Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital raised a total of $675,000 at its 17th annual gala on Saturday night at the Riverside Convention Center in Riverside. The monies raised help support pediatric heart programs and fund vital equipment.
More than 850 people attended the gala; the highest number ever for the event. This is the major fundraising push for the nonprofit hospital.
Apart from helping pay for hospital services and programs, the resources will be used for such equipment as high-frequency ventilators, which many ill children need to breathe. Each ventilator costs about $32,000.
“The success of this gala, in the midst of a slow economy, is a testament to the tremendous love and generosity of our supporters in the community,” says Zareh Sarrafian, foundation president and children’s hospital administrator.
“We certainly appreciate them and the amazing team who pulled this event together for an unforgettable evening.”
This year’s theme – “Got Heart!” – was presented by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and it celebrated 25 years of successful infant heart transplantation, led by Dr. Leonard Bailey of Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital.
Among the gala’s highlights was presenting the “Got Heart!” award to Dr. Bailey for his exemplary service and contributions benefiting children and the “Courage of Heart” award to Ms. Teresa Beauclair, mother of Stephanie Beauclair, the child known as “Baby Fae.”
Also recognized at the event for their work on behalf of children were Steve and Cathy Kienle, of Riverside, who received the Shirley N. Pettis award; and Robert “Bob” Erikson, of Redlands, who received the “Hometown Hero” award.
Grammy-award winning recording artist Vikki Carr lent her talents by performing her hit songs at the gala.
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