Update Oct. 31, 2013: This year’s Methodist Hospital Crystal Ball raised $525,000 in profit that will go to support the hospital’s cardiac services. Throughout its 24-year history, Crystal Ball has generated more than $5.8 million dollars in support of such programs as stroke, emergency services, maternal child health center, advanced technology and innovative treatments for patients and The Next Generation of Care Campus Transformation at Methodist Hospital. This year’s proceeds will benefit the hospital’s catheterization laboratory.
Smokey Robinson serenaded more than 900 well-dressed attendees at the Pasadena Convention Center Saturday night with hits such as “Ooo Baby Baby,” “I Second That Emotion” and “Tears of a Clown” to honor Arcadia City Councilman John Wuo and wife Jane Wuo and to raise money for Methodist Hospital.
Mayor Mickey Segal proclaimed Oct. 19, 2013 as John and Jane Wuo day, then proceeded to join with a professional auctioneer to raise tens of thousands of dollars from silent and visual auction bidders. Wuo said the people of Methodist Hospital are like his second family and he will not forget them. <Story continues below following 2 1/2-min video highlights of the event – complete photo gallery of dozens of photos at web site of Arcadia Chamber of Commerce…>
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Among the other attendees at the elegant affair with dazzling decor and delectable dining were Congresswoman Judy Chu, County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich, Methodist Hospital CEO Dan Ausman, Arcadia City Councilmen Bob Harbicht and Gary Kovacic, City Clerk and Arcadia Historical Society President Gene Glasco, former Mayor and Arcadia Weekly Social Whirl columnist Floretta Lauber, former Mayor Jim Helms, as well as Bruce Lazenby of Rose Hills Memorial Park & Mortuary, and Frank Yang, owner of the world famous Din Tai Fung restaurant in Arcadia.
This year’s co-chairs for the Methodist Hospital Foundation‘s annual fundraiser, cardilogist Dr. K. Heiner Vogelbach, and Christine Antonovich, previously announced eight major sponsors were recruited at about $30,000 each. The goal was to reach a half-million dollars in net proceeds. Last year’s event co-chaired by John Wuo and Peggy Cherng, netted $475,000. Tens of thousands of dollars are typically bid during a live auction among high-rollers at the event, as well as a silent auction held during the pre-show reception.
Proceeds from this year’s event will be used for cardiac care at the hospital, including full renovation of the Catheterization Laboratory #2 and replacing current equipment with updated imaging systems, ensuring physicians and technologists experience easy integration while seamlessly increasing the quantity and quality of procedures performed.
Many of the most high-profile items in the auction were donated by Segal, a longtime Foundation supporter, and his family members and his Century City financial firm, including a sports package of VIP tickets to the Dodgers, Lakers, Clippers and Kings; a 20-person suite at Dodgers Stadium; a vacation by private jet; and a trip to New York with tickets to a Broadway show and the Late Show with David Letterman. A VIP private party for 10 at a Panda Inn went for $12,000.
The evening concluded with a one-hour performance by legendary Motown Grammy-winning singer Smokey Robinson.
— By Scott Hettrick