoring, and support to medical students from African-American/Black, Latinx, and Native backgrounds.
The 2019 Explosion of Dream launch event was a huge success, tripling the set fundraising goal. In the setting of COVID-19, this year’s event is virtual, and is anticipated to be yet another success, with much national conversation surrounding the importance of diversity and the need to end health disparities.
In addition to celebrating the organization's successful first year as a result of their generous donors, this year's attendees will be introduced to the organization's inaugural cohort of Scholars, from our partner institutions including University of Arizona and Mayo Clinic as well as the Historically Black Medical Schools Howard University School of Medicine and Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. These 10 dynamic medical students will share the impact of being an ElevateMeD scholar on their journey towards careers in medicine. In order to raise scholarship funds for the upcoming academic year, there will be a live auction event featuring items and experiences ranging from a virtual private concert with Bruce the Violinist to luxury jewelry. The organization's goal is to raise $40,000, with all proceeds benefiting the ElevateMeD Scholars Program.
Event Sponsors
Platinum Level:
National Financial Group
JN Jewels
Gold Level:
Barrow Brain and Spine
Optum RX
Love, Tito’s
Drs. Gregory and Anita Mayer
Sponsorship opportunities are still available here.
Event Registration
Registration is FREE for this event, and attendees can register online at register.elevatemed.org.
Donations can be made by visiting elevatemed.org/donate.
ABOUT ELEVATEMED:
ElevateMeD is committed to elevating the field of medicine by providing financial support and mentorship to future physicians. We aim to increase physician workforce diversity and improve cultural competence among physicians to reduce health disparities. Learn more about our mission and vision by visiting elevatemed.org/who-we-are and follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @elevatemedinc.
Media Contact:
Keiona Eady
keiona@theauthenticmessenger.com | 843-312-1027
