25th Annual Gala Celebration Benefits SCMC

Woody Winners: Mark and Kim Krause. View more photos...

One of the biggest nights in South Orange County took place on Saturday, November 17th. That night, the SCMC Foundation presented its 25th Annual Gala Celebration. Chaired by Elizabeth Schneider, Executive Director of the Foundation, the event raised more than $100,000. The proceeds will benefit the hospital in support of new equipment and renovations.

The night was filled with a lot of excitement. The gala, which was entitled “Celebrating the Heritage of Southwest Orange County,” featured the popular beach band “Papa Doo Run Run.” This band entertained the huge crowd throughout the night. Also, thanks to many generous SCMC supporters, there were wonderful live and silent auction items on hand, such as surf trips, surfboards and board bags. In keeping with the theme, the guests were attired in “finery or flip-flops” - wearing black tie or beachwear … and many people wore a combination of both.

One of the most exciting moments of the evening was when Cheryl and Carl Post, North Laguna residents who are staunch supporters of our hospital, donated $100,000 to the SCMC Foundation. This move sparks major support for the hospital’s plans to update the existing facility and to build a new patient care building on its campus.

Over 600 guests and volunteers filled the Ritz Carlton, including such notables as 5th District OC Supervisor Pat Bates, all the Laguna Beach City Council members, Laguna Niguel Mayor Gary Capata, Aliso Viejo Mayor Carmen Cave, Laguna Niguel Councilwoman Linda Lindholm, Laguna Niguel Councilman Paul Glaab, San Juan Capistrano Councilmen Mark Nielsen and Joe Soto, San Clemente Councilwoman Lori Donchak, Mission Viejo Councilman Lance McLean and Aliso Viejo City Councilman Phil Tsunoda. Laguna Beach Assistant City Manager, John Pietig was also in attendance. In addition to the community leaders, there were many SCMC physicians and employees on hand as well.

During presentations, the founders of the hospital were recognized and Laguna Beach City Councilwoman Cheryl Kinsman received a “thank you gift” from SCMC President & CEO, Bruce Christian, who expressed the hospital’s gratitude for her “unwavering support” of the hospital over the last several years.

One of the special highlights of the evening was a video that included an update from Mr. Christian – who reiterated the hope of the hospital to build senior housing to address its retrofit issue. The video also included testimonials about SCMC from local residents, including Kathleen Blackburn, Michael Gosselin, Renae Hinchey, Scott and Liam Tenney; Joe and Gwendolyn Brown; John Gustafson and Pauline Walpin.

The 2007 SCMC Gala Committee included John Adams, Wendy Allen, Joel Bishop, Kathleen Blackburn, Gary Capata, Julie Christian, Mark Christy, Michelle Clark, Maggie Hempen, Kay Kearny, Bonnie MacMillan, Heidi Miller, Anne Morris, Susan Morrison, Kate Mullins, Tom Pezman, Lance Polster, Dave Sanford, Debbie Santoro, Elizabeth Schneider, Ernie Schneider, Helen Simpson, Kristine Thalman and Kate Tschudin.

Special thanks to all the volunteers who helped keep the gala running smoothly: Alex Bentson, Valerie Cheney, Matt Cody, Jayme Duringer, Sarah English, Kaylie Fernald, Kayla Ferrari, Joanna Gorcyz, Beeta Hashempour, Chelsey Herring, Andree Hory, Kathryn Jensen, Robert Johnson, Brent Lachowski, Emma Levey, Karina Marquina, Joy McCord, Noelle McGovern, Alyssa Meister, Niaz Nafisi, Frank Renfro, Stephen Shepherd, Sepideh Takmili, Elaine Tran, Karlee Whitman, Marian Whitney, Nadia Zamani.

It was a night to remember… and wonderful to see so many South Orange County residents having such a wonderful time!

View our Gala Celebration Photo Gallery...