Eisenhower Medical Center 45th Anniversary Gala – Jan. 16, 2016

Special guest Diana Ross looks smashing singing her hits

Ann Greer Social Scene

Diana Ross was the special guest at Eisenhower Medical Center’s 45th Anniversary Gala on Jan. 16.
Photos by Lani Garfield

 

Diana Ross in shimmering emerald green thrilled 850 supporters after a sumptuous dinner at Eisenhower Medical Center’s 45th Anniversary Gala on Jan. 16. Couples raced to dance as Ross belted out hits such as I’m Coming Out, Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, and I Will Survive.

The Doo-Wop Quartet from West Coast Music entertained guests upon arrival. EMC Foundation President Michael Landes acknowledged co-chairs Suzy Leprino and Jan Salta, and gala advisory board members Margaret Cole, Helene Galen, Harold Matzner and Ed Peterson for their leadership in raising $1.85 million dollars through ticket sales and sponsorships.

Landes gave special thanks to Nancy Harris and the Coeta and Donald Barker Foundation Board of Directors for the $150,000 gift which enabled EMC to reach their $2 million fundraising goal. Other $100,000 donors are John and Carol Curci, Janet Curci and the John Curci Family Foundation, Alan and Helen Greene, John and Anne Marion, JoAnn McGrath, Greg and Stacey Renker, Bob and Karen Rishwain, and Mike and Mary Sue Shannon.

Other evening highlights were gala audition vocalist winner Sarah Hagar singing God Bless the USA, the photo montage of donors who served in the military, the videos showing the history and expansion of EMC’s 45 years, and acknowledging EMC President and Chief Executive Officer G Aubrey Serfling’s birthday.

Colorectal Surgeon Dr. Scott Gering explained that the da Vinci Xi® Surgical System on display in the ballroom foyer combines open and laparoscopic surgery, and “takes surgery from MASH to Star Wars.”

Landes and Serfling emphasized the Legacy of Philanthropy and Leadership and the excellent patient care that helped EMC grow from a local hospital into a health system with a teaching hospital and network of clinics from Palm Springs to La Quinta. After Ross’ surprise appearance, attendees partied to the music of Impulse.

Eisenhower Medical Center
39000 Bob Hope Dr., Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
760-340-3911
www.emc.org

 

Co-chairs Suzy Leprino (left) and Jan Salta.

 

Lori and G. Aubrey Serfling, president and chief executive officer of Eisenhower Medial Center.

 

photo by talili song roth

Greg and Stacey Renker dance to the music of Impluse.

 

Donna MacMillan enjoys the evening.

 

Shelly Saltman takes a closer look at the da Vinci Xi® Surgical System while Rod Pacheco, Richard Robin, Linda Robin, Dr. Barry Hackshaw, Susan Saltman, and Gale Hacksaw look on.

 

(From left) Rancho Mirage City Councilman Richard Kite, Helene Galen, and Jamie Kabler, founder of the Rancho Mirage Writer's Festival.

 

photo by pat lassy

The Eisenhower Desert Orthopedic Center staff.

 

photo by david a. lee

Diana Ross received a warm welcome from the gala audience.

 

 

The crowd reacts to the sounds of Diana Ross.

 

photo by pat lassy

(From left) Jeff and Leslie Koby with Cydney and Bill Osterman.