The 2026 Bay Gala: Midnight Masquerade raised $101,531 for the Level II Trauma Department at Ascension Sacred Heart Bay, bringing the community together in support of lifesaving services that serve Bay County and the surrounding region.
Held Feb. 7 at the Boardwalk Beach Hotel and Convention Center in Panama City Beach, the annual gala drew community members, business leaders and healthcare partners whose generosity — through sponsorships, live and silent auction bids and opportunity ticket sales — will directly strengthen trauma care close to home.
The evening centered on a powerful reminder of what that investment means. A special video presentation shared the story of the Ridley family, who survived a near-fatal automobile accident in 2025 thanks to the trauma team at Sacred Heart Bay.
"What a privilege it is to serve such a caring community so willing to come alongside our hospital in our efforts to improve healthcare for all in Bay County and the region," said Robin Godwin, president and CEO of Ascension Sacred Heart Bay. "We are especially grateful to share the story of the Ridley family and countless other trauma patients that your support impacts."
All funds raised will go directly toward advancing trauma services at Sacred Heart Bay, ensuring the department has the resources to deliver high-quality, compassionate care when Bay County families need it most.
"We are deeply grateful to the individuals and organizations whose generosity and belief in our mission made this evening possible," said Adrienne Maygarden, president of Ascension Sacred Heart Foundation. "Lifesaving services remain close to home for our community because of support like this."
