5th Annual "Evening with Friends" Delights Crowd, Supports Student Research Fund

A night of great music, conversation, dancing and desserts, this year's sold-out Evening with Friends May fundraiser helped 115 student-researchers attend and present their research at the American Geriatrics Society's (AGS) Annual Scientific Meeting in Seattle.

The fifth annual EWF benefit -- a perennial favorite during the annual meeting -- raised more than $48,000 for the AGS Foundation for Health in Aging's Student Researcher Fund. The fund offsets travel expenses for students invited to present their geriatrics research at a special student poster session during the meeting. More than 300 AGS members, friends and supporters attended the May 3 fundraiser as the sun set over the Washington State Convention and Trade Center's soaring atrium.

Sally Brooks deftly emceed the event, welcoming guests and inviting them to enjoy the company, the dazzling array of desserts, drinks, and, of course, the music. Back by popular demand, Phil Sloane and other musical members of the AGS community wowed the crowd with jazz, rock, and folk music, and performing a special musical tribute to Seattle.

In addition, AGS Executive Vice President Linda Hiddemen Barondess, Ellen Baumritter, Rina Eisenstein, Margaret Lesesne, Laura McGraw, Melissa Mohr, Sary Newman, Lynn Ouslander, TJ Originals from The Colorstones, and others, donated their time and talents to EWF's jewelry sale. The sale raised nearly $3,200 for the Student Researcher Fund.

"This year's Evening With Friends was a tremendous success, thanks to the hard work of staff, AGS and FHA members, and the generosity of our supporters," said FHA Board member Eric Tangalos, MD, who thanked those who bought tickets, made donations, and contributed in various ways. Among others, Dr. Tangalos thanked Forest Pharmaceuticals for its support of the Student Researcher Fund and the American Federation for Aging Research for generously supporting the student luncheon the student poster session.

"Many of the student researchers who presented their findings during the meeting would not have been able to do so were it not for this year's Evening With Friends," Dr. Tangalos told the crowd. "Its also a good way for them to get to know the AGS and begin friendships that can last a lifetime."

Lynsey P. Tamborello, a University of Texas Medical Branch student who presented research concerning the effects of chemotherapy on cognition in older women, was among them.

"Coming to the annual meeting, and being able to talk with other students interested in geriatrics and research really helped cement this career path for me," said Tamborello. "A lot of us had read the same articles concerning the higher job satisfaction reported among geriatricians and we could refer one another to interesting resources. Not to mention, I came away from the student research forum with at least three more research project ideas - inspired by the work of other students around the country. I also had a great opportunity to talk to aging researchers and geriatricians."

A student at the University of Pittsburg School of Medicine, Jason T. Wang said support from EWF was also key to his attending the meeting, where he presented research concerning the effects of vascular changes on cognition in vascular dementia.

"It was an immensely valuable learning experience to be able to converse with other students and healthcare professionals and see the cutting edge research that's going on all over the world," Wang said. "It really increased my awareness of the limitless opportunities in the field of geriatrics and ignited my interest in continuing research. The experience really solidified my interest in geriatrics and has motivated me to continue to explore the field. No matter what field I eventually choose, I feel geriatrics will play a big role in my practice."