A few hours after announcing a major leadership change, Mazzoni Center announced it had cancelled its annual fundraising gala.
The LGBT health facility issued a statement Monday night that, “after much consideration,” it decided not to go through with its Elixir event, which was slated for May 19.
“It does not serve either the organization or our community well to host the event at this time. We believe this is a time for reflection, not celebration,” the organization wrote on the Facebook page for the event.
Last year’s gala raised $170,000, with a net gain of $135,000, making it the organization’s most successful fundraiser ever. According to Monday’s statement, Mazzoni will be in contact with those who have already purchased tickets or offered sponsorships to “find out whether you wish to request a refund, cancel your pledge, fulfill your pledge or re-designate your gift to support Mazzoni’s direct services to patients and clients.”
A Mazzoni spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment about the event’s cancellation.
The announcement came after a whirlwind day in which the organization confirmed the resignation of longtime Mazzoni CEO Nurit Shein and board President Dr. Jimmy Ruiz. Shein was the target of scrutiny over her handling of allegations of sexual impropriety by former medical director Dr. Robert Winn; Winn resigned last week.
She had also come under fire by activists who contend she allowed racially discriminatory policies and practices at the agency. Several-dozen staffers walked out of a bias training mandated by the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations last week, while calling on Shein to resign.
The board is in the midst of naming an interim CEO before conducting a search for a permanent leader.
The shakeup comes weeks before Mazzoni is set to move to its new South Philadelphia location. In announcing the cancelling of Elixir, the agency noted navigating the transition among its immediate goals.
“Our focus now must be on the essentials: ensuring the continuity and highest quality of care for our patients and clients; rebuilding staff morale; preparing for our move to a new location at Broad and Bainbridge Street — and providing a safe and welcoming home for the health and well-being of our communities.”