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Each year, the Morristown-Hamblen Hospital Foundation Gala raises funds to support the patients served by Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System. Proceeds fund the purchase of medical equipment, program development and continuing professional medical education for hospital staff.

Since 2017, the gala has raised more than $250,000 to benefit the healthcare needs of our region.

This year, the gala was held on Friday, March 10, at the new Morristown Landing event center.

The evening included a silent auction, plated meal, live entertainment and the presentation of the Lifetime Commitment to Healthcare Award to Linus J. Adams, MD. Each year, this award is presented to a deserving physician whose outstanding work benefits our community, hospital and patients.

“We greatly appreciate the community support of our hospital through this annual gala,” said Gordon Lintz, Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System president and chief administrative officer. “The event offers a wonderful opportunity to recognize a true local healthcare hero while having fun and providing funding for equipment, programs and education that make a real difference for our community. Dr. Adams is certainly dedicated to serving the people of our region and the award was well-deserved.”

A board-certified gastroenterologist, Dr. Adams diagnoses and treats patients at his private practice in Morristown, and also practices at Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System. His professional journey in the gastroenterology arena spans 38 years to date and includes dedicated training and unique experience in the management of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and liver. Dr. Adams was the recipient of a Compassionate Doctor Recognition in 2018 and 2011, and a Patients’ Choice Award in 2018. He continues to provide excellent care to hundreds of our friends and neighbors, and accepts new patients daily. The Morristown-Hamblen Hospital Foundation is proud to present Dr. Adams with the 2023 Lifetime Commitment to Healthcare Award.

A number of local businesses and organizations sponsored the 2023 Gala. Our thanks to Platinum Sponsors First Horizon Bank and First Horizon Advisors, and to Gold Sponsors The Christman Company, Citizens National Bank, Covenant Health, Dr. Mailien Rogers, Rogers Petroleum, City Councilwoman Kay Senter, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Storms and Vista Radiology, P.C.

While the final total raised is still being calculated, the event is estimated to have raised more than $50,000 this year. The Fund-A-Cause portion of the event raised $17,970 and the silent auction raised $11,020. In addition to this, many pledges were made by community members.