Celebrity Chef Serves Up Some Reading Time for LLU Children's Hospital Patients

By Herbert Atienza
Loma Linda University Medical Center

Some lucky kids at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital were “served” an excellent story by celebrity chef Doreen Fang, who stopped by on March 2, to celebrate Read Across America 2011.

Ms. Fang was joined by educator Dean Vogel in reading “Armadilly Chili” to a group of kids at the Children’s Hospital’s Toyota Learning Center.

“Reading opens up a whole world of adventure and imagination, so I am excited to share my love for reading with the kids here at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital,” she said. Ms. Fang, who was born at Loma Linda University Medical Center, was a finalist on the Food Network’s “The Next Food Network Star.” She has made it her goal to make a positive impact and make a difference in the world by helping others. She is co-chair of the California Teachers Association’s Read Across America program for 2011.

Read Across America is a national day that celebrates reading and encourages kids to read. In California, the day is observed on March 2, in honor of Dr. Seuss’s birthday.

After the event, Ms. Fang and Mr. Vogel distributed books to the young patients and elicited promises from them that they will always make time to read a good book.

The air of anticipation is growing as the 18th annual Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital Foundation Gala draws near.

“Health, Hope & All That Jazz” is the theme of the 2011 gala, presented by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, and which is set for Thursday, March 10, at the National Orange Show Events Center in San Bernardino. A silent auction and dinner is set for 5:30 p.m. and the program begins at 7 p.m.

The event will celebrate with “New Orleans flair” the initiatives and successes at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, as well as raise much-needed funds for the thousands of kids seeking treatment at the hospital each year.

“In these economic times, our children’s health remains our highest priority and is only through the continued and enhanced support from our community partners that we will be able to offer the resources necessary to continue providing world-class healthcare to precious lives,” Children’s Hospital administrator Zareh Sarrafian said.

Tickets for the gala are $200 per person or $2,000 per table.  More information is available by going to www.lomalindagala.org

After 35 years of dedicated service, Marian DeLeon is retiring as unit secretary for Unit 7100 at Loma Linda University Medical Center. We congratulate Marian and wish her a wonderful and healthy retirement.