October 13, 2000

The MGH hosted a donor appreciation dinner Sept. 28 to celebrate the generosity of special friends who support the hospital. More than 500 guests attended a celebratory dinner at the Copley Plaza Hotel that featured presentations by two leading researchers at the MGH – Joseph Vacanti, MD, and Bruce Walker, MD.

Hosted by Boston talk radio and TV personality David Brudnoy, the evening showcased the important role supporters and friends play in the success of the MGH. James J. Mongan, MD, president of the MGH, recognized two particular leaders at the hospital for their dedication and commitment to the MGH: Jane Claflin, honorary trustee, and W. Gerald Austen, MD, chairman of the Massachusetts General Physicians Organization.

Vacanti, who is a pediatric surgeon and director of the MGH Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Organ Fabrication, discussed his lab's latest advances in the field of organ transplantation in solving the problems of rejection and organ shortages. Walker, who is director of the Partners AIDS Research Center, discussed breakthroughs in the fight against cancer and AIDS.

"The dinner was a valuable opportunity for us to personally thank our benefactors," says Jim Thompson, chief development officer. "These are friends who, through their generosity and dedication, enable the MGH to continue to thrive in a challenging health care environment."