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LOMA LINDA, CA- The 22nd Annual Foundation Gala, “Rhapsody in Gold,” presented by Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs, benefiting Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital (LLUCH) will present three awards during the program on Thursday, March 12 honoring those individuals and organizations that give back in a special way to the communities they serve.
“There are so many wonderful people who give back to the community in very special ways,” said Jillian Payne, executive director, LLUCH Foundation. “It is a gala tradition to take the opportunity to recognize those who have gone above and beyond in their own unique ways for the kids in the Inland Empire.”
The Shirley N. Pettis Award recognizes lifelong dedication and distinguished service by an organization to children. Through volunteering and community service, recipients demonstrate the desire and motivation to improve the lives of children. This year LLUCH will present the award to the Riverside Community Health Foundation, which was founded in 1977 to improve the health and well-being of its community. It has made a difference in the lives of thousands of children and youth through a number of services, and it has a longstanding commitment to its efforts in supporting programs that promote youth development.
Zareh Sarrafian, MBA, a passionate individual who has, through exemplary service, made sustained contributions benefiting children in our community and beyond, will be honored with The Gatsby Award. The award recognizes individuals who, through outstanding leadership, demonstrate a lifelong commitment to providing a beacon of hope to children and their families. Prior to his current role as CEO of Riverside County Regional Medical Center, Sarrafian played an integral role at Loma Linda University Health for 20 years, where he is perhaps best known for his leadership of LLUCH. There he helped the hospital become recognized for the quality of its services to children and their families.
Sarrafian has also served as chair of the board of the California Children’s Hospital Association and has championed children’s issues throughout the state.
Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital is honored to recognize Tony and Sandy Cappelli of Steven’s Hope for Children as recipients of the 2014 Hometown Hero Award. Named after their late son, the couple started the organization in 2002. It provides housing and other essential needs to families of seriously ill or injured children during extended treatment. Because of the dedication of the Cappellis and the services provided by their charity, the lives of thousands of children in Southern California, across the nation and around the world have been enriched.
The 22nd Annual Foundation Gala, “Rhapsody in Gold,” begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Riverside Convention Center on March 12. More information can be found on the event website,lomalindagala.org.
