Scott Alling, Member of Sepsis Alliance Board of Directors, Passes Away
May 21, 2018
The team at Sepsis Alliance is sad to announce the passing of a member of the Sepsis Alliance family. Scott Alling, a long-time member of the board of directors died on May 18. He was 53 years old.
Scott’s relationship with Sepsis Alliance began after he lost his father to sepsis. In 2012, Tom Heymann, executive director of Sepsis Alliance and Jill Gress, a board member, met with Scott to determine how he could best help Sepsis Alliance with its mission. Through the course of the evening, Scott offered the use of his venue, Arena, to host the first ever Sepsis Heroes gala. Scott’s experience in the food and beverage industry for many years made this the perfect fit.
Scott’s donation wasn’t limited to the Arena space, however. He also donated the catering and his team was always available to us as planning for the event grew and changed over time. The annual Sepsis Heroes galas are now sold out every year, in no small part to his and his team’s guidance and support.
As an active board member, Scott was always eager to host dinners for our partners, board members, and sponsors. He loved to help the organization. He combined his love of good food and entertaining with our cause, which was near and dear to his heart. “Whenever I met with Scott there was always great food,” said Heymann. “A meeting wasn’t a meeting for Scott unless there was great food to be enjoyed. That could be a full dinner or “the best sandwiches” in his office below Arena. He loved to share and give.”
As full of life and generosity of spirit as he was, Scott would fade into the background, allowing others to take center stage. But we always knew and appreciated the value he brought to the table. So to honor Scott’s dedication to Sepsis Alliance, we have created the Scott Alling Entertainer Award, which will be presented annually at the Sepsis Heroes gala. The first one will be awarded this year on September 13th.
There are no words that appropriately express how grateful we here at Sepsis Alliance are for the work and friendship Scott gave us. All we can say is thank you.
