Walnut Creek, Calif. – John Muir Health Foundation, the philanthropic branch of John Muir Health, held its second annual Celebrate John Muir Health! Gala in early November, raising a record $1.4 million to benefit its nationally recognized comprehensive cancer services. The sold-out event exceeded the Foundation’s $1 million goal and reflects an increase of 56 percent in financial support from last year’s event.
“The generosity and support of our many community partners made this year’s event a tremendous success. The funds raised will help us expand and enhance our cancer services,” said Cal Knight, John Muir Health President and CEO. “Thanks to community support, we are able to provide our cancer patients with a very high level of care, service and support so they can stay in our community, close to home.”
This year’s black-tie gala, themed ‘Reaching New Heights,’ was held at a specially-created venue at the Concord Jet Center at the Buchanan Field Airport, with many guests dressed in theme-appropriate aviation attire. Approximately 700 guests attended, including John Muir Health donors, community leaders, physicians, clinicians, corporate executives, hospital administrators, Board members, staff and 65 John Muir Health employees, dressed as airline pilots or flight attendants, who volunteered to help staff the event. The mistress of ceremonies was award-winning journalist and former KPIX news anchor Ann Notarangelo, who is a Bay Area native and Contra Costa County resident.
The private airplane hangar where the event was held was generously donated by the Hofmann Family. Presenting Sponsors — Medical Anesthesia Consultants Medical Group and Tenet Healthcare — led the nearly 50 companies and individual sponsors of the event, including Diamond Sponsors — John Muir Medical Group, LabCorp and UCSF Health.
The evening included a cocktail reception, fine wine by DuMOL, dinner by Paula LeDuc Fine Catering, a live auction and opportunity drawings, and music and dancing with Bay Area event DJ Dave Tutton. The live auction and drawings featured a number of unique prizes, as well as travel and entertainment experiences donated by generous individuals and community partners such as Stead Motors and Neiman Marcus Walnut Creek.
Support for John Muir Health’s cancer program through donations and proceeds from the gala will enhance services to patients and their families throughout Contra Costa County and neighboring communities. The health system’s comprehensive cancer services program uses advanced technologies and innovative techniques to offer services such as screenings and early detection, surgery, radiation oncology, systemic treatments, support and education and post-treatment survivorship.
At its first benefit gala last year, John Muir Health Foundation raised $900,000 in support of the new pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) at John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek. The PICU is the first and only facility of its kind in Contra Costa County, offering critical care services for children ages 0 – 18.
About John Muir Health Foundation
John Muir Health Foundation is an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that raises and stewards charitable funds to support all patient care services, programs and facilities of John Muir Health. For more information, visit: www.johnmuirhealth.com/givehealth.
About John Muir Health
John Muir Health is a nationally recognized, not-for-profit health care organization east of San Francisco serving patients in Contra Costa, eastern Alameda and southern Solano Counties. It includes a network of over 1,000 primary care and specialty physicians, nearly 6,000 employees, medical centers in Concord and Walnut Creek, including the county’s only trauma center, and a Behavioral Health Center. The health system also offers a full-range of medical services, including primary care, outpatient and imaging services, and is widely recognized as a leader in many specialties – neurosciences, orthopedic, cancer, cardiovascular, trauma, emergency, pediatrics and high-risk obstetrics care. For more information, visit www.johnmuirhealth.com.
