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MILES THAT MATTER
More than 22,000 participants laced up their running shoes during the weekend of May 3-5, 2024, for the 20th annual OC Marathon, now dubbed the Hoag OC Marathon in recognition of Hoag’s sponsorship and commitment to creating a healthier community.
The popular running festival provided marathoners and spectators alike an opportunity to support the expansion of health care in Orange County through the Boldly Hoag campaign.
From the Chair
Dear Friends of Hoag,
It is my privilege to share with you this first letter as chair of the Hoag Hospital Foundation Board of Directors. Our Foundation’s supporters provide resources that impact important areas including facilities, services, and advanced technologies that make Hoag an exceptional hub of health care in Southern California.
I’d be remiss to not start with the recognition of the tremendous impact of the late Richard “Dick” Pickup, who passed away in April. His investment in Hoag, specifically through the neurosciences institute and brain health center that share his name, has dramatically enhanced health care for the people of Orange County.
Within these pages, you’ll read more about some of the exceptional people who have changed Hoag’s trajectory this year with their generosity. The Argyros family made another selfless gesture to Hoag nursing with a $15 million gift . They, like so many others, know our nurses are the best. Longtime Hoag friends Ben and Carmela Du made a transformational $25 million gift in support of Hoag’s expansion through the Boldly Hoag campaign. This is a testament to their dedication to their community . Thank you to the Argyros and Du families for their investments in Hoag’s staff, vision, and future.
It’s been a truly eventful 2024 so far, and there is much more to come. Whether it’s at a time-honored annual luncheon, an action-packed golf tournament, or an intimate gathering, I am inspired by the people I see and meet. Each of us has a story and a reason (or more than one) for making Hoag a part of our lives.
I applaud everyone who has given their time, insights, philanthropy, and friendship to this great health care organization. I call on you to join me as leaders, collaborators, game-changers, and innovators to help grow this charitable community in service of the people of Orange County.
Sincerely,
Debbie Margolis Chair, Hoag Hospital Foundation Board of Directors
supported in continuing to advance Hoag’s comprehensive suite of neurologic programs and in bringing the latest treatments to Hoag patients. He will carry forward the inaugural of former chair holder Michael Brant-Zawadzki, MD, FACR, vice president of clinical research administration, CATALiST, and addiction services. An induction ceremony honoring Dr. Kanter and celebrating the Simons’ generosity will be held in July.
A Commitment to Combating Chronic Metabolic Disease
In February, Hoag welcomed Diana Zhao, MD, to the Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center and the Metabolism & Weight Management Center. Dr. Zhao is an experienced endocrinologist dedicated to providing treatment for obesity and weight management, diabetes, and other endocrine disorders. Her commitment to patient education and shared decision-making ensures every patient receives personalized care tailored to their needs. Fluent in Mandarin and passionate about serving Orange County residents as a native of Irvine, Dr. Zhao strives to relieve her patients of the burdens of living with chronic metabolic disease.
H.E.R. Summit by Hoag Supports the Bold Future of Women
H.E.R. Summit by Hoag is returning for its third annual event on Wednesday, August 28, at VEA Newport Beach, A Marriott Resort & Spa. By women for women, H.E.R. Summit inspires health, empowerment, and rejuvenation at all stages of life. Discussions with Hoag experts include topics on optimizing gut health, the secrets to sleep and brain health, and the effects of hormones and stress on hair and skin. This year’s keynote speaker is Ally Love, founder and CEO of Love Squad, renowned Peloton instructor, Today Show contributor, and host of Netflix’s Dance 100. Event funds raised will support the expansion of Hoag’s women’s health services through the Boldly Hoag campaign.
Learn more and purchase tickets at hoaghospitalfoundation.org/hersummit
AI to Advance Care for Mothers and Babies
Thanks to funding from Hoag Innovators, a group of philanthropists dedicated to catalyzing health care innovation through the power of collective giving, Hoag will soon be home to PeriWatch Vigilance®, an automated maternal-fetal early warning system that enhances labor and delivery monitoring. Using advanced artificial intelligence software, PeriWatch continuously analyzes maternal vital signs, fetal heart rate, uterine contractions, and labor progression to identify patients who may be at a high risk of complications. This leading-edge technology, which was presented to Hoag Innovators for funding by Dr. Lisa Karamardian, Jeffrey M. Carlton Endowed Chair in Women’s Health, in honor of Dr. Anne M. Kent, will be installed at Hoag this summer.
Hoag is known for its exceptional nurses. With compassion, skill, and unwavering dedication, Hoag nurses consistently go above and beyond the call of duty to deliver patient care that is second to none.
Julia and George Argyros, along with their daughters, Lisa and Stephanie, believe in the power and potential of every Hoag nurse—a conviction they have demonstrated by investing significantly in nurses’ futures. Over the years, the Argyros family’s visionary generosity to Hoag has provided thousands of scholarships to empower Hoag nurses to pursue continuing education, progress in their careers, and elevate health care in our community.
In a profound expression of their steadfast commitment to Hoag Nursing, the Argyros family recently made a new gift of $15 million that will embolden Hoag nurses to advance clinical excellence for years to come.
The gift was announced at Hoag’s annual Nurses Day celebration in May, where Stephanie Argyros and Lisa Argyros, who currently serves on the Hoag Hospital Foundation Board of Directors, presented an oversized check to Rick Martin, EdD, MSN, RN, senior vice president and chief nursing officer of Hoag. The crowd erupted in thunderous applause and spirited cheers at the surprise announcement.
