Welcome to Cirque du Jubilee!” Adorable children dressed in circus attire welcomed guests as they entered the National Orange Show Events Center for Cirque du Jubilee.
The LLU Children’s Hospital Foundation event, which celebrated 20 years of giving by generous donors, raised $846,700. The funds will be used to fund lifesaving medical equipment and other hospital needs.
Attendees were transported into a dream-like circus atmosphere, with trapeze artists and a performer on stilts. The evening began with a silent auction. Resplendent on the main stage, a 3-year-old white tiger overlooked the room which was decorated in purple and white, with sparkling white lights and crystal chandeliers.
Mary Ann Xavier, LLU Children’s Hospital Foundation board chair, introduced Jillian Payne, MBA, executive director, LLU Children’s Hospital Foundation. “This year’s theme, ‘Cirque du Jubilee,’’’ emphasized Ms. Payne, “expresses the bright hope and joy of healing and commemorates hospital supporters’ blessings and the feats they have made possible.”
Then, Zareh Sarrafian, MBA, LLU Children’s Hospital administrator and LLU Medical Center chief administrative officer, addressed attendees. “Celebrating 20 years of giving is a major milestone and would not be possible without your ongoing support, compassion, and resources over the last two decades,” said Mr. Sarrafian.
During the program came a surprise: a parade of children holding ribboned posters marching to center stage. Their banners brought back memories for many attendees, commemorating and celebrating the current and previous 19 galas, including “Got Heart,” “Miracles in the Marketplace,” and “Lasso the Dream.”
The main purpose for the 2013 gala,” says Shelley Vincent, foundation events specialist, “was to raise enough money to purchase multi-dimensional cardiac monitors for use in the pediatric intensive care unit. These monitors are used every second of every minute of every day to save lives. I am thrilled that during the gala, funds were raised to purchase six monitors.”
Several awards were presented during the gala to recognize service on behalf of children. Wyatt Caley of Highland was given the Junior Hometown Hero Award for his efforts raising money for gifts for hospitalized children. In 2012, he raised more than $2,000 by organizing a trap-shooting tournament.
The Hometown Hero Award was presented in honor of each of the sponsors and guests at the gala, in appreciation for the more than $11 million raised over the past 19 years.
LLU Children’s Hospital nurse Lee Ann Garman received the 2012 Ringmaster Award for her service to the region’s children. Ms. Garman, who retired from full-time work at the hospital in 2011 after 30 years, recently returned as a part-time relief supervisor. She began working as a pediatric nurse at LLU Medical Center before Children’s Hospital opened in 1993.
The final award was given to Stater Bros. Markets and Stater Bros. Charities. They were presented with the Shirley N. Pettis Award for their outstanding dedication and service to children.
A gala highlight was the appearance of Leanna and Jeff Moore and their daughter, Taylor, of Helendale, California. Three-year-old Taylor was brought to LLU Children’s Hospital in 2012 fighting for her life following injuries suffered during a catastrophic car accident. Today the vibrant and outgoing little girl enjoys playing golf and giving Alexander Zouros, MD, the pediatric neurosurgeon who saved her life, gifts of candy. The audience was spellbound as little Taylor thanked them.
Darice Lang, 2013 gala chairwoman, compares the event to a joyous jubilee. “We chose the white circus theme,” she says, “to convey the bright hope that LLU Children’s Hospital provides to its community, as well as a celebratory thanks to our generous sponsors. We wanted it to truly be a joyous 20-year jubilee—with aerialists pouring imported French lemonade, to white cotton candy and lavender popcorn, and a white tiger—I feel our guests had an evening of enchantment.”
