For the first time in four years, Milford Regional Healthcare Foundation’s Mélange 2025 Gala and Live Auction failed to raise at least $1 million, generating $560,000 less than it did last year.
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For the first time in four years, Milford Regional Healthcare Foundation’s Mélange 2025 Gala and Live Auction failed to raise at least $1 million, generating $560,000 less than it did last year.
While the annual fundraising event raised a substantial $740,000 on Nov. 1, this year’s total represented a steep decline from the record-breaking $1.3 million raised during the Mélange 2025 gala.
The gala experienced a steep drop off in attendance, with this year’s event seeing nearly 250 business and community leaders attend versus the nearly 400 at the event's 20th anniversary in 2024.
The foundation supports the needs of UMass Memorial Health – Milford Regional Medical Center. This year’s funds will go toward upgraded mammography equipment to offer higher quality images, a more comfortable experience, and advanced workflow, according to a Thursday press release from Milford Regional Healthcare Foundation.
The foundation did not return WBJ’s request for comment.
The hospital performs 21,000 mammograms each year.
“Our Mélange Gala celebrated the strength and dedication of our hospital’s remarkable caregivers and staff,” MRMC President Edward Kelly said in the release. “It was fitting that Mélange took place at Gillette Stadium as a way to recognize that Milford Regional and UMass Memorial are part of one team working together to advance the care we provide to our community.”
Before 2024’s unprecedented $1.3 million, the Mélange had generated $1.2 million in 2023 and $1.1 million in 2022. In 2021, the foundation raised $345,000 at the gala, held virtually due to the COVID pandemic.
“The annual Mélange Gala and Live Auction is an unforgettable evening of great fun and entertainment with family, friends and colleagues,” Elizabeth Fleming, the foundation’s senior director of philanthropy, said in the release. “Our generous sponsors and eventgoers understand our gala has far-reaching effects that benefit our patients for years to come.”
During the 2025 Mélange auction, donors raised $157,000 through gifts between $100 and $25,000. Those who contributed $25,000 included Worcester-based UMass Memorial Health, Green Site Services in Franklin, Imperial Cars of Mendon and Milford, and the Kevin and Leslie Lobisser Family Foundation, which has a MRMC surgical suite named in its honor.
Those who contributed $10,000, including Boston Children's Hospital, Consigli Construction in Milford, and Mirick in Worcester.
Mica Kanner-Mascolo is a staff writer at Worcester Business Journal, who primarily covers the healthcare and diversity, equity, and inclusion industries.
