Patti LaBelle to headline Temple University Hospital gala

by Staff writer

Published Mar. 22, 2017, 11:00 a.m. ET

Temple University Hospital is marking its 125th anniversary next month with a famous former patient: Grammy Award-winner and Philadelphia native Patti LaBelle.

The legendary performer -- and now cooking entrepreneur -- will give a private concert at the hospital's top annual fundraiser, the Acres of Diamonds Gala, April 29 at the Please Touch Museum.

LaBelle received an honorary degree from Temple University in 2010 and gave birth to her son in 1973 at TUH. Among the Wynnewood resident's most recent honors was the Marian Anderson Award last year.

For more information on supporting the 2017 Acres of Diamonds Gala, visit tuhgala.com.

The annual Acres of Diamonds Gala is one of the oldest charitable events in Philadelphia, with proceeds this year going to enhance patient and family spaces and rooms at Temple University Hospital. A special appeal at this year's Gala will benefit the Women and Infants Division at TUH. The evening's program will be emceed by Lauren Hart.

This year's Diamond Award Honoree is the president of Temple University, Richard M. Englert, recognized for more than 40 years of service to Philadelphia and the university community.

Founded in 1892 by Russell Conwell, who gave the "Acres of Diamonds" address from which the Gala gets its name, TUH operated strictly as a charity organization for its first five years, and began accepting payments from patients of means only to subsidize care for those without.

For more information about the 125th Anniversary of Temple University Hospital, visit tuh125.org.