TODAY news - Mar 6, 2003

LLU Children’s Hospital Foundation
executive director Patti Cotton Pettis welcomes guests to the 10th annual LLUCH Foundation Gala.

Taylor Sarrafian and his cousins, Kami (center) and Claire Troesh, introduce Taylor’s father Zareh Sarrafian, MBA, LLUMC senior vice president, and administrator, Children’s Hospital.

Zareh Sarrafian, MBA, senior vice president, LLUMC, and administrator, LLUCH thanks gala attendees .

Children’s Hospital chaplain Saul M. Silva offers the evening prayer for the gala attendees.

The Honorable Shirley Pettis Roberson (right) presents Leota Chinnock the Shirley N. Pettis Award honoring posthumously Robert F. Chinnock, MD. With Ms. Chinnock and Ms. Roberson is Ms. Chinnock’s son, Richard E. Chinnock, MD, professor of pediatrics at LLU Children’s Hospital.

Happy recipient of a puppy during the Gala live auction is Marci Weismeyer. Ms. Weismeyer is secretary for the Loma Linda chapter of the Big Hearts for Little Hearts Guild.

Ms. Loring explains how she developed her passion for children with diabetes. Her son was diagnosed with the chronic illness at an early age.

Ms. Loring, who played Liz Chandler on NBC’s “Days of Our Lives,” is the celebrity chair of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Ms. Loring interviews diabetic patient Annie Smolenski. With Annie are her parents, Jana and Chris Smolenski. Annie is a patient at Children’s Hospital pediatric diabetes center.

San Bernardino resident Desireè Flores leads the gala audience in a salute to the American flag by singing the National Anthem. In the background is the color guard from the Loma Linda Chamber of Commerce.

Ms. Loring and friends provide the musical entertainment for the approximately 800 guests attending the tenth annual LLU Children’s Hospital Foundation Gala.

Children’s Hospital Foundation board chair George Voigt welcomes Gloria Loring to the 10th annual Gala. Ms. Loring served as the emcee for the event and provided the evening’s entertainment.