Joyce and Larry Mims.

TIFTON — The Tift Regional Medical Center Foundation’s 19th annual Hearts & Diamonds Gala honord the memory of longstanding hospital board member Joyce Mims.

This year’s black-tie optional event was held March 16 at the UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center. All proceeds were to benefit the TRMC Foundation. The event had a tropical paradise theme.

“This special night will serve as a tribute to Ms. Joyce, who recently passed away,” said Mandy Brooks, TRMC Foundation Executive Director/CEO, in a press release ahead of the gala.

“A retired educator, community advocate, and businesswoman, Ms. Joyce had been an active board member of our healthcare system since 2003,” Brooks said. “She served in the role of board secretary for many years. Because of her leadership, community activism and dedication to our network of care, Ms. Joyce was awarded the John B. Prince Distinguished Service Award by TRMC in 2014. Her passing leaves a void in the Tifton community, but her memory and impact will undoubtedly live.”

The Hearts & Diamonds Gala featured live music from The Mighty Kicks, a silent auction, cocktails, a seated dinner and a diamond giveaway.

“Funds generated by the gala will support the Foundation’s Community Fund, which includes the donation of live-saving chest compression machines, automatic defibrillators, and 12-lead EKG equipment to local first responders,” Brooks said.