We Care Manatee Raises More Than $50,000 to Provide Free Medical Care to Uninsured Residents

March 15, 2011 - PRLog -- This year’s annual fundraiser brought in over $50,000, which is double what the organization raised at last year’s event.

“Casino Night 2011 was the most successful fundraiser in our history,” said Jill Gass, executive director of We Care Manatee. “We were happy to join forces with the Manatee County Medical Society, which does so much to address the growing problem of providing medical services to our area’s uninsured residents. We want to thank everyone who attended, and hope to see them at another successful event next year.”

More than 200 people enjoyed the casino-themed event, which moved along at a lively pace thanks to the Master of Ceremonies, ABC 7 News Chief Meteorologist Bob Harrigan. Many guests went home with valuable silent auction items, including a $1,000 Siesta Key beach condo vacation and a $3,200 trip on a private luxury yacht.

About We Care Manatee
In 1999, the Manatee County Medical Society founded We Care Manatee to address the growing problem of providing comprehensive medical services to low-income, uninsured residents. Today We Care Manatee depends on more than 60 Manatee County medical specialists, who generously donated their free time and services to provide medical treatment to nearly 1,000 hard-working Manatee County residents in 2010. The Specialty Physician Program provides eligible patients with free specialty medical care, the Pharmaceutical Program gives patients access to free prescriptions, and the Free Clinic Program offers primary medical care to eligible patients. All of We Care Manatee’s patients live below the federally established poverty level despite working more than 50 hours a week – often at a combination of several part-time jobs. They earn too much to qualify for Medicaid or other public assistance, but not enough to pay for their family’s medical care. For more information, visit www.wecaremanatee.org.

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