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Hosts of the UNMC pre-party at Pauli’s Blueroom included, from left, Ketih Swarts, Jayme Nekuda, Dr. Miguel Madariaga, Paul Griego, Karen Griego, Dr. Sue Swindells and Mike McGlade. |
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Some of the attendees at the UNMC pre-party included, from left, Nekuda, James Thorson, Judy Thorson, Dr. Swindells and Dr. Audrey Paulman. |
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Attendees at the UNMC pre-party included, from left, Courtney Fletcher, Pharm.D., Jean Fletcher, Dr. Alan Langnas and Susan Langnas. |
“It was a great turnout,” said Dr. Susan Swindells, medical director of the UNMC HIV Clinic and one of the nine co-sponsors of the event. “UNMC is the place to go for HIV/AIDS patients. So, I think it’s important that we show how supportive we are of the Nebraska AIDS Project and the great work being done there. This is a terrific event every year, and it’s something the entire city gets behind.”
Dr. Swindells noted that proceeds from this year’s UNMC party exceeded last year’s party by more than $2,000.
Following the party at Pauli’s, attendees headed to the Holiday Inn, 72nd and Grover streets, for the citywide gala. The theme for this year’s event was “Bewitched, Bedazzled & Be Dancin.'” An estimated 1,800 people attended the citywide gala, which featured hors d’oeuvres and desserts and music from Session 7, one of Omaha’s hottest musical groups.
Approximately, 30 pre-parties were held around the city this year prior to the citywide gala. An estimated $140,000 was raised for NAP through the various parties.
This marked the 16th year for the Night of a Thousand Stars Gala and the fourth consecutive year the UNMC pre-party was held at Pauli’s Blueroom Lounge, 4016 Leavenworth St.
The UNMC pre-party was hosted by:
- Miguel Madariaga, M.D., assistant professor of infectious diseases;
- Ziba Jalali, M.D., assistant professor of infectious diseases;
- Susan Swindells, M.B.B.S., medical director of the UNMC HIV Clinic, and the UNMC HIV Team;
- Keith Swarts, UNMC’s director of business services;
- Mike McGlade, senior associate dean for administration and director of finance, UNMC College of Medicine;
- Jayme Nekuda, UNMC’s director of benefits and worklife services; and
- brothers Chris and Paul Griego and Paul’s wife, Karen, representing Pauli’s Blueroom.