the circle of friends on a set of stairs

Join Our Circle of Friends

As a member, you will share in the spirit of giving and develop a special camaraderie with a network of talented, driven women.

Today, more than ever, AdventHealth’s programs depend on contributions from our community. By joining this circle, you will help raise the standard of health care in our area for generations to come.

Enjoy fellowship, networking, and supporting your passion when you join Circle of Friends.

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CIRCLE OF FRIENDS BADGE

Supporting Whole Person Care

The Circle of Friends is a passionate group of women who stand behind AdventHealth’s mission to extend the healing ministry of Christ. Their tireless efforts in fundraising greatly contribute to improving essential health services within our community. Most notably, the Circle of Friends are the founders and driving force behind AdventHealth’s Golden Gala, the largest fundraiser in Central Florida since 1981, raising over $30 million for significant projects at AdventHealth.

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AdventHealth Golden Gala

Golden Gala is AdventHealth Foundation’s oldest and most recognized annual fundraising event. Since it began in 1981, Golden Gala has grown into one of Central Florida’s premier fundraising events. With an attendance of over 1,500, Golden Gala showcases some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry and raises nearly $2 million annually for programs and services at AdventHealth.

Funded projects include the Pediatric Cellular Therapy Program, Cellular Therapy Lab, Bartch Transplant House, AdventHealth for Children’s Comprehensive Epilepsy Treatment Center, pediatric ambulance, Heart and Vascular Care Unit with additional ICU beds, cancer research and more.

Past special guests include Sting, Carrie Underwood, John Legend, Lady A, Martina McBride, Josh Groban, Smokey Robinson and more.

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Ericka Dunlap 2024 Circle of Friends Chair of Golden Gala

Ericka Dunlap Named 2024 Circle of Friends Executive Board and Chair of Golden Gala

Ericka Dunlap is an award-winning Public Relations Strategist, Entrepreneur, Community Advocate, TV Show Host, Amazing Racer and iconic American Beauty Queen, also known as Miss America 2004.

For over 15 years, she has delivered numerous keynote addresses, commencement speeches and workshops on the topics of Self-Care, Etiquette, Diversity and Inclusion and Cultural Competency.

Ericka has been involved with the Golden Gala Circle of Friends since 2016 and recently joined the HLVI Foundation board. She serves as the Chair of the 2024 Circle of Friends Executive Board and Chair of 2024’s Golden Gala event.

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Lee Alexander

Chairperson, Golden Gala XLII

Circle of Friends and Golden Gala

“I am honored to be part of the Circle of Friends and the legacy of Golden Gala. Your support is deeply meaningful to me and to our community. It’s the people, the doctors, the nurses, and the stories of grateful patients—it always goes back to the stories and the people.”

Lee Alexander

Chairperson, Golden Gala XLII

Golden Gala Photos

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carrie underwood at golden gala 40
a photo from Golden Gala 41
a photo from Golden Gala 41
a photo from Golden Gala 41
golden gala 40 audience
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