Crystal Ball Fund Raiser Nets $780,000 for New Technologies at Methodist Hospital
The USC Arcadia Hospital Foundation’s 32nd annual Crystal Ball raised a record-setting $780,000 during festivities at the Pasadena Convention Center on Oct. 9, with proceeds going toward the purchase of advanced technology and innovative treatments that our community needs.
“It was so great to be back in person at Crystal Ball, and every one of the 590 attendees enjoyed a wonderful evening,” said Methodist Hospital Foundation President Mike Driebe. “With funds raised, our hospital is exploring the purchase of a new Da Vinci surgical robot, which is less invasive and enables shorter hospital stays, quicker recovery times, and even better outcomes for patients. In addition, we are developing plans to construct a Hybrid Operating Room, which enables surgeons to perform minimally invasive complex procedures, and can be instantly be converted into an operating room should the need arise.”
The black-tie event included a hosted reception, fine dining, a silent auction, a remarkable live auction, and plenty of dancing. The evening’s entertainment featured The Ultimate Queen Celebration starring Marc Martel, which kept Crystal Ball revelers bouncing to music from the iconic rock and roll band.
Total net funds raised surpassed $780,000, which was a record for this event. The evening featured a moving video of a lifesaving heart attack intervention featuring Cardiologist Grace Huang, MD, and her patient Fred Howe which inspired the fund-a-need live donations at the event. Fund-a-need generated more than $257,000. In addition, a spirited live auction raised $96,050 and a silent auction raised $43,421.
Crystal Ball honorees Aner and Rebecca Iglesias were recognized for their ongoing support and philanthropy of the hospital. Foundation Board Chair Stephen Soldo, MD, introduced the night’s honorees. The Iglesias each gave a heartwarming speech on the significance of this recognition and encouraged the community to become more involved with the hospital. Longtime hospital supporters and event Co-chairs Patty Nijjar and K. Heiner Vogelbach, MD, have collectively chaired this fundraiser five times and partnered together to help make this night extra special for their dear friends and ensure a successful fundraiser for USC Arcadia Hospital. They also shared a special recognition for the 20 members of the 2021 Crystal Ball committee who focused on every aspect of this gala event.
“I emphasize that it is the continued generosity of our community that enables us to consider such new technology,” Driebe said. “Without this support, USC Arcadia Hospital would struggle to offer these capabilities.”
Special thanks go out to Crystal Ball top sponsors including:
- Title Sponsors - Charles Huang Foundation; Aner and Rebecca Iglesias; Rusnak Auto Group
- Grand Sponsors - Bel Air Investment Advisors; Evergreen Auto Parts & Sharon Kwan; Panda Restaurant Group, Inc.; Mickey and Lee Segal & Alan and Sandy Whitman
To learn more about Crystal Ball sponsorships or to purchase event tickets, please go to https://www.mhcrystalball.com
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Hospital Board Chair Jim Romo, Foundation Director of Donor Engagement
& Special Events Gloria Rico, Hospital President and CEO Dan Ausman,
Crystal Ball honorees Aner and Rebecca Iglesias, Crystal Ball Co-Chairs
K. Heiner Vogelbach, MD, and Patty Nijjar, Foundation Board Chair Stephen
Soldo, MD, Foundation President Mike Driebe.
About USC Arcadia Hospital: Founded in 1903, USC Arcadia Hospital 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 USC Arcadia 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 40,000 patients are treated annually in the Emergency Department, while the hospital staff delivers more than 1,800 babies annually and typically has more than 16,000 patient admissions each year.
Media Contact: Brian Greene, 626-354-1484
Brian.Greene@methodisthospital.org