Cosmopolitan martinis colored Santa Claus-red by a dash of cranberry juice were used as toasting glasses for the more than 500 devoted community members, who came together to welcome the holidays and to reaffirm their long standing commitment to Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian.
The black-tie holiday gala was once again hosted by Hoag’s 552 Club and the Hoag Hospital Foundation with proceeds from the evening earmarked to benefit the Hoag Neurosciences Institute.
By the end of the evening, more than $600,000 had been donated by the crowd.
Co-chairing this year’s ball were two philanthropic couples — Scott and Pam Shean, and Vahe and Lisa Karamardian.
“This was the best holiday gift for Hoag. Pam and I would like to thank all the underwriters who made this another successful year for the hospital,” Scott Shean said.
It was a night filled with magic and surprises.
Tennis star Lindsay Davenport added a touch of celebrity serving as mistress of ceremonies for the evening. Davenport made it personal by sharing her own very positive experiences with Hoag Hospital.
Davenport was joined by Hoag Chief Executive Dr. Richard Afable, thanking the crowd and introducing VIP guests and longtime dedicated supporters including Newport’s lovely Nora Jorgenson Johnson.
The platinum blond Jorgenson Johnson, who was glamorously attired in a shimmering evening gown, has for years been associated with the hospital along with her distinguished husband, Dr. Jim Johnson, and has led the opening invocation prayer setting the tone of the evening.
Jorgenson Johnson had the enormous audience in the palm of her hand as she requested that the crowd say a prayer of thanks for the doctors, the nurses, the clerical staff, the volunteers and just about anyone who offered heartfelt care for those suffering from illness and needing the services of the hospital.
