Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital Gala Raises 700K

Organizers at the 19th annual Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital Foundation Gala raised $720,650.

Nearly 800 people attended the foundation gala, presented by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, at Riverside Convention Center.

The gala’s theme and slogan, “,” highlighted the team pursuit against all odds to find healing for little lives at Children’s Hospital.

“We are incredibly blessed by the continued outpouring of support from the community year after year,” Children’s Hospital Administrator Zareh Sarrafian said. “We are grateful to our friends and supporters for partnering with us in order to create new opportunities and hope for children in our region.”

A highlight of the event was the appearance on stage by Alex and Johanna Guzman, and their 15-month-old son, Alexander, who recently had surgery at Children’s Hospital to correct a craniofacial malformation. A video shown at the event narrated the Victorville family’s struggles and how they worked with the Children’s Hospital’s craniofacial surgical team to help Alexander.   

The funds raised at the gala will help fund programs and medical equipment, including a Cone Beam CT Scanner that could benefit Alexander and others.

The machine helps diagnose illness in children in a less intrusive and intimidating way. Once purchased, the equipment will make Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital the first to offer the procedure on the West Coast.