30th Annual Crystal Ball Celebration Raises $700,000
for Methodist Hospital’s Heart and Stroke Services
More than 770 guests helped raise $700,000 for Methodist Hospital’s
Comprehensive Stroke Center and Heart Attack Receiving Center during the 30th annual Crystal Ball Gala at the Pasadena Convention Center on Saturday, Oct. 12.
“Crystal Ball brings people together in a unique way to celebrate
the community that is the beating heart of Methodist Hospital,”
said Patty Nijjar, who along with her husband, Mike, were celebrated as
the event honorees. “The affair is a joyful occasion and reminds
every one of the significant work that the hospital does, while raising
funds for the community it supports.”
Funding from this year’s event will be used toward the addition of
a second biplane imaging system to enhance Methodist Hospital’s
ability to serve the Greater San Gabriel Valley as a fully accredited
Comprehensive Stroke Center and Heart Attack Receiving Center. Methodist
Hospital is one of only 18 hospitals to be part of the Los Angeles County
network of approved stroke centers countywide.
“By purchasing a second biplane imaging system, we will expand our
ability to provide minimally-invasive procedures that produce optimal
outcomes for our most critically ill patients,” said Hospital President
and CEO Dan Ausman. “We extend sincere thanks and appreciation to
all of our donors for enabling the acquisition of needed equipment, and
to our doctors, nurses and staff for their dedication and care for these
patients.”
Leading this year’s planning for Crystal Ball were event Co-Chairs
Sherry and Shone Wang, along with Aner and Rebecca Iglesias. Revelers
at the black tie dinner celebration enjoyed dancing to the award-winning,
world-renowned R&B musical group Kool and the Gang. In addition to
elite entertainment, the event featured a silent auction offering a wide
selection of wares, wines, and nights on the town, plus a robust live
auction from luxury sports experiences to exotic vacations, all to raise
funds for the stroke and heart programs at Methodist Hospital. Following
a touching video featuring Stroke and Cardiac patients Thompson Chen and
David Jones, Foundation Board Member, Mickey Segal led the live Fund-a-Need
campaign which raised $314,000.
“We were so proud to honor Patty and Mike Nijjar at this very special
30th anniversary Crystal Ball,” said Michael Driebe, President of
the Methodist Hospital Foundation. “Patty and Mike are tremendous
supporters and advocates on behalf of the hospital. Patty is extremely
passionate with her support for our Foundation and she and Mike have brought
an incredible amount of philanthropy to the hospital through their numerous
relationships throughout the region.”
The Methodist Hospital Foundation also extends special thanks to their
60 table sponsors as well as their top Grand Sponsors which included:
- Andrew & Peggy Cherng, Panda Restaurant Group, Inc.
- Dick and Sue Hale, Peter and Jill Boli & Paul and Patty Wondries
- Mike and Patty Nijjar
- Rusnak Auto Group
- Mickey and Lee Segal & Alan and Sandy Whitman
From left: Crystal Ball Event Manager Gloria Rico, Hospital President and
CEO Dan Ausman, Foundation Board Member Mickey Segal, Event Co-Chairs
Aner and Rebecca Iglesias, Event Honorees Patty and Mike Nijjar, Event
Co-Chairs Sherry and Shone Wang, Foundation Chair Susan Woo, Hospital
Board Chair Jim Romo, Foundation President Mike Driebe.
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