Annual Gala Helps Raise Hundreds of Thousands for Children's Hospital

The 19th annual Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital Foundation Gala, sponsored by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, promises to be an inspirational and entertaining evening, full of music, a silent auction and recognition ceremony.

Titled “Turning the Tide for Little Lives,” the gala will be held at the Riverside Convention Center on Thursday. The Children’s Hospital Foundation will honor the following individuals, who selflessly give back to their community and beyond:

• Heidi Mayer, recipient of the Hometown Hero Award
• Leona Aronoff-Sadacca to be honored with the Shirley N. Pettis Award
• The Honorable Shirley Pettis Thompson will receive the Lighthouse Award

“We are honored to have these remarkable individuals associated with the Children’s Hospital,” said LLUCH Administrator Zareh Sarrafian. “What these people do, not just for Loma Linda, but for their communities is admirable. From the bottom of our hearts, they are truly appreciated.”

This year’s Hometown Hero, Mayer, is the founder and executive director of YouthHope—an organization that builds confidence and promotes self-sufficiency for homeless and runaway youth. Mayer established the Redlands-based organization in 2009 with the primary goal of getting at-risk kids, from all over the Inland Empire, off the streets and into schools and jobs. She doesn’t just oversee YouthHope; she actively participates with the volunteers, preparing and serving meals for 40 to 60 kids three times per week, transporting kids to appointments, and participating in activities with the youth. Mayer is anchored in her passion for the kids who come through her program, providing them with hope for the future.

The Shirley N. Pettis Award, recognizing lifelong dedication and distinguished service to children, will be presented to Leona Aronoff-Sadacca. As a member of the American Heart Association at the local and state levels, the San Bernardino native has worked tirelessly in, and for, her community for over 50 years.

Sadacca has also been an instrumental member of THINK TOGETHER, one of California’s leading and largest providers of after-school programs serving over 100,000 students, at more than 400 schools and community centers throughout Southern California.

She has been a friend to the Children’s Hospital for nearly 10 years, sharing her compassion, generosity and hope, supporting LLUCH programs, services and events that provide life-saving care to children and their families in their time of greatest need.

Finally, the Honorable Shirley Pettis Thompson, the Lighthouse Award recipient, is being recognized for her exemplary service and sustained contributions benefiting children in the community and beyond.

After the death of her husband, Congressman Jerry Pettis, she was elected to his seat, serving the 37th Congressional District of California in the 94th and 95th Congress. Her commitment was underscored by six years of service as founding chair of the LLUCH Foundation Board.

In 1968, partnering with LLU and LLUMC, she established the Jerry L. and Shirley N. Pettis Family Research and Operating Endowment, a charitable trust which provides funds for hematology and oncology research and clinical care at LLUCH. Mrs. Pettis Thompson also played a role in the establishment of The Big Hearts for Little Hearts Desert Guild in 2002. She continues to be a staunch supporter of Loma Linda University Health System, and her unwavering dedication is continually appreciated.

Congratulations to all of this year’s awardees!

For more information about this year’s event, or to reserve tickets, please visit www.LomaLindaGala.org.