Good Shepherd Rehabilitation’s annual “Gala in the Garden” raised more than $217,000 for the Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital Emily Howatt Pliskatt Pediatric Unit.

The 2023 Gala, held in a climate-controlled tent outside of the Hyland Center for Health & Technology, benefited children and families served by the inpatient rehabilitation programs at the Pediatric Unit, 2855 Schoenersville Road, Bethlehem.

Led by Pediatric Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Medical Director Kimberly Kuchinski, MD, MPH, Good Shepherd’s 20-bed unit is the only pediatric rehabilitation unit in the region and the only CARF-certified ventilator weaning provider in Pennsylvania. The unit cares for children from birth to age 21, regardless of a family’s ability to pay.

“I want to thank all of our donors for making this event so spectacular and allowing us to celebrate what we get to do throughout the year,” said Administrative Director of Pediatrics Amanda Kleckner, PT, DPT.

Each year, the gala highlights an inspiring story of a family cared for at the Pediatric Unit. This year’s honorees are the Gerrity family.

Chris and Sara Lakatosh were co-chairs of the Gala in the Garden Committee.

Presenting sponsors were: Cornerstone Advisors Asset Management, Lutron Electronics Co. Inc. and AblePay Health.