25th Annual Mardi Gras Celebration Raises $165,000 for Methodist Hospital

USC Arcadia Hospital Foundation’s 25th Mardi Gras fund-raising event held Feb. 25 at Sirona’s Restaurant in Santa Anita Park crowned Dr. Jacob Fakoory as this year’s King while Mardi Gras revelers raised more than $165,000 toward the purchase of a new CT Scanner for the hospital.

The event featured delicious offerings from 28 restaurants which included newcomers Beer & Claw and other returning eateries such as Granville, Alexander’s Steakhouse, Roy’s, Gus’ World Famous Friend Chicken, and 38 Degrees Ale House & Grill just to name a few. The “Fat Tuesday” themed event also offered libations, a festive parade, crazy costumes, live music, and an exciting silent auction all for a great cause. The dance floor also heated up later in the event as participants once again enjoyed dancing and singing with the ’80z All-Stars live band.

Enjoying Mardi Gras festivities are, left to right, Hospital Chief of Staff Sam Chia, MD, Mardi Gras King and Emergency Department Medical Director Jacob Fakoory, MD, Foundation Board Member and Former Board Chair Sherry Wang with her husband Shone.

It wouldn’t be Mardi Gras without the traditional parade. Kings and Queens of yesteryear joined the Mardi Gras Royalty Parade including Shone and Sherry Wang, Dino Clarizio, MD, Dr. Stephen Soldo, MD, and wife Patty, Andrew Lee, MD, and wife Ulanda, Kenneth Wogensen, MD. The parade was led by Mardi Gras 2020 King Jacob Fakoory,MD, who is a 30-year member of our hospital’s Emergency Department team. Members of the Krewe and Arcadia High School’s Pep Band led guests to the stage for the annual coronation of our new King.

“To have an event like Mardi Gras run so successfully for 25 years is just remarkable,” said Foundation President Mike Driebe, “This success wouldn’t be possible without our sponsors, community members, restaurants, physicians, staff and committee volunteers who have supported it. To everyone who participated in Mardi Gras 2020 and in this ‘beads and boas’ event over the last 25 years, thank you!”

The Mardi Gras Committee also extends special thanks to the event’s Carnivale Sponsors:

• Arcadia Hospitalist Medical Group
• City of Hope
• Healthcare Partners
• Huntington Medical Foundation
• Kindred Hospital Rehabilitation Services
• Mike and Patty Nijjar
• Roger and Lilah Stangeland Foundation

“We extend sincere thanks and appreciation to all of our donors for supporting our hospital over the years and for once again support our fun-filled Mardi Gras event,” said Hospital President and CEO Dan Ausman. “We also share our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to our doctors, nurses and staff for their dedication to providing high quality, compassionate care to our patients every day.”

For more Mardi Gras festivities, go to www.MethodistHospital.org/mardigras.

Media Contact: Brian Greene, USC Arcadia Hospital
Cell: 626-354-1484
Email: Brian.Greene@methodisthospital.org