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Hosts of the UNMC Pre-Party were, from left, Keith Swarts, UNMC’s director of business services; Dr. Susan Swindells, medical director of the UNMC HIV Clinic, Karen Griego, Paul Griego and Mike McGlade, senior associate dean for administration and director of finance in the College of Medicine. |
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From left: Ali Khoynezhad, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor of cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, and his wife, Ziba Jalali, M.D., assistant professor in the department of internal medicine, enjoy the UNMC pre-party. |
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New College of Pharmacy Dean Courtney Fletcher, Ph.D., center, with his wife, Jean Fletcher, left, and Deb Thomas, assistant vice chancellor for business and finance. |
For the third consecutive year, the event was held at Pauli’s Blueroom Lounge, 4016 Leavenworth St.
Following the UNMC pre-party, attendees headed to the Holiday Inn, 72nd and Grover streets, for the citywide party. Early returns show that NAP raised approximately $194,000 this year, including pledges not yet received. About 35 parties were held from September through Dec. 1 this year. Nearly all these parties were in Lincoln and Omaha.
“It was touch and go with the ice storm in the morning,” said Keith Swarts, director of business services at UNMC and one of the hosts of the pre-party. “I was delighted that we had the strong turnout that we did. I thought we had an outstanding pre-party, and best of all, we were able to meet our fundraising goal. This is a great kickoff event to the holiday season, and UNMC is always delighted to show its support of the Nebraska AIDS Project.”
This marked the 15th year for the “Night of a Thousand Stars” event. This year’s theme was “One World Under the Stars.” The event coincided with World AIDS Day and featured a global theme with a variety of hors d’oeuvres and desserts from around the world. One of Omaha’s most popular musical groups, Session 7, provided musical entertainment at the Holiday Inn.
In addition to Swarts, the UNMC pre-party was hosted by:
- Dr. Susan Swindells, medical director of the UNMC HIV Clinic;
- Mike McGlade, senior associate dean for administration and director of finance, UNMC College of Medicine; and
- Brothers Chris and Paul Griego and Paul’s wife, Karen, representing Pauli’s Blueroom.