ARCADIA, CA – Noted philanthropist Jim Helms will be honored at Methodist Hospital Foundation’s 20th annual Crystal Ball on October 10 for his many years of outstanding service to both the hospital and the community. In fact, Crystal Ball co-chairs Jill Boli and Patty Wondries have been working tirelessly to plan a tribute that’s fit to honor Helms’ for his many contributions that have helped others.
This year’s Crystal Ball is expected to be a fabulous evening of excitement with Grammy Award winning headline entertainer Kenny G. Not only will friends reconnect to have a fantastic time, most importantly they will also be supporting a campaign that is integral to the entire community.
Proceeds raised from the Crystal Ball will benefit the Campaign for Methodist Hospital which supports the hospital’s plan to create The Next Generation of Care. A new patient tower is under construction that will house advanced medical technology and information systems to provide exceptional patient care in a healing environment.
Helms, an attorney who specializes in estate planning, trusts, probate and business law, will be honored for his remarkable record of volunteerism and fundraising for the hospital and the community.
A member of Methodist Hospital Foundation’s board of directors for more than 13 years, Helms currently serves as director emeritus.
In addition, Helms has also served as chair of the Arcadia United Way, director of the Los Angeles United Way, president of the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce, president of the San Gabriel Valley Legal Aid Society, president of the Foothill Bar Association, and president of the San Gabriel Valley Association of Cities.
He’s a former councilman and mayor of Arcadia, and was Arcadia’s Citizen of the Year in 1978 and again in 2004.
Helms deeply believes in the benefits of every person being involved in their community, and in philanthropy, at whatever level they can, though he says he can’t really pinpoint what it is that drives his extensive involvement. It’s just the way I’m built,” he says.
Helms who has lived in Arcadia since before the construction of Methodist Hospital in the 1950s, has held many volunteer positions with the foundation, however probably the most meaningful to him was serving as chairman of the foundation board. “That was a real eye opener for me,” he said. “I had the opportunity to see how all aspects of the hospital fit together and how important it is for the community to raise money to support it.”
“Before I became involved with the hospital, I just took for granted that it was there. I didn’t realize how much the ‘health’ of the hospital depends upon the community’s support,” Helms continued.
“The excellence of our facility and medical staff continues to grow all due to the generous support of our community. And, with the construction of the new tower and the expansion of our emergency department, the best is yet to come.”
“I personally value Jim as a friend and a mentor and getting to know him over the past several years has been a real treat. He’s modest and unassuming yet he probably has very few equals in what he’s done for community service,” said Mike Hoover, chairman of the board for Methodist Hospital Foundation. “Jim received a very special honor as director emeritus on the foundation board. He stays very active, attending all board meetings and serving on committees. It’s an honor to serve on the board with him.”
“It never occurred to me that I’d be honored for the work I’ve done at Methodist Hospital,” Helms said. “I deeply appreciate the honor – it’s a great distinction in our community, as the Crystal Ball is one of the premiere social functions.”
In past years, funds raised through the Crystal Ball have benefited areas such as cardiac services, the maternal child health center and advancements in technology in innovative treatments for patients and The Next Generation of Care campus transformation. In its history, the Crystal Ball has generated more than $3.7 million and has continued to sell out. Co-chairs Boli and Wondries along with their dedicated committee are hard at work to make this fundraising gala a huge success.
“I’m looking forward to the future of the hospital with the new tower, new wing, and new services. I know that with everyone’s support Methodist Hospital will have the capacity to serve the community for years to come,” Helms concluded.
Individuals and companies wishing to obtain more information about sponsorships and tickets for “An Evening of Rhythm & Romance with Kenny G” can contact Gloria Rico, special events manager at (626) 821-2340 or crystalball@MethodistHospital.org. The foundation anticipates a rapid sell out, and encourages those who wish to attend to make early reservations.
Methodist Hospital, founded in 1903, is a 460 bed, not-for-profit hospital serving the community. Services include comprehensive acute care such as medical, surgical, perinatal, pediatrics, oncology, intensive care (neonatal and adult), and complete cardiovascular services, including open heart surgery. Methodist Hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission. For more information please call (626) 898 – 8000 or visit www.methodisthospital.org.