FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dr. K. Heiner Vogelbach to be honored as king of Mardi Gras 2013
ARCADIA (Jan. 21, 2013) – Cardiologist K. Heiner Vogelbach, MD, will be honored at Methodist Hospital’s Mardi Gras Tuesday, February 12, at Sirona’s, Santa Anita Park.
For his faithful support of Methodist Hospital and the clinical care he has provided to thousands of patients as director of cardiology over the past 15 years, Dr. Vogelbach has been selected to preside as king of Mardi Gras 2013, one of the hospital's most popular fund-raising events.
More than 500 local community members and businesses, including two dozen restaurants, are expected to participate in the 18th annual "beads and boas" celebration February 12 at Sirona's Restaurant, Santa Anita Park, 285 W. Huntington Dr., Arcadia.
The fun-filled event will feature a 1980s theme against a backdrop of old New Orleans to raise money in support of the hospital's outstanding cardiac catheterization lab. Co-chairing this year are four-time chair/co-chair Lindburgh McPherson, Methodist Hospital Foundation board member Sherry Wang and longtime hospital supporter Patty Soldo.
"Methodist Hospital is a great organization that does so much good for the community, and when I was asked to co-chair again, I couldn't say no," McPherson said. "Plus, I have a great deal of fun participating."
Lindburgh, who first chaired the "Fat Tuesday" event in 2009, said organizers hope overall attendance will rise, more businesses will participate, and the money raised for Methodist Hospital's lifesaving cath lab will reach a record level, perhaps exceeding $100,000.
"Through the years we've seen more participation from the smaller healthcare entities such as nursing homes," Lindburgh said. "That's a good thing. We're especially excited this year because Dr. Vogelbach has been a terrific supporter of Methodist Hospital and Mardi Gras. It's really fitting that we recognize him as our king in 2013."
Aside from his work as director of cardiology, Dr. Vogelbach is a member of the Methodist Hospital Foundation board of directors. He has chaired the Crystal Ball and serves on the Crystal Ball Committee, is co-chair of the Cardiac Council and has been involved in fundraising initiatives such as the physician campaign supporting The Next Generation of Care. Through the years the German-born physician has encouraged patients, friends and associates to support the hospital.
"This is my second Mardi Gras,” said co-chair Patty Soldo. "I am a nurse, and my husband is a cardiologist who works with Dr. Vogelbach. I am excited to help the cardiologists in any way I can." She said she hopes to see more of the newer and younger community members attend the 2013 event to raise funds that will enable the Cath Lab to update its equipment and ultimately provide even better care to the community.
"Sherry (Wang) asked me to participate this year, and I couldn't say no," Patty said.
Sherry, a member of the Mardi Gras committee for the past 10 years, also hopes to see more young members from within the community become involved with the event this year. "This is not only a fund-raising event; it is a friend-raising event," she said. "It's a perfect venue to break into a new environment."
Mardi Gras has undergone many changes through the years. Once a black-tie event, the celebration is now more casual. The Mardi Gras parade, featuring the Arcadia High School Pep Band, started three years ago. With a live band performing each year, the event has become a prominent and enjoyable one for all who attend.
"I had to ‘Google’ '80’s fashion, and now I know it is broad shoulders, big hair and leather jeans," Sherry said. "What's good about this event is that any fashion is good fashion. You can be whatever you want to be!”
The 80z All-Stars, one of Southern California's premier 1980`s tribute bands, will provide the evening’s lively entertainment. Other activities will include a silent auction, the annual Mardi Gras parade, an Elvis Presley impersonator, dancing and mouth-watering culinary delights prepared by some of San Gabriel Valley's most celebrated and successful restaurants.
Tickets are $80 each. To reserve yours, contact Gloria Rico at 626-821-2340 or mardigras@methodisthospital.org <mailto:mardigras@methodisthospital.org> .