Laguna Hills, Calif. - May 21, 2025 - MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center Foundation's annual Spring Gala returned to the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach on Saturday, May 3, transporting guests to the sun-soaked spirit of Capri.

Set against the backdrop of ocean breezes and Italian elegance, this year's "La Dolce Vita" Spring Gala brought the ambiance of Capri to Dana Point. Guests arrived to a whimsical scene featuring a Vespa, Aperol Spritz and Limoncello cocktails, and golden-hour glamour-all setting the stage for an unforgettable evening supporting Saddleback Medical Center.

Generous donors gave $862,000-the most ever raised at the gala-to benefit Saddleback Medical Center's mission of improving the health and well-being of individuals, families and their communities.

Following a lively cocktail hour, guests were welcomed into the ballroom for dinner and an impactful program led by gala chairs Patrick and Lindsay Thomas of Acrisure and Christy Ward, chief development officer of the MemorialCare Orange County Region and president of Saddleback Medical Center Foundation. Guests raised their paddles during a thrilling live auction, followed by heartfelt remarks from Saddleback Medical Center CEO Shela Kaneshiro.

Kaneshiro introduced the evening's video, "Brushstrokes of Hope: Healing from Cancer at Saddleback," which highlighted the healing journey of a Saddleback cancer survivor Susan Smoler and the compassionate care provided by the MemorialCare Cancer Institute at Saddleback Medical Center.

"The care we provide at Saddleback is truly special-combining cutting-edge technology with a personalized, human touch," said Kaneshiro. "Events like this help ensure that no one faces cancer alone. We are so grateful for the community's generosity."

The patient story moved numerous attendees to raise their paddles during the Fund-a-Need, giving $165,500 for the advancement of cancer care at Saddleback Medical Center.

"Philanthropy is vital to our work," said Dr. Jack Jacoub, medical director of the MemorialCare Cancer Institute at Saddleback Medical Center. "Without it, services like nurse navigation and nutritional support for cancer patients wouldn't be possible. Those who have experienced these services know how crucial they are. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has donated their time, money and services to the cancer program at Saddleback Medical Center."

All funds raised during the Fund-a-Need will support investments in the latest innovations in cancer treatment, early detection, genetic counseling and vital programs such as nutritional support, cancer nurse navigators and survivorship support groups.

"It was a night filled with energy, elegance and generosity-and thanks to our donors, we'll be able to continue providing compassionate care close to home," Ward added. "We are overwhelmed by the incredible support from our community. Saddleback Medical Center feels like a close-knit family, and we are truly grateful for the dedication and kindness of our community."

The celebration concluded with an opportunity drawing, dancing and live entertainment from high-energy party band Live 61.

For more information about giving opportunities or to support the MemorialCare Cancer Institute, visit Saddleback Medical Center Foundation.

Spring Gala 2025 Sponsors:

• Presenting Sponsor:
  • Acrisure
• Diamond Sponsors:
  • Dr. and Mrs. David C. Law
  • Tom Rogers & Sally Anderson and Resa Evans & David Theil
• Platinum Sponsors:
  • Alvarez Enterprises
  • Farmers & Merchants Bank and Farmers and Merchants Trust Company
  • Turner Construction Company
• Gold Sponsors:
  • Coastal Vein Care
  • Sarah & Taylor Nederlander
  • OC Surgeons
• Silver Sponsors:
  • California Anesthesia Associates
  • Jacqueline Dupont Carlson and Marc Carlson
  • Dr. and Mrs. Tong Chiang
  • CNA
  • Elite OC Productions
  • Cathy Han, MD
  • Candace Haynes
  • Dr. and Mrs. Gary Levine
  • Carol Manning
  • MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center Medical Staff
  • O'Connor Mortuary
  • Pediatrix Neonatology & Maternal Fetal Medicine
  • SCA Health
  • UnitedHealthcare
  • Vituity
• Print Underwriter:
  • NDM

About Saddleback Medical Center Foundation
Saddleback Medical Center Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, raises philanthropic support for MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center, a community-based, nonprofit hospital. The generous support of donors enables Saddleback Medical Center Foundation to support the medical center's leading edge health care, technology and medical expertise, as well as provide programs and services for the community. To learn more about supporting Saddleback Medical Center through the Foundation, please call (949) 452-3724 or go to memorialcare.org/smcf.

About MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center
MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center is a member of MemorialCare, a not-for-profit, integrated healthcare delivery system - proudly serving the residents of south Orange County for over 50 years. Centers of Excellence include cancer, heart, orthopedics, spine, neurosciences, gastroenterology, emergency and critical care, breast health, imaging, women's health, obstetrics, geriatrics, and minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgery. Saddleback Medical Center received U.S. News & World Report high-performance rankings for cardiology, diabetes, knee replacement, and stroke to name a few. It also was named among Healthgrades America's 250 Best Hospitals, Top 50 U.S. Cardiovascular Hospitals and received Magnet Nursing Excellence designation. In addition, it is a certified geriatric ED Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center and holds Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation. To learn more, visit memorialcare.org/saddleback.

About MemorialCare
MemorialCare is a not-for-profit, integrated healthcare delivery system with 225 care locations, including leading hospitals-Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, Long Beach Medical Center, and Miller Children's & Women's Hospital Long Beach; MemorialCare Medical Group and Greater Newport Physicians; MemorialCare Research Program; MemorialCare Select Health Plan; and numerous outpatient health, imaging, surgery, urgent care, physical therapy, breast health and dialysis centers throughout Orange and Los Angeles counties. Accolades include Nation's Best Health Systems and Workplaces, Top 50 U.S. Hospitals and Cardiovascular Hospitals, 10 Largest Children's Hospitals, 100 Best Hospitals - Spine and Prostate Surgeries, Best of Orange County and Long Beach Hospitals and Medical Groups, U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals and "high performing" in 31 clinical categories, and Newsweek World's Best Hospitals, Top 100 Hospitals, Best Maternity Hospitals - and more. Visit memorialcare.org.