Grammy-Nominated Vocal Powerhouse Teddy Swims Headlines TMH Golden Gala
Join Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare and the TMH Foundation on Thursday, April 23, 2026, for a rare, up-close opportunity to see a global star on the rise at Tallahassee’s premier black-tie philanthropic event.
Now in its 42nd year, the Golden Gala returns for an unforgettable private concert and dinner at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center. The Golden Gala promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience a global phenomenon in an intimate setting. Tables are available now.
From Record-Breaking Hits to Mental Health Advocacy
Swims (born Jaten Dimsdale) has captivated audiences with his signature blend of genres; including R&B, country, soul and pop. Known for his powerhouse vocals and emotionally charged performances, he has emerged as one of music’s most compelling voices of his generation. His multi-platinum hits “Lose Control” and “The Door” from his debut album “I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 1)” earned him a nomination for Best New Artist at the 2025 Grammy Awards. With over 4 billion streams, “Lose Control,” still holds the record for the longest-charting Hot 100 hit in history.
Beyond the music, Teddy Swims is also a passionate advocate for mental health awareness, using his platform to spark conversations about healing and resilience — a mission that aligns perfectly with Golden Gala 2026.
An Investment in Mental Health Care
This year’s Golden Gala is more than a night of celebration — it’s a commitment to our community. Funds raised through Golden Gala 2026 and the TMH Foundation will support the expansion of behavioral health services in partnership with the Apalachee Center, ensuring more individuals and families in our area can access vital care and support when they need it most.
Join Us in Making a Difference
For additional details or questions, contact Jessica Zeigler at the TMH Foundation at 850-431-4590 or Jessica.Zeigler@TMH.ORG.
About Golden Gala
Golden Gala dates back to 1984, when a group of dedicated and energetic individuals – lead by the late M.T. Mustian, then President and CEO of TMH, Grace Dansby, Jean McCully, Eleanor Smith and Marcia Thornberry – introduced the “Gala” fundraising concept within the community. This was after considerable deliberation and discussion, and finally, according to Mrs. Dansby, Mr. Mustian said, “We are either going to do it or we are going to quit talking about it.”
And do it, they did. The vision was daunting at the time. “We knew this had to be something different. First class all the way,” said Mrs. Dansby. With that, Mrs. Dansby designed – on the proverbial napkin – the legendary GG logo.
Marcia Thornberry remembers, “We had an army of volunteers who gave hundreds of hours. The TMH Auxiliary organization and the Gala Volunteer Committee went above and beyond the call-of-duty. Within a two-day period, the Civic Center arena became a breathtakingly elegant dining room.” Jean McCully led the transformation where 3,500 yellow mums filled the walkway in the Civic Center arena. Mrs. McCully noted, “The Civic Center really opened its heart and its doors to the TMH family. It was a small beginning to the Golden Gala we celebrate today, but it proved to TMH that it had the Tallahassee community behind it.”
The inaugural gala – starring Barbara Mandrell – was the first of many galas that would benefit from Eleanor Smith’s expertise and leadership. Mrs. Smith said, “No one thought that the first Golden Gala would raise any money. However, everyone pitched in and made it work. Barbara Mandrell dazzled the audience. But, it was the children who would later be patients in TMH’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit – many of who are now grown and with children of their own – who benefitted the most from that glorious evening.”
Tallahassee Memorial continues to salute and thank all of those in the Golden Gala vanguard and those who have continued to maintain its vibrancy and relevancy as Tallahassee’s premier social and charitable event.
Over its distinguished history from 1984 until today, Golden Gala has generated millions of dollars that have been applied toward a wide variety of programs and services benefiting our community.
Past Entertainers
2025 - FOREIGNER and Fortune Feimster
2024 - Journey
2023 - Keith Urban
2022 - OneRepublic
2019 – Pentatonix
2018 – Hall & Oates
2017 – Brad Paisley
2016 – James Taylor
2015 – John Legend
2014 – Lady Antebellum
2013 – Maroon 5
2012 – Keith Urban
2011 – Harry Connick Jr
2010 – Sheryl Crow
2009 – Earth Wind & Fire
2008 – Chicago
2007 – Leanne Womack
2006 – Glenn Frey
2005 – Kenny Loggins
2004 – Michael Bolton
2003 – Tony Bennett
2002 – Barry Manilow
2001 – Pointer Sisters
2000 – 50s Music
1999 – Wynona Judd
1998 – Gladys Knight
1997 – Natalie Cole
1996 – Danny Gans
1995 – Barbara Mandrell
1994 – Bernadette Peters
1993 – Anne Murray/Danny Gans
1992 – Johnny Mathis
1991 – Paul Anka
1990 – Warwick/Bacharach
1989 – Oak Ridge Boys
1988 – Wayne Newton
1987 – John Denver
1986 – Donny & Marie Osmond
1985 – Glenn Campbell
1984 – Barbara Mandrell
