February 10, 2016 — A performance by Grammy Award-winning artist Keith Urban, a $250,000 matching gift from Pastor Rick and Kay Warren, and two $100,000 donations from the Argyros Family Foundation and Fariborz Maseeh were among the highlights of a special evening dedicated to raising funds for and awareness of pediatric mental health. Held on February 6 at the City National Grove of Anaheim, the CHOC Cherishes Children Gala attracted a record number of community leaders and philanthropists who raised $2.6 million in support of CHOC’s transformational initiative to ensure children, adolescents and young adults with mental illness get the health care services and support they currently lack in Orange County.
That evening, CHOC President and CEO Kimberly Chavalas Cripe presented the Children’s Champion Award to Sandy Segerstrom Daniels. Daniels has a long-standing relationship with CHOC, including serving on the hospital’s foundation board of directors and on various committees. In May 2015, she announced a $5 million donation to help establish CHOC Children’s Mental Inpatient Center, which will provide a safe, nurturing place for children ages 3 to 18 to receive care for mental health conditions. The Center will also provide specialty programming for children younger than 12. Daniels’ gift serves as the cornerstone of a broader fundraising campaign by CHOC to raise $11 million for inpatient capital and startup costs, and $16 million to endow the program.
The gala’s live auction included a Harry Winston Ladies Midnight Monochrome timepiece donated by Harry Winston and purchased for $31,000 by Jimm Lee and his wife; a tour of Brunello Cucinelli’s design house in Solomeo, Italy donated by Brunello Cucinelli South Coast Plaza and purchased for $18,000 by Damian and Yvonne Jordan; and a fully loaded 2016 Acura RDX donated by American Honda Motor Co., Inc. and driven home by Dr. Greg and Angelique Perkins, who purchased the vehicle for $40,000.
Following the live auction, Urban performed for 75 minutes. The crowd particularly enjoyed the moment he pulled CHOC patient Isabella Chavez on stage to sing with him. Urban’s performance, featuring several songs from his new album, was sponsored by Damien and Yvonne Jordan, Argyros Family Foundation, Jay and Kelly Jacobs, UC Irvine Health Affairs and The Legacy Foundation.
The signature event would not have been possible without the following volunteer committee members: Chair Caroline Marchant; Underwriting Chair Christine Bren, Psy.D.; Décor Chair Heather Madden; Niloofar Fakhimi; Leyla Milani Khoshbin; Stephanie Argyros; Jill Bolton; Kathryn Cenci; Sarah McElroy; Suzy Elghanayan; Monica Furman; Gigi Kroll, M.D.; Lili Daftarian; Susan Samueli; Daneia Sanadiki; Kori Schillereff; Kelly Smith; Marci Surfas; and Marsha Willis. Premier underwriters for the gala were Argyros Family Foundation, Yvonne and Damien Jordan, Harry Winston, UC Irvine Health Affairs, Kelly and Jay Jacobs, The Legacy Foundation, Daftarian Group and American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
“CHOC is grateful for all of the individuals who made tonight possible, from our committee members and sponsors to our guests. Thank you for supporting our critical efforts to ensure every child and young adult in Orange County who needs mental health treatment receives high quality services without stigma or barriers to access,” said Cripe. “CHOC has made the commitment to take a leadership role in this initiative, but as a non-profit hospital we are counting on the public’s support to help us change the lives of children and heal families together.”
The gala’s theme “Healing Families Together” paid tribute to CHOC’s critical role in securing bright futures for children. Borrowing from the gala’s brand colors, the décor featured strong silvers and a touch of purple. The room sparkled as Harry Winston displayed a selection of spectacular diamond pieces for guests to enjoy including the remarkable 111 carat Secret Combination necklace.
In addition to enjoying a collection of wines courtesy of Bianchi Winery, guests received gifts from Diptyque South Coast Plaza. The after-party was sponsored by Paul and Lili Daftarian of the Daftarian Group.
