As the Tri-City Hospital Foundation gears up for its 38th annual Diamond Ball, it is putting the finishing touches on what promises to be an unforgettable gala. Once again this year, the Park Hyatt Aviara in Carlsbad will be the backdrop to an evening of elegance on Oct. 27 with a spotlight on top billing entertainment from Grammy-nominated comedian Bill Engvall.
Rita Geldert, chairwoman of the Tri-City Hospital Foundation board of directors, said the Diamond Ball, lovingly known for many years as the “Baile,” has become a legendary event in North County. The foundation was delighted to attract the talents of Engvall. “Bill books about 80 dates a year, and we were fortunate enough to have his only San Diego area appearance,” Geldert said. “So, if folks want to see Bill Engvall in San Diego, the Diamond Ball’s the only place to do it.”
While guests are sure to enjoy every moment of the gala, they will also be reminded of what their support means to the Tri-City Hospital Foundation. According to Geldert, Tri-City Medical Center is a community-owned hospital. So, every dollar raised at the Diamond Ball is invested back into the hospital.
Acting Development Officer Jennifer Paroly said this year funds raised at the Diamond Ball will go to support the Heart and Stroke Care Program at Tri-City Medical Center.
“The donations raised at this event directly impact our fellow community members,” Paroly said. “Proceeds will be deployed in the hands of cardiologists like Dr. El-Sherief and others here on staff at Tri-City. The money we raise on Oct. 27 could very easily save a friend, a loved one, a neighbor, or even your own life someday.”
Every year proceeds from the Diamond Ball go toward a different department at Tri-City Medical Center. In 2017, the focus was on raising money for cutting-edge breast imaging technology.
“You’d be hard-pressed to walk around Tri-City and not find an area that’s been impacted by philanthropy and our generous community partners,” Paroly said. “But this year, it seemed like a really good fit to work on a fundraiser benefiting our Heart and Stroke Care Program.”
Steve Dietlin, chief executive officer for Tri-City Medical Center, added that the medical center’s Heart and Stroke Care Program is award-winning and the Diamond Ball affords the opportunity to grow this program even more.
“We have amazing physicians,” said Dietlin, adding that the Diamond Ball proceeds will give physicians state-of-the-art tools.
Karim El-Sherief, MD, who specializes in intervention cardiology and also serves as the current director of Cardiac Rehab at Tri-City Medical Center, said the American Heart Association has recognized their hospital. Tri-City Medical Center received a “gold standard” when it comes to its heart attack program — the only hospital with that recognition in North County.
“We take a lot of pride in what we do for our heart health in the area,” El-Sherief said. “The story of a heart attack is a story that begins at Tri-City Medical Center and transitions to our Cardiac Rehab Program where we take our individuals who have undergone a traumatic event, and we re-inspire them. We motivate them to get stronger and healthier.”
It’s all about improving one’s quality of life.
El-Sherief is thrilled that proceeds from the Diamond Ball this year will go toward the Heart and Stroke Care Program at Tri-City Medical Center.
“The Diamond Ball will allow us to bring in new tools,” he said, adding that they currently have an amazing CT scanner. “Our goals now would be to improve some of the tools we utilize to treat a stroke and heart attack. More specifically, would be the advancement of a cardiac catheterization lab.”
For El-Sherief, the goal is to continue to provide patients with advanced treatments and exceptional patient care.
To purchase tickets to the 38th annual Diamond Ball, visit DiamondBall2018.com.
