St. Mary's gala puts twist on tailgating

HUNTINGTON -- Chad Pennington played quite a few games at Joan C. Edwards Stadium in his day. And he's also seen a lot of the tailgating that takes place prior to kickoff.

But even he admitted he had never seen anything like what St. Mary's Medical Center Foundation put on Saturday night in the stadium rotunda.

"I've never seen tailgating like this before," the New York Jets quarterback said. "It's tailgating on steroids."

Pennington was one of handful of former Marshall football players and hundreds of others who attended the foundation's 5th annual gala. Each year is something different, honorary chairperson E.B. Jenkins said. This year, the committee chose a black tie tailgating affair.

"That's what's so wonderful about the gala," she said. "They do a unique venue every year."

The evening featured the culinary creations of the hospital's master chef Jamison Ugland, who created a menu that not only included the famous seafood buffet, but also a creative twist on typical tailgating food. Ugland, who has been behind the food at each of the five galas, said it's a special time to give back.

"It's rewarding because you are cooking for the whole community, and the cause benefits the whole community," he said.

And it didn't take long to find guests who were thoroughly impressed with the food, the atmosphere and the environment. Many were surprised just to see such a high-class event done in extravagant tailgating form.

"For tailgating, this is above and beyond," said Travis Smith, a contractor for the hospital. "I'm very impressed. The venue is a great place to have an event."

The gala was expected to raise about $100,000, Jenkins said. This year, the money will benefit the construction of the new St. Mary's Medical Center for Education.