SCMC 25th Annual Gala Sells Out

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

The SCMC Foundation presented its Gala celebration, emerging as the hospital’s most lucrative fundraiser ever. The gala, entitled “Celebrating the Heritage of Southwest Orange County” featured beach band “Papa Doo Run Run” and live and silent auction items such as surf trips, surfboards and board bags. The guests, attired in “finery or flip-flops,” joined in the fun of the theme as well, wearing black tie or beachwear … and in many cases, a combination of both. A display of historical surfboards was showcased by the Surfing Heritage Foundation.

Chaired by Elizabeth Schneider, Executive Director of the SCMC Foundation, the event is expected to net in the mid $100,000’s. The proceeds will benefit the hospital in support of new equipment and renovations for the hospital.

“One of the most valuable aspects of our Gala is that it gives us the chance to re-connect with the communities the hospital serves,” said Schneider. “We are delighted that so many are willing to demonstrate their support of this incredibly valuable asset.”

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.

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. “We have been blessed with a City Council sub-committee consisting of Cheryl Kinsman, Jane Egly and John Pietig, that understands the value of the hospital to the community,” said Bruce Christian. “And we are indebted to Cheryl for keeping us on the front burner of issues in Laguna Beach.”

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 Thalmanand Kate Tschudin.

Posted 11/19/07