A Gala for Tomorrow’s Cures – MMRI Announces its Third Annual 1958 Gala

MMRI has officially announced its return of the highly anticipated 1958 Gala, to be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at a new venue, the Adirondack Bank Center at the Utica Memorial Auditorium. This year’s 1958 Gala is presented by Adirondack Bank and will honor one of the region’s most beloved leaders and philanthropists, Harold “Tom” Clark. Guests can expect an unforgettable evening defined by elegance, community and heartfelt purpose as attendees gather to support MMRI’s mission.

This year’s 1958 Gala, chaired by Rocco Arcuri Sr. and Robert Clark, promises to be the most exciting yet, with a larger space to dine, dance and celebrate. Community leaders and supporters will gather for an evening that seamlessly blends sophistication with significance. What truly sets this gala apart is that it offers guests a unique opportunity to engage directly with the scientists driving MMRI’s groundbreaking research. Attendees will learn about the innovative discoveries happening right here in the Mohawk Valley. The event is positioned to be the premier social gathering of the year.

1958 Gala committee members include: Rocco Arcuri Sr., Robert Clark, Victoria Arcuri, John Brown, the Hon. Bernadette Clark, RoAnn Destito, Joannie Grande, Rebekah Hedeen, Stephen Izzo, Nicole Knoblock, Dr. Maria Kontaridis, Aricca Lewis, William Locke, Alanna Magdon, Millie Occhionero, Ellie Picente, Carrie Putelo, Dr. Juleen Qandah, Francesca Romano, Symeon Tsoupelis and Joanne Wade.

Attending MMRI’s 1958 Gala is more than a celebration, it’s an opportunity to fuel lifesaving research that directly impacts individuals and families in our community and beyond. Support for this event helps advance critical research in cardiovascular disease, lupus, PTSD, autism and more, enabling researchers to push the boundaries of discovery and develop new hope for those who need it most. The effort aims to support individuals living with lupus or autism, as well as families affected by heart disease, by accelerating progress toward improved treatments and outcomes.

Tickets for the event are $250 per guest, with all proceeds fueling life-changing medical research at MMRI. For those looking to make an even greater impact, sponsorship opportunities are available, offering prominent brand exposure in front of some of the area’s most influential leaders. Click HERE to secure tickets or explore sponsorship opportunities today!