BIMDA Members Gather in Support of United Way

Howard Lance and Glad Kurian

The Brevard Indo-America Medical and Dental Association held an Inaugural Member Mixer at Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Audi of Melbourne in support of United Way of Brevard. Guests enjoyed entertainment provided by the Grazio String Quartet from the Brevard Youth Symphony Orchestra, delicious treats from the team at Creative Catering by the Farina’s, and a rousing keynote speech by special guest, Howard Lance, chairman, president and CEO of Harris Corporation.

George Mikitarian, President and CEO of Parrish Medical Center, and his wife, Liz, currently serve as Chairs of United Way’s Tocqueville Society. They were on hand to pin The Society’s newest members, Mike and Rashmi Shah. The Shah’s are life members of BIMDA and decided to join United Way of Brevard’s family this year by sponsoring the event, and joining the Tocqueville Society. Dr. Sue Mitra, president of BIMDA, encouraged members and guests alike to consider supporting the 2009 United Way Campaign. “We’re here to mingle and to generate awareness of how our United Way helps our neediest residents. It’s an honor to join with them in this very noble cause. We hope our members will explore ways in which they and their offices can work with our United Way. Tonight’s event is a great first step.”

Glad Kurian, CIMA® of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney served as event chair, providing the vision and direction for the event in partnership with United Way staff. Kurian commented that “The uniqueness of this event is in reaching out to all physicians as a special group of individuals who have tremendous influence to extend assistance to United Way, a truly worthy organization which is able to efficiently deliver resources to 46 local agencies and over 75 programs covering many basic and essential services to Brevard residents in need."

The name “Tocqueville Society” was selected by United Way Worldwide because of Alexis de Tocqueville’s admiration for the spirit of American volunteerism and its impact on the common good. When he arrived in America in the 1830’s, his mission was to detail the American people and their political institutions. What he found was a nation of people whose resources, intellect and strength were used to fight for social justice and the welfare of the greatest possible number of people.

Today, membership in this society is reserved for those individuals who exemplify that very spirit of philanthropy through the giving of gifts of $10,000 or more annually. As a Tocqueville Society member, you demonstrate your belief that the wellbeing of your friends and neighbors here in Brevard County is worthy of a significant personal investment.

Bimda's first Physcians Social Mixer to benefit United Way.