Catalinaville Raises a Record-Breaking $1.1 Million for New Hospital
Catalina Island Health Foundation broke a fundraising record for the island during its annual Catalinaville event over the weekend. From all accounts, the Foundation is the first nonprofit on Catalina Island to exceed the $1 million threshold in a single fundraising event!
Each year, Catalinaville welcomes hundreds of supporters for a Margaritaville-inspired event to raise funds in support of constructing a new hospital. During this lively evening led by emcee and auctioneer extraordinaire Zack Krone, guests donned their best beach-y, casual attire including Hawaiian shirts and flip flops. Just steps from the beach, the evening began with drinks and dinner, a well-appointed silent auction, and an update about the progress of the new hospital from incoming CEO Tim Kielpinski.
District Director Brian Mineghino from Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal’s office recognized outgoing CEO Jason Paret for his numerous accomplishments during the past 9 years at Catalina Island Health.
The evening was filled with compassion and generosity, especially with heartfelt words from Dr. Kevin Hutton about what it is like to be a doctor here and why the new hospital is so important for all residents and visitors. An entertaining live auction followed. Bidders came away with unique and luxurious travel opportunities that included a curated wine experience in Paso Robles, a road trip through Ireland, a week in Tuscany, and more. In the true spirit of the event, many individuals and families raised their paddles in support of a new state-of-the-art hospital.
“We are incredibly grateful for our title sponsors Gerald and Sue Vickers and Emerald Forest Products,” said Neil Macready, Chief Development Officer at Catalina Island Health Foundation. “Their commitment to our new hospital is admirable and I’m excited to announce they’ll be back as our title sponsor again next year! I’d also like to celebrate this record-breaking year with each of our sponsors, all donors, our dedicated staff, and the new friends made this weekend.”
Special thanks to Catalinaville sponsors: Sue & Gerald Vickers, Emerald Forest Products, James Silberrad Brown Foundation, Hutton Family Foundation, The Accredited Home Lenders Foundation, Family of Claude and Elizabeth “Bunny” Brooks, Catalina Business Enterprises, Don and Ellen Goodwin Family Foundation, Catalina Island Yacht Club Foundation, Kathy & Frank Tarquin, John Hinchliffe, Degler Family Foundation, Kim and Ray McKewon, and numerous others.