For immediate release
Excitement Grows, Ticket Supplies Shrink as Crystal Ball Draws Near
Arcadia
(
Oct. 20, 2011)
Excitement is running high for Crystal Ball 2011. The October 29 black-tie gala produced by Methodist Hospital Foundation and its tireless Crystal Ball committee has a long-standing reputation of being a glamorous and fun-filled evening of top-quality entertainment. And this year promises to be no different. In its 22-year history of fund-raising and “friend-raising,” Crystal Ball holds as much appeal as ever, if not more. Many look forward with anticipation because they know the entertainment and the good company ensures they will have a fabulous time. Others attend mostly because of the worthwhile causes the event supports (such as Methodist Hospital’s nationally recognized emergency services, this year’s beneficiary). But whatever reasons draw people, by the evening’s end, everyone knows they were part of something very special.
And the very special honorees this year are longtime hospital supporters Alan and Sandy Whitman. The Whitmans, Lee, are event co-chairs, along with last year
"We have special honorees, a wonderful performer, an outstanding venue and a fabulous program planned," Christine said. "This will truly be a memorable evening."
This year the Pasadena Convention Center, where Paul Anka will return to entertain the crowd with his greatest hits and perform new, exciting numbers as well. Named Billboard magazine's 21st most successful performer ever, his hits include "Diana," "Lonely Boy," "Puppy Love," "Put Your Head On My Shoulder,"
"Paul is a personal friend of mine and a wonderful performer, and I wanted him to return and help make this a very special event for Alan and Sandy," Mickey said.
Anka co-wrote with Michael Jackson the title song to Jacksonconsecutive decades. A member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, he has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. After Crystal Ball, the international singer-composer will leave for Europe on a two-month international personal appearance tour in conjunction with his new Christmas album.
Helping to make another successful Crystal Ball this year are its seven Grand Sponsors: 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; and US TOPCO Energy, Inc.
And no Crystal Ball would be a success without its dedicated committee members: Philip Chen, Dr. Shirley Chi, Angela Y. Fu, Evelyn Greathouse, Sue Hale, Ben Harrington, Sandy Hartford, C.H. Hsueh, Henry Huang, 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.
"Mickey and I hand-selected many members of the committee who are as passionate about the success of this event as we are," Lee said. "It's really going to be a wonderful evening."
The Convention Center holds about 1,000 people, and tickets are going fast. To get Crystal Ball tickets before they are gone, contact Gloria Rico today at 626-821-2340 or by e-mail at crystalball@methodisthospital.org.