The Columbia Memorial Health Foundation August 17, announced it will honor its nurses, doctors and staff at its annual hospital gala in October. The celebration of those "who have worked valiantly to combat the COVID-19 pandemic," will be a virtual event this year to best ensure the health and safety of participants. The evening will feature a video dedicated to the work of CMH caregivers during the crisis. "Their story demonstrates a steadfast commitment to CMH’s patients, and their resilience to quickly adapt to innovative and lifesaving solutions in emergency situations," according to a press release. Columbia Memorial Health President and CEO Jay P. Cahalan said no one really understood the extent of the dangers of the coronavirus when the pandemic began, but the hospital team showed up for work every day. "Their courage to put so much at risk to maintain their commitment to their patients, their community and their co-workers is truly heroic. ...,” he said. The proceeds from the event will help support the acquisition of technology and equipment, including an upgrade for the hospital's cardiac telemetry system and the purchase of personal protective equipment. Read more at columbiamemorialhealth [dot] org.