Clínica Amistad, a free, primary healthcare clinic serving the poor and uninsured of greater Tucson, is hosting its 10th annual gala at the Hilton El Conquistador Resort, on Saturday, Nov. 9. This milestone event will celebrate 21 years of service, community impact, and the ongoing commitment to health equity.

Festivities will begin at 5:30 p.m.. Ticket price is $150 for an individual and guests can reserve a table of ten for $1,500. “We consider this event to be our largest source for individual contributions,” said Nicole Glasner, Executive Director. “It is also our opportunity to offer the public a glimpse of all the good work we are doing for the community.”

The gala will feature an evening of fine dining, inspiring speakers, a silent auction, and live entertainment and dancing, all aimed at raising funds to support the clinic’s vital programs and services. This gala is not only a celebration of our achievements but also a crucial fundraising opportunity that allows us to continue providing free, high-quality healthcare to those in need.

Through the years, its all-volunteer physicians and other medical professionals have held approximately 40,000 appointments for our patients, most who live below the federal poverty level. The vast majority suffer from hypertension and diabetes.

Currently, the clinic has more than 50 volunteer medical professionals and over 65 unpaid volunteers to assist in patient scheduling, admissions and other clinic duties. They are typically students from the University of Arizona, majoring in various healthcare related professions. The clinic is open two evenings per week and one Saturday every month.

The clinic's funding comes from this gala, individual contributions, grants, and corporate giving. The clinic is overseen by Amistad y Salud, which is governed by an all-volunteer board of directors. Its president, Lawrence Jagnow noted that the clinic has grown dramatically since he began serving on the board nearly 10 years ago. “Back in the mid-2000s,” Jagnow said, “we were seeing about 15 to 20 patients every night. That number has increased to nearly 40 every night we are open.And we expect it to continue increasing.In essence, we have become a very important healthcare safety net for Tucson's poorer population.”

Tickets for the gala are available for purchase at www.clinicaamistad.org. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for businesses and individuals looking to make a significant impact.

“We invite everyone in the community to join us for this special evening,” said Jagnow. “Together, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of those who rely on our services.”

For more information about the 10th Annual Gala, to purchase tickets, or to learn about sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.clinicaamistad.org or contact Nicole Glasner at exec@clinicaamistad.org for more information.

Moe