Chesapeake Regional Health Foundation Hosts 50th Anniversary Gala Celebrating Five Decades of Community Care

CHESAPEAKE, Va. – The Chesapeake Regional Health Foundation will host its Annual Gala on Jan. 24, 2026, at the Chesapeake Conference Center, celebrating 50 years of exceptional community care provided by Chesapeake Regional Healthcare. The formal evening event marks a significant milestone for the health system, which opened its doors in 1976 as a grassroots effort to bring high-quality healthcare closer to home for the growing city of Chesapeake.

"The Chesapeake Regional Health Foundation's Annual Gala is an opportunity for us to come together, make a meaningful impact, and ensure that quality healthcare is accessible to everyone in our region," said Elisa Wills, CFRE, chief development officer. "The energy in the room, the commitment of our donors, and the passion of the staff make it a highlight of the year—a true testament to the power of philanthropy in transforming lives."

The gala, recognized as the biggest philanthropic event in Chesapeake, has been a signature fundraising event for more than two decades. The memorable evening features exquisite music, food and dancing, with proceeds supporting Chesapeake Regional Healthcare's mission to provide compassionate care to the community.

50 Years of Innovation and Growth
Chesapeake Regional Healthcare has evolved from a grassroots community effort into a major independent health system serving southeast Virginia and northeast North Carolina. 

Key milestones in the health system's five-decade journey include:
•    1966: The General Assembly created the Chesapeake Hospital Authority.
•    1976: Chesapeake General Hospital officially opened its doors to provide high-quality care in Chesapeake.
•    1986: The BirthPlace opened, marking a focus on specialized maternal care.
•    1993: The Chesapeake Regional Health Foundation was established to support the hospital's mission through philanthropy.
•    1995: The Sidney M. Oman Cancer Treatment Center opened, bringing comprehensive cancer care to the city.
•    2015-2016: Rebranded to Chesapeake Regional Healthcare and introduced advanced services, including 3D Mobile Mammography.
•    2022: Achieved top 5% recognition for labor and delivery.
•    2024: Added an advanced critical care tower and cardiac care/open-heart surgery.
•    2025: Opened the Emergency Department Behavioral Health Unit, earned Provisional Level III Trauma Center designation, and debuted the "Mom Mobile" for postpartum care.

Gala Program Highlights
The evening will begin with a cocktail hour and casino room from 6-7 p.m., followed by dinner and remarks from distinguished speakers, including:
•    Tom Schaad, WAVY-10, master of ceremonies
•    Dee Gilmore, chair, Chesapeake Hospital Authority
•    Dr. Donald Buckley, president emeritus, Chesapeake Regional Healthcare
•    Reese Jackson, president and CEO, Chesapeake Regional Healthcare
•    Dave Hare, president, TowneBank Chesapeake
•    Mike Kos, chair, Chesapeake Regional Health Foundation
•    Mayor Rick West, City of Chesapeake

The program will also feature entertainment by Trademark Band, Mister Showtime, a champagne toast, and a raffle drawing. The casino room will reopen from 8:30-10:30 p.m.

Today, Chesapeake Regional Healthcare remains the only independent, community-based hospital in South Hampton Roads, featuring a Magnet®-recognized nursing staff and extensive outpatient, primary care and specialty services. The health system was recently recognized as one of the 50 most community-minded companies in Hampton Roads.

For more information about the 50th Anniversary Gala or Chesapeake Regional Healthcare services, visit ChesapeakeGala.com.