LLUMC Celebrates Big and Honors Heroes At Annual Gala

Supporters of Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital were transported to the bayous of Louisiana and enjoyed New Orleans flair as they celebrated the 18th annual Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital Foundation Gala on March 10.

“Health, Hope, and All That Jazz” was the theme of the gala, presented by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and held at the National Orange Show Events Center in San Bernardino. The event raised $790,000 for the kids seeking treatment at the hospital.

The event also was a chance to thank and honor great supporters of the Children’s Hospital.

Alta Loma resident Joseph Machado was honored as 2010 Junior Hometown Hero at the gala. Joseph is no ordinary 13-year-old. This past summer, he rode his bicycle from California to Washington D.C. in 39 days to raise money for kids with disabilities. So far, he has raised more than $30,000 for children in need. When he was 11, Joseph spent several months in a wheelchair with severe injuries after riding his bike head first into a brick wall. He said the accident made him appreciate his health and inspired him to do something for other kids in need.

Coach Bob Burt, of Hemet, is a former high school and college football coach who selflessly gives his time and talent to help children and teens in the region. Coach Burt, who received the 2010 Hometown Hero Award, has dedicated countless hours helping teens cope with thoughts of suicide. He has served as chapter leader, regional coordinator and speaker of The Compassionate Friends, a support group for bereaved parents. He’s been coordinator for Inland Empire Teen Line for the past 10 years.

Rancho Mirage residents and husband and wife Dr. Morton Woolley and Dr. E. Jane Woolley, were honored with the Noteworthy Award at the gala. The lifetime achievement award was given to the couple for a lifetime of professional accomplishments and philanthropic work benefiting countless children in the region.

After their retirement, Dr. E. Jane Woolley became a founding member of the Big Hearts for Little Hearts Desert Guild, raising funds for children and awareness of the role that Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital plays in tandem with the hospitals in the Coachella Valley.

Eloise Habekost, president of Big Hearts for Little Hearts Loma Linda Guild, and Jeanne Mace, president of Big Hearts for Little Hearts Desert Guild, presented the couple the award.

The recipient of the 2010 Shirley N. Pettis Award was K-FROG 95.1 FM, a friend of Children’s Hospital for 10 years. Among the many of K-FROG initiatives is the “KFROGGERS for Kids” Radiothon, which has raised more than $3.7 million over the years.

Kevin Murphy, Vice President/Market Manager, accepted the award on behalf of the entire K-FROG family, specifically on-air personality Heather Froglear, whose daughter Peyton was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and had open-heart surgery performed by Dr. Leonard Bailey at only 14 days old.

We salute and thank all our supporters and awardees!