Annual LECOM Student Scholarship Auction Gala: A Night of Celebration, Inspiration, and Giving Back

Friday, 31 October 2025

On the evening of October 25, 2025, the picturesque venue of The Ora in Sarasota set the stage for the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM)'s most anticipated event of the year: the Annual Student Scholarship Auction Gala. A night that was as much about celebration as it was about shaping the future of healthcare, this Gala brought together some of the most prominent figures in the medical and philanthropic communities.

The Gala mission? To raise funds for the LECOM Student Scholarship Fund, which directly supports aspiring physicians, pharmacists, dentists, and podiatrists in their educational journeys. It was a night of giving, bidding, and it offered an inspiring reflection upon the legacy of LECOM President and CEO, John M. Ferretti, D.O. and Provost, Senior Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs, Silvia M. Ferretti, D.O., the visionary leaders behind LECOM's meteoric rise as the nation's largest medical school and the only osteopathic academic health center in the nation.

A Visionary Leadership Award for the Ferrettis

As the night unfolded, one of the most poignant moments came when MAHA Action (Make America Healthy Again™) honored Dr. John and Dr. Silvia Ferretti with a special Proclamation in recognition of their transformative leadership at LECOM. The Ferrettis have long been at the helm of the LECOM rise, guiding it from a regional institution to a nationwide leader in osteopathic education. Their holistic approach to medicine-emphasizing prevention, compassion, and whole-person care-has influenced thousands of students and continues to shape the future of healthcare.

The Proclamation was presented by Sayer Ji, Chairman of the Global Wellness Forum, who delivered a moving keynote address. In his speech, Ji lauded the Ferrettis for their unyielding dedication to reviving the core principles of osteopathic medicine, first articulated by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still in the 19th century. Ji stressed the way in which the LECOM curriculum and mission have set a new standard for the training and education of healthcare professionals, focusing not just upon treating illness, rather upon cultivating prevention, balance, and well-being in every patient.

"It is with deep respect and heartfelt gratitude that we recognize Dr. John and Dr. Silvia Ferretti," Ji remarked. "They have not only transformed a school, but an entire philosophy of care. They embody the belief that medicine is not just about managing disease, but about restoring the body's natural capacity for healing," the noted leader stated.

Dean Cain: A Star-Studded Speaker

As if the evening was not already brimming with excitement, Dean Cain, the celebrated actor and national leader best known for his role in Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, took to the stage as the Keynote Speaker. Cain's presence added a touch of star power to the proceedings of the night, but it was his heartfelt words on the importance of compassionate, patient-centered care that resonated most with the audience.

Cain shared his personal experiences with healthcare and he highlighted the need for a shift toward holistic practices, both in treatment and in education. His speech aligned perfectly with the LECOM mission to produce doctors who see the patient as a whole-mind, body, and spirit-and who work to prevent illness before it takes root.

"I believe in the power of healing," Cain said. "That's why I support LECOM's approach, which is focused upon the future of medicine-medicine that is about people, not just procedures."

His impassioned address helped underscore the importance of the Gala's efforts to ensure that future generations of physicians are not just skilled in clinical care, but also are trained to understand and nurture the human element of health.

The Auction: Generosity Meets Glamour

As the speeches drew to a close, the focus shifted to one of the most exciting components of the evening: the Live Auction.

Featuring a stunning array of items donated by local businesses and supporters, the auction was a flurry of excitement, bidding, and giving. Guests competed for coveted prizes like exotic vacation getaways, one-of-a-kind art pieces, and memorabilia from some of the biggest names in entertainment and sports.

The energy in the room was palpable as guests opened their wallets to bid on these rare experiences, knowing that every dollar would go toward funding scholarships for future students at LECOM. The generosity displayed by attendees ensured that this year's auction would be one for the books, helping to fund scholarships that will empower a new generation of doctors, pharmacists, and healthcare professionals to carry forward the LECOM vision of compassionate, holistic care.

A Legacy in the Making

Reflecting on the evening events, the funds raised from the Gala will go on to support LECOM scholars, ensuring that future doctors are not only educated in the art of medicine, but also are fully equipped to approach patient care with empathy, compassion, and a deep respect for the natural healing powers of the body. With continued support from donors and philanthropists, the LECOM Student Scholarship Fund is poised to shape the next era of healthcare leaders.

As the evening drew to a close, there was no doubt that the 2025 LECOM Annual Student Scholarship Gala was more than just an event-it was a celebration of an institution's legacy, a reflection of its vision, and a commitment to investing in the doctors of tomorrow. For all those involved, the night was a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of purpose-driven education, compassionate care, and community support.