For the past 6 years PMC has brought in the New Year with a Gala to raise money. These funds were raised by corporate sponsorship, and the sale of tickets. But they have decided to nix the party this year due to the downturn in the region’s economy. In a press release PMC’s President and CEO Walter May defended the action by pointing out that, “businesses and families are trying to survive on less money, and we’re sensitive to that fact.” May also stated that they hope to bring the Gala back when the economy improves.