Thank you for Joining us for Catalinaville 2021

CATALINAVILLE SETS FUNDRAISING RECORD!

The Catalina Island Health Foundation hosted the third year of our signature fundraising event, CATALINAVILLE, grossing over $800,000, all in support of the effort to build a new hospital on Catalina Island. The Hinchliffe Family was the Title Sponsor and was joined by over a dozen other major sponsors.

“That’s over three times more money raised than our inaugural CATALINAVILLE event in 2019,” said Foundation President and event Co-Chair Jeff Aronson. Even better, he shared, the guests who attended had a terrific time. “I filled six tables,” said event Co-Chair, Julie Ann Ulcickas, “and everyone at those tables said it was one of the best events they’ve ever attended.” Members of our own Catalina Islander team were there and heard that sentiment echoed by many.

VIP guests arrived on Catherine’s Terrace to the sound of a steel drum band, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, trays of fine wine, and an open bar for a 90-minute reception before flowing down to the lawn of the Descanso Beach Club for a sold-out dinner (and yet another open bar). An exquisite meal prepared by Chef Kapo’s team from the Catalina Island Company awaited, as did music from the talented Presley Aronson.

Auctioneer Zack Krone stirred up passion for the cause, as did a compelling video about the need to replace Avalon's current hospital, which does not meet earthquake standards. "If those standards aren’t met by 2030, we’ll be forced to close,” said Jason Paret, CEO of the Catalina Island Health. “CIMC is so grateful for the support of the Foundation.”

After contributing over $150,000 in the live auction, over $105,000 in the paddle raise, and over $25,000 in the silent auction, dinner guests moved to the beach to join the other partygoers to dance on the sand to music of one of The Xceptional Music Company’s bands, now nicknamed, “The CATALINAVILLE Band.”

Event Co-Chair Ray McKewon and his wife Kimberly, both professional musicians, even joined the band for several songs, including “We Got the Beat” and “I Want Candy.”

CATALINAVILLE already has its date set for next year: July 16, 2022. “If the success of the last two years is any indication of the fun and excitement this event has brought to Avalon,” added Aronson, “the Foundation expects another sold-out event – and it’s all for the great cause of ensuring quality health care on Catalina Island.”