ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 10, 2020) – Even though the 31st annual Crystal Ball fundraising gala was not held in its traditional format, the Methodist Hospital Foundation was able to raise more than $525,000 in support of the COVID-19 fund at Methodist Hospital. The Nov. 21 virtual event honored our hospital’s Frontline Heroes with a live television broadcast on YouTube.

In the best interest of the health and safety of our guests, the evening’s festivities began with a VIP Drive-Thru Reception for sponsors and ticketed guests before the TV broadcast. Each attendee was greeted by Foundation staff wearing PPE as they welcomed and thanked them for their support. The atmosphere was festive with music and red-carpet jumbo screens featuring recognition messages. Guests received a three-course dinner provided by The Derby restaurant, a centerpiece, a bottle of wine and a few surprises.

Later that evening the Virtual Crystal Ball TV program went live on YouTube with emcee Zack Krone and Methodist Hospital Foundation President Mike Driebe. The program included pre-recorded videos featuring our hospital’s Frontline Hero honorees who talked about their experiences during this pandemic. The event also included guest appearances by 2020 World Series Champion Los Angeles Dodger Manager Dave Roberts, Mallory Lewis and Lamb Chop, and the cast of Station 19. It also featured a special musical performance featuring Crystal Ball 2016 headliners The Fab Four. The event included a live auction and a successful fund-a-need effort where guests could make online donations or call in their gifts.

Crystal Ball concluded with a heartfelt message to our honorees and a special video of appreciation to all donors who generously supported this fundraiser. The Foundation is especially grateful to the two Title Super Hero Sponsors Mike and Patty Nijjar and Paul Rusnak - Rusnak Auto Group. We also want to recognize the four Grand “Epic” Sponsor Bel Air Investment Advisors LLC; Dick and Sue Hale, Peter and Jill Boli & Paul and Patty Wondries; Panda Restaurant Group and Mickey and Lee Segal & Alan and Sandy Whitman.

To make a donation in support of Crystal Ball and the COVID-19 fund or to watch the virtual event, visit www. mhcrystalball.org or call Methodist Hospital Foundation at 626-898-8888.

About Methodist Hospital: Founded in 1903, Methodist Hospital of Southern California is a full-service community hospital with 348 licensed beds. The hospital offers advanced cardiovascular services including cardiac catheterization, electrophysiology, and open-heart surgery. Los Angeles County has designated Methodist Hospital as both a heart attack and stroke receiving center as well an Emergency Department Approved for Pediatrics. The hospital also offers a variety of services in orthopedics, neurosurgery, obstetrics, and many other medical specialties. As many as 50,000 patients are treated annually in the Emergency Department, while the hospital typically has more than 16,000 patient admissions each year.