Annual Gala to Benefit French Hospital - KCOY Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo - News

Annual Gala to Benefit French Hospital

San Luis Obispo, August 13, 2012 – The French Hospital Medical Center (FHMC) Foundation is proud to announce that it will host its seventh annual Celebration of Caring fundraising gala at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 25, 2012 at the San Luis Jet Center.  Sponsored by Blue Larkspur Motors, this year's theme is "Jetting to Rio".  The black-tie event will feature a gourmet dinner, live music by SLO MAMBO, and special live, silent and wine auctions.  All proceeds from the event will benefit the life-saving programs and services at FHMC.

At the Gala, Jim Sargen will receive the 2012 Louis Tedone, M.D. Humanitarian Award for his extensive volunteer and charitable efforts aimed at improving the quality of life in our community in various areas including the arts, education and health care.  Sargen has held numerous leadership roles with the Foundation for the Performing Arts Center, Cuesta College Foundation, YMCA, Cal Poly, and the Foundation for the California Community Colleges.  Sargen was also a founding member and past Board Vice Chair of the French Hospital Medical Center Foundation. Sargen's commitment to the well being of others emerged in his business efforts with the creation of health-focused TriActive America, Inc., an outdoor fitness equipment company.

Past recipients of the Louis Tedone, M.D. Humanitarian Award include Frank and Betsey Kelton, Phyllis Madonna, Jac Pedersen, D.D.S., Steve Hearst, Ke-Ping Tsao, M.D. and Rob Rossi.  In 2006, the first annual gala established the humanitarian award by honoring its namesake, Dr. Tedone, for his 35 year career

providing healthcare to the San Luis Obispo community. Since then, the fundraising galas have raised more than $730,000 for programs and services benefiting the patients of FHMC.  Donations in honor of Dr. Tedone are also welcome in support of French Hospital Medical Center.

Tickets to the gala are available for $175 per person.  For more information, please contact the FHMC Foundation Office at (805) 542-6496. Online registration is available at www.supportfrenchhospital.org.