An Evening of Enchantment Raises Over $1.1 million

By Briana Pastorino, Loma Linda University Health

Guests at the 24th annual Foundation Storybook Gala were taken on a magical journey as they entered the Riverside Convention Center. The venue was transformed into an enchanted forest complete with twinkling trees, blooming flowers and children frolicking in the (fake) grass.

Over 1,000 guests attended the Feb. 16 event in support of Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital (LLUCH), and they did not disappoint. Their generosity raised over $1.1 million for Vision 2020 and the construction of the new Children’s Hospital tower.

“This is an exciting time to be a part of our evolving story, and we thank you for playing an important role in our mission,” said Scott Perryman, vice president/administrator, LLUCH, as he welcomed guests. “With your belief in a happily ever after we can continue to care for children in Southern California.”

Vision 2020: The Campaign for a Whole Tomorrow, will allow LLUCH to continue to provide world class care with the construction of a new Children’s Hospital tower that will expand licensed bed count to approximately 359.

“We are here for one reason – the children.”

In addition to event sponsorships and ticket sales, guests had a variety of ways to give throughout the night. There were 141 silent auction items ranging from sporting events to excursions to designer handbags and spa treatments.

The program kicked off with the $200 Dash where guests were encouraged to get out of their seats and donate any amount from $1 to $200 with a goal of raising $20,000 in 10 minutes.

Led by auctioneer Jim Nye, eight live auction items were presented and sold to the highest bidder. The top-earning items were a red husky puppy selling for $8,000; a one-week vacation for two to Ireland, which sold for $8,500; and the hot item of the night was the Bandon Dunes golf trip for four, selling at $21,000.

The evening of giving concluded with Fund-a-Future, which allowed guests to pledge an amount of their choosing toward Vision 2020 through the use of their smartphone.

America’s Got Talent season seven finalist William Close and the Earth Harp Collective provided entertainment throughout the evening. The Earth Harp rested on the stage while the strings traveled over the audience and attached to the roof of the venue, turning every space into the instrument.

“The success of this year’s ‘Storybook Gala’ will allow Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital to rewrite the landscape of health care,” said Joanna DeLeon, director, LLUCH Foundation. “We are here for one reason – the children. And we want to create a happily ever after for every child we treat.”