Endless Possibilities imagined at 61st annual Candlelight Capers Gala
In its first six decades, the annual Candlelight Capers Gala raised funds to support health-care programs and services at what is now Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix. This year, however, marked the start of a new era. Funds from the 61st annual Candlelight Capers on Dec. 12 at The Phoenician will support academic medicine programs across the entire Banner – University Medicine Division, which includes one hospital in Phoenix and two in Tucson.
More than 600 guests gathered to celebrate the season and the future of academic medicine in Arizona, including medical care, teaching and research. Following the theme “Endless Possibilities,” the fundraising affair highlighted how vision and fortitude can lead to great accomplishments.
Jim Craig, “Miracle on Ice” goaltender for the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team, shared personal accounts of his time on the ice. He spoke about how believing in the possibilities ahead helped him achieve what was thought to have been impossible: defeating the Soviet Union in a 4-3 upset that eventually led Team USA to the gold medal.
“We choose our own path in life, and you can choose to be a victim or a victor,” Craig said as a reminder that everyone’s future is filled with endless possibilities.
In addition to being inspired by Craig’s story, guests were treated to a surprise when world-renowned performance artist David Garibaldi did a freestyle painting of Craig. Blending music, dance and paint, Garibaldi wowed the audience in a performance he called “Rhythm and Hue.”
Prior to dinner and the entertainment portion of the program, Banner Health President and CEO Peter S. Fine hosted the inaugural President’s Reception, sponsored by THE CORE Institute, DPR Construction and Valley Anesthesiology. Attendees of the reception included Banner Health leaders, sponsors and other VIPS and special guests.
Jay and Sharee Sims
Jim Craig, Andy Kramer Petersen and Peter S. Fine, president and CEO Banner Health
Roger Nelson, Darlene Richert and Jim Craig
Suzanne and Dr. John Hensing; Simon Navarro and Christy Atler with their daughter, Isabella Navarro. Isabella, who has aspirations of becoming a doctor, was featured in a video highlighting the theme Endless Possibilities.
The band Treja Vu kept dancers on their feet; performance artist David Garibaldi
The decor
