Directors celebrate new Hoag facility

It was an evening of considerable pride and accomplishment as the

Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian board of directors celebrated the

grand opening of the Sue and Bill Gross Women’s Pavilion this week.

A Tuesday evening dinner reception and official dedication at the

pavilion featured a tour of the facility. Hoag welcomed a host of

generous donors, city officials and hospital staff members to

recognize this most significant advancement in health care for the

community.

In other Hoag news, glamorous Harbor Island hostess Debbie Simon

opened her palatial Beaux Arts-inspired estate to welcome ladies

planning the Hoag Christmas Carol Ball. Simon will chair this

season’s holiday gathering, with assistance from the dynamic Patti

Edwards, also of Harbor Island.

The 39th annual gala, produced by Hoag Hospital Foundation’s 552

Club, is being called “It Takes a Big Heart.” The Ritz-Carlton Hotel

Laguna Niguel will be the setting for the party, which will feature

Wayne Foster and his orchestra.

Simon welcomed Sally Afable, introducing her to the committee of

25 planning the Hoag affair. Afable is the wife of Dr. Richard

Afable, Hoag’s new president and chief executive officer.

Organizers hope to raise $500,000 at the holiday ball with funds

earmarked for the Hoag Heart and Vascular Institute.

Supporting Simon and enjoying her Harbor Island hospitality were

Newport A-listers Ronnie Allumbaugh, Lin Auer, Candy Billings, Terry

Callahan, Katherine Dean, Jean Galloway and Susan Goldberg. More

A-listers serving on the committee are Sandie Haskell, Tammy

Hotsenpiller, Ann Howard, Robin Iacona, Nora Johnson, Margie Lord,

Massy Farzine, Deann Mix, Diane Mondini, Rosalie Puleo and Sandi

Simon.

For more information, call (949) 764-7214.

Coming up on Nov. 12, a cocktail reception will be held at the

Marconi Automotive Museum in Tustin, honoring underwriters who have

donated to the cause.

* THE CROWD runs Thursdays and Saturdays.