Annual Fundraising Event – SummerLark – Announces Headliner

May 10 concert will once again support cancer patients

January 31, 2025

SummerLark is celebrating its fourth year helping to raise money for the Cancer Patient Support Program at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist’s National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. This year’s concert will be held Saturday, May 10, at Bailey Park in the Innovation Quarter. 

The 2025 SummerLark event will showcase a live concert by Old Crow Medicine Show. Attendees can enjoy a vibrant atmosphere with a variety of food trucks, a free photo booth and health care vendors all contributing to a memorable experience. Tickets are now on sale through Ticketmaster and can be purchased on the event’s website

Old Crow Medicine Show is an American roots band known for their blend of traditional country, old-time string music, bluegrass and folk. Formed in 1998 in Ithaca, NY, the band rose to prominence after being discovered by bluegrass legend Doc Watson. Their breakthrough came with the song "Wagon Wheel," which became a platinum hit and has since become a modern American classic.

Over the years, Old Crow Medicine Show has received numerous accolades, including two Grammy Awards, a Trailblazer Award from the Americana Music Association, and induction into the Grand Ole Opry. Their latest Grammy-nominated album, “Jubilee,” was released in 2023. Known for their relentless touring and electrifying live performances, the band continues to captivate audiences across the country.

“The mission at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist is to provide exceptional care to our community,” said Dr. David Zaas, president of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. “SummerLark is a celebration of that mission and a testament to the incredible support of our community. We are thrilled to welcome Old Crow Medicine Show for what promises to be an unforgettable evening filled with music, joy and generosity.”

Dr. Ruben Mesa, president of Atrium Health Levine Cancer and executive director of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist’s Comprehensive Cancer Center, emphasized the program’s impact. “Cancer places a profound burden on individuals and families, but through the Cancer Patient Support Program, we’re able to ensure that no one faces this journey alone,” said Dr. Mesa, who also serves as vice dean for cancer programs and professor of medicine at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. “Your support of SummerLark helps us reach thousands of individuals in our community who are impacted by cancer.” 

Funds raised through SummerLark contribute up to 50% of the Cancer Patient Support Program’s annual operating budget, enabling the program to continue offering vital resources and care to those in need.

“The generosity of our community is what makes these services possible,” said Lisa Marshall, chief philanthropy officer and vice president of philanthropy and alumni relations at Wake Forest Baptist. “Through the support of our donors and partners, we are able to stand beside patients and their families, providing the care and compassion they need during their most challenging times.”

Allegacy Federal Credit Union, a longtime supporter and active sponsor of the event, will serve as the presenting sponsor for the fourth consecutive year. This year’s event chairs are Brian Vannoy, senior executive vice president and chief revenue officer of Allegacy Federal Credit Union, returning for his second year as chair, and Quintin Williams, chief operating officer for Debbie’s Staffing.

More information about SummerLark can be found at Giving.WakeHealth.edu/SummerLark.

Media contacts: Jenna Kurzyna, jkurzyna@wakehealth.edu; Joe McCloskey, jmcclosk@wakehealth.edu