Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital gala raises $1.1 million

It was a fairytale ending at the 24th annual Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital Foundation Gala Feb. 16.

Generous donations from more than a 1,000 guests in attendance helped raised $1.1 million toward Vision 2020 and the construction of the new Children’s Hospital tower.

“This is an exciting time to be a part of our evolving story, and we thank you for playing an important role in our mission,” said Scott Perryman, vice president/administrator, LLUCH, during the event.

Vision 2020: The Campaign for a Whole Tomorrow, will allow LLUCH to continue to provide care with the construction of a new Children’s Hospital tower that will expand licensed bed count to approximately 359. “With your belief in a happily ever after we can continue to care for children in Southern California,” Perryman said.

Held at the Riverside Convention Center and presented by Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs, McCarthy and MPS Mechanical Contractors, this year’s event helped share inspirational stories of former patients and the medical staff that provided care, encouraging all that pass through the hospital doors to “Believe in the Journey.”

The efforts helped donations pour in through the evening.

In 10 minutes, funds tallied $20,000 during the event’s kickoff $200 Dash. Guests were encouraged to get out of their seats and donate any amount from $1 to $200.

An always energetic live auction led by Jim Nye had guests enthusiastically bidding for eight items, with the top-earning items being a red husky puppy selling for $8,000; a one-week vacation for two to Ireland with a closing bid of $8,500; and a coveted golf trip for four to Bandon Dunes, selling at $21,000.

The evening of giving concluded with Fund-a-Future, which allowed guests to pledge an amount of their choosing toward Vision 2020 through the use of their cell phone.

Additional highlights of this year’s gala included the return of event host Heather Froglear, a K-FROG FM radio personality with help of 12-year-old Caden Henderson, a Redlands student and YouTube personality, and musical entertainment by America’s Got Talent season seven finalist William Close and the Earth Harp Collective.

To learn more about more about Vision 2020 visit www.lluhvision2020.org.