More than 600 guests, including 105 physicians, local business leaders, staff and community supporters, attended St. Joseph Hospital's "Celebration 2009!" event.
"We are very pleased with the event, which raised $150,000," says Dr. Connie Bartlett, Celebration co-chair and St. Joseph Hospital physician. "The proceeds will benefit the new Hybrid Operating Room and The Center for Cancer Prevention and Treatment at St. Joseph Hospital, while $46,000 from 'Raise the Paddle' is earmarked for the Center's biospecimen repository research program."
The evening consisted of a four-course dinner and entertainment of pole acrobats and a French/California tribute medley that began with a "Liza Minelli" cabaret and ending with a California Dreamin' montage of music from Jan and Dean, John Fogerty and more. The Spirit of St. Joseph Award was presented to Dr. Michael and Jean Abdalla and Dr. James A. and Marilyn Padova, for their dedication to St. Joseph Hospital and its mission. Live Auction items included a Lakers Package with a signed Kobe Bryant basketball, a nine-course homemade Italian dinner at the home of Santo and Josephine Zito (two of these were sold), and a getaway at a Winter Park, Colorado, vacation home. A diamond necklace for the opportunity drawing was donated by AA Jewel Box.
"Despite challenging economic times, it did not stop the community from giving back," adds Steve Pihl, Celebration co-chair. "We would not be the medical center we are today without the generosity and support of our business leaders, community members and our physicians."
From left: St. Joseph Hospital Foundation Vice President Julie Holt, Spirit of St. Joseph Award Recipients Jean & Dr. Michael Abdalla, Sr. Theresa LaMetterey and SJO President & CEO
Larry Ainsworth; Spirit of St. Joseph Award Recipients Marilyn and Dr. James Padova (congratulated by Mr. Ainsworth).
To see additional photographs of physicians at Celebration, please click here.
Our thanks to Theresa Taylor, photographer.