2014 Premier prepares for silent auction

Anne and Dr. Richard Sawicki display an autographed Patrick Kane hockey jersey and other distinctive and luxury items that will be offered during the silent auction at The 2014 Premier, Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center's annual black tie dinner and entertainment gala.

The Premier will be held Saturday, Jan. 18, at the Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel, 310 Fourth St., Niagara Falls.

The Sawickis and Teresa Ruffolo are co-chairs of the event's auction committee.

"The silent auction has become one of the most popular activities of the evening," Anne Sawicki said. "The uniqueness of our auction items attracts a great deal of interest as we offer everything from diamond jewelry, artwork and designer accessories to event packages and sports memorabilia - even seats from the old Yankee Stadium."

The 2014 Premier will feature headline entertainment from the Las Vegas Strip, including, "A Tribute to Neil Diamond," featuring Jay White. Also appearing will be "Barbra & Frank - The Concert that Never Was: A Sensational Tribute to Streisand & Sinatra," and popular Western New York band JoyRyde and the Hitmen Horns.

Beloved area physician Dr. Sujatha Addagatla and former banking executive Nancy Gara will be honored for their dedication to improving the health of the community. Gara, who died in May, will be honored posthumously.

Proceeds will benefit Memorial's cardiac and stroke care services. Individual tickets are $225. For information and sponsorship opportunities, call 716-278-4570 or visit www.nfmmc.org/ThePremier.