FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Crystal Ball raises record-breaking $500,000 for Methodist Hospital emergency services
Arcadia (Nov. 2, 2011) – Music legend Paul Anka delighted the 900 guests at Methodist Hospital’s 22nd Crystal Ball Saturday, October 29, at the Pasadena Convention Center Ballroom. The consummate entertainer thrilled guests for the second time at the annual black-tie event, which raised a record-breaking $500,000 to benefit the hospital’s newly enhanced emergency services.
“The support of our donors is crucial to our ability to continue to deliver high-quality care to the community,” said Dan F. Ausman, hospital president and chief executive officer. “The funds raised by Crystal Ball will help ensure that when people must seek emergency care, they can be assured they will receive the best in the San Gabriel Valley.”
The evening’s highlights included the recognition of event honorees Alan and Sandy Whitman for their many years of dedicated service to Methodist Hospital.
“Sandy and I feel both special and honored to be recognized this way. For us, this is not the culmination of our involvement and our support, but just one more step in what has been a wonderful and satisfying journey, a journey that for us and our family will go on for years to come, ” Alan said.
Event co-chairs Christine Antonovich and Mickey and Lee Segal were elated by the amount of support from the community.
“We are very grateful that people recognize the significance of the hospital and its emergency services to the community and are eager to provide support,” Christine said.
Helping set fundraising records were this year’s Grand Sponsors. They are the Honorable Mike Antonovich and Christine Antonovich, Angela Y. Fu, Cole and Cindy Harris; David and Angela Fu and David Zhang; Leo A. Daly, Linda Wong and East West Bank; Chang-Huan (C.H.) and Haily Hsueh; Morgan Stanley Smith Barney; Panda Restaurant Group, Inc; Mickey and Lee Segal and Alan and Sandy Whitman.
“We are thankful for all those who contributed, whether through attending the event, donating an auction item, working on the committee or helping out in other ways,” Mickey said. “The tremendous support of our donors made this event a success.”
Crystal Ball committee members include Dr. Shirley Chi, Angela Y. Fu, Evelyn Greathouse, Sue Hale, Ben Harrington, Sandy Hartford, C.H. Hsueh, Ulanda Lee, Meimei Liu, Juliet Lu, Lindburgh McPherson, Dr. Richard Sun, Annie Teng, Angel Throop, Dr. K. Heiner Vogelbach, Sherry Wang, Susan Woo and Dorenda Wong.
The special evening included fine dining, live and silent auctions, dancing and the superb performance of Paul Anka, who graciously offered customized lyrics to the tune of “My Way” as an item sold at auction. The lucky winners were Paul and Donna Rusnak and Sandi and Bob Kolitz.
Crystal Ball is Methodist Hospital’s most significant and successful fundraising event, with proceeds totaling more than $4.5 million that have benefited various hospital services. For more information, contact the Methodist Hospital Foundation at 626-898-8888.