United in support of Temple Health’s mission, at the 71st annual Acres of Diamonds Gala

Temple Health welcomed supporters, community leaders, physicians, researchers, caregivers, employees, and philanthropic partners to the Crystal Tea Room on June 5 for the 71st Annual Acres of Diamonds Gala—Philly’s night out for hope, healing, and wellness.
Throughout the evening dedicated to celebrating the people and partnerships that make extraordinary care possible, speakers returned to a common theme: the belief that healthcare organizations, communities, and individuals can achieve more when they set higher expectations and remain committed to serving others.

“Expecting more is not a slogan,” said Abhinav Rastogi, MBA, MIS, President and CEO of Temple Health. “It’s a mindset: that a nationally recognized academic medical center can be deeply rooted in the local community; that all patients should have access to extraordinary care; and that compassion and excellence are inseparable.”

Steven R. Carson, MHA, BSN, RN, Senior Vice President of Population Health for Temple Health and CEO, Temple Center for Population Health, LLC, co-chaired the Gala; and John Ryan, Temple Health Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer, and General Counsel served as the event’s executive sponsor. Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist Tracy Davidson returned to serve for another year as the event’s MC.

The program culminated with the presentation of Temple Health’s highest honor, the Diamond Award, to civic and philanthropic leaders Leigh and John Middleton in recognition of their longstanding contributions to Philadelphia and their commitment to strengthening communities throughout the region. Guests stayed to dance into the night and continued the celebration under the direction of Philadelphia legend The Magnificent DJ Jazzy Jeff.

A Shared Commitment

In remarks during the evening, Temple University President John Fry highlighted the unique partnership between Temple University and Temple Health and the important role both institutions play in advancing opportunity and improving quality of life across Philadelphia.

“Together, Temple University and Temple Health serve a critical role as two of Philadelphia’s most important anchor institutions,” Fry said. “They serve as force multipliers for the region, creating a place-based impact that allows us to cultivate a safer, healthier and more connected community.”

Fry noted that philanthropy and community support help fuel clinical innovation, academic research, and workforce development while strengthening Temple’s ability to serve patients and communities throughout the region.

Honoring the People Behind the Mission

In his remarks, Rastogi recognized several examples of excellence across Temple Health, including the new national benchmark of 179 lung transplants performed in 2025, the milestone of 3,000 bone marrow transplants completed by Temple Health and Fox Chase Cancer Center, as well as nationally recognized work underway at Temple to revolutionize inpatient addiction care.

“We’re at the leading edge of research and innovation,” Rastogi said. “And every day, we care for patients regardless of insurance status, income, or circumstance. Some people see those responsibilities as competing pressures. We at Temple see them as inseparable parts of our mission.”
He concluded by recognizing the more than 500 Temple Health employees in attendance and the thousands more whose dedication helps bring the organization's mission to life each day.

Leigh and John Middleton Receive Acres of Diamonds Award

The evening culminated with the presentation of the 2026 Acres of Diamonds Award to Leigh and John Middleton. 

“Through your leadership across sports, philanthropy, the arts, education, healthcare, and community development, you have helped shape the civic life of Philadelphia in profound and lasting ways,” Rastogi said during the formal presentation.

Named for Russell Conwell's famous Acres of Diamonds speech and philosophy, the award recognizes individuals whose leadership, generosity, and commitment to others create lasting impact throughout their communities.

Accepting the honor, John Middleton reflected on the enduring relevance of Conwell’s message and its connection to Temple Health’s mission.

“The opportunity to do something of lasting value is not somewhere far off,” Middleton said. “It is right here, in our city, in your neighborhood or township, your own backyard. You just have to be willing to see it, and to act.”

Middleton praised Temple Health’s longstanding commitment to expanding access to care and improving lives in Philadelphia.

“Temple Health is truly reflective of that message,” he said. “One hundred and thirty years later, that founding promise is still the compass.”

He also recognized the physicians, researchers, caregivers, and staff members whose work continues to transform lives every day.

“Leigh and I are honored to receive the Acres of Diamonds Award,” Middleton said. “But the real diamonds are here in this room tonight.”