Legends of Atlanta Gala Raises Over $625K

On Sept. 2, National Jewish Health, the leading respiratory hospital in the nation, held the Legends of Atlanta Gala, “A Breath of Fresh Air – A Tribute to Pat Mitchell.” Community, business and philanthropic leaders celebrated the media icon and activist’s contributions to Atlanta and the world at the Woodruff Arts Center. They raised more than $625,000 to support the pioneering research and treatment of National Jewish Health.

As the special honoree of the evening, Mitchell received the National Jewish Health Humanitarian Award, in recognition of her extraordinary legacy of inspiring action on global health, women’s issues, and the environment. The event celebrated the many high points of her life as a leader in her industry and the world and as a champion for journalism and advocacy.

Greg Downey, MD, executive vice president for academic affairs, provost, and the Drs. Harold & Mary Zirin Chair in Pulmonary Biology at National Jewish Health, delivered the keynote remarks for the institution.

“More than 126 years ago, Frances Wisebart Jacobs mobilized influential business, civic and faith leaders in Denver to open National Jewish Health, a free hospital for impoverished people struggling to breathe during the tuberculosis pandemic. Frances — like Pat — was a change maker,” Dr. Downey said. “Whether you are in Atlanta, Denver, New York — or anywhere in the world — you or someone you know with lung, heart, and immune conditions has benefited from the work of National Jewish Health.”

Dr. Downey also shared how National Jewish Health is changing the paradigm for many debilitating diseases, and how as a research institute, it is home to pioneers in medical science.

Special guests throughout the evening offered inspiring tributes to Mitchell. Media executives Tom Johnson and Frank Bennack, Jr. lauded her historic role in broadcasting. While Bennack was not in attendance, his message was shared with the audience.