Maricopa Health Foundation Gala Sets Attendance and Fundraising Records
Last month, Maricopa Health Foundation’s 14th annual CopaBall at the Omni Montelucia Resort welcomed a record-setting, sold-out crowd of more than 580 community members, raising more than $565,000.
Proceeds from the event, titled “Our Children, Our Future” will raise awareness and funds for medical and educational programs at Maricopa Integrated Health System, a public teaching hospital and healthcare system.
“We are delighted with the record-breaking support for the Maricopa Health Foundation as we raise funds and awareness for the critical work done at MIHS,” said Foundation CEO Nate Lowrie. “Huge thanks to MIHS President and CEO Steve Purves, the MIHS leadership team and board, our Foundation board members and staff, and the generous donors helping us invest in the kids in our community.”
The event was emceed by media personality Karie Dozer and featured several speakers including Lowrie, honorary event chairman Dr. Lattie Coor and Thunderbirds big chief Andy Markham, who accepted the Arizona Legacy Award on behalf of Thunderbirds Charities. The award was presented by Victoria McPherson representing the Pendergast family, the 2016 Arizona Legacy Award honorees.
Dr. Julia Kelly, director of ambulatory pediatrics for District Medical Group and medical director for the comprehensive health center pediatric clinic at Maricopa Integrated Health System received the J. Kipp Charlton Physician of Excellence Award.
The award is named for the late J. Kipp Charlton, who served as chairman of the department of pediatrics, director of the division of nephrology and as an attending pediatrician during his 45-year tenure at Maricopa Integrated Health System.
The Award was presented by Dr. Charlton’s children, Paul Charlton and Daphne Charlton Landsborough.
Diana Schmidt, BSN, RN-NIC, a 33-year Maricopa Integrated Health System neonatal intensive care nurse and 30-year clinical resource leader for the NICU night shift at Maricopa Integrated Health System, was awarded the Joey Ridenour Nursing Excellence Award.
The award, named for Joey Ridenour RN, MN, FAAN, who served Maricopa Integrated Health System for over 24 years, both as chief nursing officer and vice president of nursing.
The award was presented by Maricopa County Special Health Care District Board of Directors vice chairman and executive director of the Arizona State Board of Nursing, Mary A. Harden, RN.
Photos by Gudenschwager Photography Inc.
