Spring 2017 gala attendees

L-R: Saddleback Memorial CEO Marcia Manker, Saddleback Memorial Foundation President Cecilia Belew, and Gala Chair and Emergency Services physician Barbara Victor, M.D.

Galaxies orbited down to earth to sparkle upon the guests of Saddleback Memorial Foundation’s Spring Gala 2017 on May 6 at Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point.

More than 400 physicians, philanthropists and community supporters gathered in the ballroom, which was transformed into a celestial experience for the black-tie event. The fundraising event garnered $300,000 (net) for I’MAGINE, the space redesign project for Saddleback Memorial Medical Center.

After a hosted cocktail hour, a comet-like explosion in the ballroom kicked off the evening, and the spotlight opened on Saddleback Memorial CEO Marcia Manker. She described how the renovations are already transforming the hospital and how the patients will benefit from this three-year project, currently in its second year.

“We care about treating patients in the best possible way, and we are always striving to do better,” Manker said. “Imagine a new hybrid operating suite where world-class physicians will be able to perform more cutting-edge procedures. Imagine more surgical patients being able to heal in private rooms.”

Funds raised from the gala will directly benefit the I’MAGINE project, which includes the addition of a hybrid suite that provides high-definition cath lab imaging in an operating room. On the second-floor, three disconnected units will be reconfigured into a large unit, and more private rooms will be added. The rehabilitation gym for orthopedic, stroke and cardiac patients will be renovated and feature new equipment.

Cecilia Belew, Saddleback Memorial Foundation President, announced that the Foundation has already raised $5 million toward its $7 million goal; the total project cost is estimated at $16 million.

Live auction packages included a Santa Fe Opera Tour, house tickets to Hamilton at the Hollywood Pantages, and tickets to New York City Fashion Week. Steve’s Pies, an auction item of homemade pies every month for a year by former CEO Steve Geidt, sold twice for $5,750 each. The live auction raised more than $46,000.

After the live auction, I’MAGINE campaign chairs Sam and Tammy Tang introduced a video and challenged guests to open their hearts for the Fund-A-Need; the goal for the evening was to raise enough to fund one private room. The Tangs reminded the audience that they would make a difference in the way their mother, husband, neighbor or friend is being cared for.

The video spotlighted grateful patients Alan King and his wife Heidi. Alan King received a knee replacement earlier this year, performed by Larry Gersten, M.D., medical director, MemorialCare Joint Replacement Center at Saddleback Memorial. In the video Alan King shares how he didn’t just get a new knee, but he got his life back.

Image of guests at Spring Gala 2017 - Dr. Gersten and patient Alan King and wife

Larry Gersten, M.D., right, recently performed knee replacement surgery on Alan King, left. Alan King and his wife Heidi, center, and Dr. Gersten were featured in a gala video about his experience at Saddleback Memorial Medical Center. Dr. Gersten is medical director of the MemorialCare Joint Replacement Center at Saddleback Memorial.

The video also highlighted Roy Scagliotti, a 95-year-old patient who had an abdominal aortic aneurysm and was saved by a fenestrated stent graft implanted by Wang Teng, M.D., medical director of Peripheral Vascular Services at Saddleback Memorial. Scagliotti, beloved by his large extended family, expressed his extreme gratitude to the Saddleback Memorial staff for “saving his life.” Dr. Teng added how a hybrid operating room will allow surgeons to widen their breadth of procedures in a safe environment.

Image of guests at Spring Gala 2017 - Dr. Teng and the Scagliotti's

L-R: Saddleback Memorial Medical Director, Vascular Services, Wang Teng, M.D., with Cami and Joe Scagliotti, and Gloria and Roy Scagliotti. All were featured in the gala video about Roy Scagliotti’s surgery performed by Dr. Teng.

To kick off the Fund-A-Need, Alan King, a gala guest, was called to the stage to share his excitement about being active again and being able to play with his young grandkids. He thanked the doctors and staff for their care, and he personally challenged the crowd, “Are you INI’M IN!” — a slogan being used for the I’MAGINE campaign. The Fund-A-Need surpassed the goal and raised more than $105,000 for a private room.

The Opportunity Drawing winner was Kerry Evert of Villa Park, owner of Gold Sponsor Tiller Constructors. Evert will enjoy a getaway at Monarch Beach Resort, along with spa treatments. He also received an original painting by local artist Katy Tackes; the entire package was valued at $2,300.

“The energy this year was extra high among the guests – I’m thrilled so many of them come year after year to support our hospital,” said Belew. “We celebrated personal stories of amazing care and medical excellence, and helped set up the hospital for the future of health care for our patients.”

Thanks to our wonderful sponsors, 100 percent of the evening’s proceeds will go toward the I’MAGINE project.

Spring Gala 2017 Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze Sponsors:

  • Platinum Sponsors: Saddleback Memorial Medical Center, Saddleback Memorial Medical Center Medical Staff
  • Gold Sponsors: California Anesthesia Associates; CEP America; Gary Damsker; Ginger and Steve Geidt; MemorialCare Medical Group and Greater Newport Physicians; Monarch HealthCare; South Orange County Surgical Medical Group/OC Surgeons; Surgical Care Affiliates; Tiller Constructors
  • Silver Sponsors: Farmers and Merchants Trust Company; Joel and Joan Lautenschleger; Dawn and Gary Levine, M.D.; Pediatrix and Obstetrix Medical Groups; Bill Phillips and Mary O'Toole, M.D.; Arnold Schwartz and Irene Schapiro; South County Orthopedic Specialists; Sam and Tammy Tang
  • Bronze Sponsors: Accenture; Jane L. Frederick, M.D.; Home Care Assistance; Kindred Healthcare; The Louie Family; Memorial Radiation Oncology Medical Group; O'Connor Mortuary; Orange Coast Women’s Medical Group; Orange County Neurosurgical Associates; M. Leila Rasouli, M.D.; Tom Rogers and Sally Anderson; Saddleback Medical Group; Sea View Pediatrics; Bebe Shaddock and Russell Smith; Silverado Hospice; SoCal Respiratory Medical Group; South Coast Radiology