Dec. 23, 2014

SHC Honor Ball in Full Swing

(left) The Honor Ball kickoff luncheon committee

array(right) Honor Ball co-chairs Ruth Lavinia and Christine Watson

Scottsdale Healthcare’s gala to celebrate 39 years of philanthropy

The committee has been feted, and the invitations have been assembled. Scottsdale Healthcare’s Honor Ball – the gala known to focus on the fun, especially on the dance floor – is well under way.

More than 70 guests gathered at Paradise Valley Country Club on Nov. 4 to officially launch the 39^th Honor Ball. The featured speaker for the occasion was Dr. Michael Janicek, medical director of Gynecologic Oncology at Scottsdale Healthcare Medical Center and of the Genetic Risk Assessment Center at the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center. The Feb. 21, 2015, gala will benefit the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center.

The Honor Ball’s heritage can be traced to the summer of 1976, when the late Paradise Valley philanthropist Virginia G. Piper was inspired by the St. Francis Hospital Crusader’s Ball in Evanston, Ill. She thought, “If they can do it, why can’t we?” The Honor Ball began with and continues to receive support from Scottsdale Healthcare physicians and their wives, community leaders and area businesses. Over the years, the event has raised more than $12 million to support patient and community services at Scottsdale Healthcare.

Ruth Lavinia and Christine Watson are co-chairs for the black-tie event, which will honor Patty and Keith Withycombe. The party will be held in the Phoenician Resort Grand Ballroom, with entertainment by The James Band.

The committee gathered again Nov. 17 at the home of Jean and Curt Feuer to assemble the invitations. Co-chairs for this event were Shannon Bundschuh and Valerie Guttman.