Spring Gala – An Evening of Gratitude Benefited MemorialCare Breast Center at Saddleback Memorial

Laguna Hills, CA, May 04, 2015 --(PR.com)-- Community leaders, physicians, donors and guests gathered at Saddleback Memorial Foundation’s Spring Gala – An Evening of Gratitude on Saturday, April 25 in support of the MemorialCare Breast Center at Saddleback Memorial. The sold-out gala, attended by nearly 500 people, raised $245,000 (net) to acquire additional state-of-the-art technology to help detect breast cancer at its earliest stage.

The evening’s special guest speaker was Gary Levine M.D., the new Medical Director of MemorialCare Breast Centers. Dr. Levine, a nationally recognized breast radiologist, brings 20 years of breast imaging and breast center leadership to his new role.

“It’s the generosity of our donors and volunteers, and extremely dedicated staff that allow us to bring in the nation’s top experts, like Dr. Levine, who will help lead us on our path to fight back against breast cancer,” says Steve Geidt, CEO for Saddleback Memorial. “Thanks to our superior team that helped us achieve our recent Healthgrades ‘America’s 50 Best Hospitals award,’ we truly have so much to be thankful for this year.”

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 200,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women this year, and about one in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Funds raised from the Spring Gala will help Saddleback Memorial purchase a third Tomosynthesis imaging machine. Tomosynthesis provides 3-D imaging and greatly improves the accuracy of cancer detection versus traditional mammography. Early detection for breast cancer can save thousands of lives each year.

The addition of this state-of-the-art technology for the breast center at Saddleback Memorial is part of an ongoing effort to provide local residents the most comprehensive and advanced cancer care.

During the evening, the live auction garnered an estimated $45,000 for the breast center. Auctioned packages included popular homemade pies by CEO Steve Geidt, a Santa Barbara polo match, New York City Fashion Week and Dinner for 10 with celebrity Chef Dean Sheremet.

During the “Fund-a–Need” portion of the evening, $75,000 was raised for the acquisition of an additional 3-D Tomosynthesis unit. Additionally, the Opportunity Drawing raised nearly $11,000 from the sale of pink ribbon shell necklaces also in support of the breast center.

Cecilia Belew, president of Saddleback Memorial Foundation noted “I am so thankful for this charitable community and philanthropic efforts that continue to help us invest in the latest technology, programs and services. It’s these advances that enable us to continue our commitment to fighting cancer and create a local healing environment right in our patients’ backyard.”

Spring Gala 2015 Platinum, Gold and Silver sponsors included:

· Platinum Sponsors: Saddleback Memorial Medical Center, Saddleback Memorial Medical Center Medical Staff
· Gold Sponsors: Greater Newport Physicians and MemorialCare Medical Group, Bill Phillips and Mary C. O'Toole, MD, Doris J. Poore, Surgical Care Affiliates
· Silver Sponsors: California Anesthesia Associates, CEP America, Gary Damsker, Dr. and Mrs. Gary Levine, Kindred Healthcare, Monarch Healthcare, Pediatrix and Obstetrix Medical Groups, Inc., Saddleback Radiation Oncology Medical Group, South Orange County Surgical Medical Group

About Saddleback Memorial Medical Foundation
Saddleback Memorial Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, raises philanthropic support for Saddleback Memorial Medical Center, a community-based, not-for-profit hospital. The generous support of donors enables Saddleback Memorial Foundation to continue to keep the medical center at the cutting edge of procedures and medical expertise, as well as provide programs and services for the community. To learn more about supporting Saddleback Memorial Medical Center through the foundation, please call (949) 452-3724 or visit www.memorialcare.org/smf.

About Saddleback Memorial Medical Center
With campuses in Laguna Hills and San Clemente, Saddleback Memorial is continually honored for exceptional medical expertise that offers high quality, compassionate care for patients and families at every stage of their lives. Its centers of excellence are renowned for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer, heart disease, stroke, pulmonary disease, orthopedics and diabetes; and for leadership in emergency medicine, breast health, surgery including robotic-assisted procedures, advanced imaging, women’s health and geriatric care. The Women’s Hospital at Saddleback Memorial Laguna Hills includes personalized obstetrics care and a highly regarded perinatal program and neonatal intensive care unit that specialize in high-risk pregnancies and caring for fragile newborns.

Part of MemorialCare Health System, Saddleback Memorial has been named one of Healthgrades 2015 America’s 50 Best Hospitals, a Best Regional Hospital by U.S. News & World Report, Becker’s Healthcare Top Hospitals, awarded an “A” Hospital Safety Score by The Leapfrog Group, rated #1 Hospital in Orange County by consumers and received the American Heart Association Get with the Guidelines Gold Plus for Cardiac and Stroke care. To learn more, go to memorialcare.org/saddleback.

About MemorialCare Health System
MemorialCare Health System is a nonprofit integrated delivery system that includes six top hospitals – Long Beach Memorial, Miller Children's & Women's Hospital Long Beach, Community Hospital Long Beach, Orange Coast Memorial, and Saddleback Memorial Laguna Hills and San Clemente; medical groups – MemorialCare Medical Group and Greater Newport Physicians; a health plan – Seaside Health Plan; and numerous outpatient health centers, imaging centers and surgery centers throughout the Southland (Orange County and Los Angeles County). For more information, go to memorialcare.org.