During the event, Lisa and Stephanie engaged with Hoag nurses and heard their appreciation for the scholarship funding that philanthropy provides. “It warmed our hearts to share such a special moment with Hoag nurses,” the Argyros sisters collectively shared. “Seeing their support for each other and how much they care about their work was inspiring. We are happy that our family can help support them, and we hope this gift gives them so many more opportunities to grow. Hoag nurses take such good care of the community, and we are grateful we could show our appreciation.”
“
Hoag nurses take such good care of the community, and we are grateful we could show our appreciation."
- Lisa and Stephanie Argyros
Lisa Argyros, Rick Martin, and Stephanie Argyros
This most recent contribution brings the Argyros family’s total giving to Hoag to more than $32 million and will extend the reach of the Julia Argyros Center for Nursing Excellence, which was established in 2016 in recognition of the family’s generosity and funds continuing education for nurses.
“We are beyond grateful for the Argyros family’s generosity,” said Robert Braithwaite, Hoag president and CEO. “This gift will empower nurses to continue achieving their educational goals, take on advanced clinical roles in patient care, broaden their skillsets, mentor new Hoag nurses, and enhance patient care, which is the heart of what we do.”
Furthering Excellence Through Education
Thanks to philanthropic investment in Hoag Nursing from the Argyros family and other donors, over 88% of Hoag nurses have their BSN degrees or higher, exceeding the requirements for Magnet® recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Being a Magnet®-designated facility is the highest honor an organization can receive for professional nursing practices. Hoag has held the designation since 2005, a distinction achieved by only 3% of hospitals.
Julia and George Argyros
The Argyros family’s continued support equips more Hoag nurses to pursue the advanced degrees, specialized training, and certifications needed to practice at this high level across the care continuum by alleviating the financial burden of continuing education. For many nurses, a scholarship is the reason they can say yes to pursuing an advanced degree, which not only broadens their clinical opportunities but also enriches their lives.
“We are overwhelmed with the Argyros family’s continued generosity,” said Rick Martin. “Their incredible support helps us to create a learning environment that promotes the advancement of evidence-based practices and fosters a commitment to healing. Their gift goes on in perpetuity through those who have received advanced education and the thousands of lives they will touch throughout their nursing career.”
Their gift goes on in perpetuity through those who have received advanced education and the thousands of lives they will touch throughout their nursing career.” “
- Rick Martin, EdD, MSN, RN, senior vice president and chief nursing officer of Hoag
Nurses enjoy Hoag's annual Nurses Day event in May
The Future of Nursing at Hoag
With 2,000 RNs on staff at Hoag today, Hoag must continue to grow its nursing force to keep pace with the organization’s growth and commitment to expand access to care. The expansion of the Sun Family Campus in Irvine, supported in part by the Boldly Hoag campaign, is the beginning of a long-term, ambitious effort to grow and heighten Hoag’s capabilities in order to continue enhancing the health of our communities while establishing Hoag as a national leader in patient care. The reimagined campus, anchored by specialty hospitals in cancer, digestive health, and women’s health, along with expanded specialty programs across the organization, significantly increases Hoag’s need for specialized and highly educated nurses.
“We strive to remain a destination site for nurses and continue to attract the country’s best and brightest,” said Rick Martin. Philanthropic support empowers this goal by providing resources for advanced education, special training, and other opportunities for nurses to grow in their careers and expand their roles at Hoag.
In the words of a recent scholarship recipient, “The Argyros family’s generosity has provided me with the opportunity to continue my studies and fully immerse myself in the rigorous curriculum required to excel in the field of nursing. With the knowledge and skills gained through this scholarship, I am eager to make a positive impact on the lives of Hoag patients.”
Thanks to donors like the Argyros family, the heart and drive of Hoag’s nurses continue to elevate Hoag’s reputation as an institution where compassion meets excellence.
Congratulations to Sarah Turecek, MSN, RN, PCCN, Hoag’s 2024
Nurse of the Year
Sarah Turecek, MSN, RN, PCCN, received the 2024 Nurse of the Year Award as part of Hoag’s annual Nurses Day celebration, which recognizes Hoag nurses and the critical role they play in the organization’s culture of quality and compassionate care.
Sarah has been serving patients at Hoag with clinical expertise and compassionate care for more than 12 years. She started as a patient care assistant and has worked her way up to a sub-ICU nurse on Hoag’s 10 West floor serving high-acuity patients. A philanthropically funded scholarship helped Sarah pursue her educational goals at Vanguard University, where she received her BSN and MSN.
A FAMILY LEGACY GROWS BOLDER
Ben and Carmela Du Give $25 Million to Hoag’s Expansion in Irvine
Residents of Orange County for over 50 years, Ben and Carmela Du have watched as Hoag has grown from a community hospital into the world-class destination for care it is today. Impressed by what they saw in Hoag early on, the couple became investors in Hoag’s success with their first transformational gift in 2005. In 2015, they gave $2.5 million to create the Benjamin & Carmela Du Endowed Chair in Urologic Oncology. Nearly 10 years later, they remain committed to Hoag’s vision for what a health care system can be—one that takes a personalized, comprehensive approach to meeting patients’ diverse needs.
A rendering of the future Du Family Hospital Pavilion on Hoag's Sun Family Campus in Irvine
With a $25 million gift to the expansion of Hoag’s Sun Family Campus in Irvine, Ben and Carmela are now helping Hoag reach more communities with its unique model of care. When asked about their inspiring generosity, Ben said simply, “When we heard about Hoag’s plans, we thought we could help.”
This charitable gesture marks the family’s second gift to the Irvine campus. The first came in 2018 when they gave $5 million to establish the Benjamin & Carmela Du Emergency Pavilion, increasing access to much-needed emergency care for Irvine and surrounding areas. With their latest gift, the Du Family Hospital Pavilion on the Sun Family Campus will be named in their honor. Together, the two pavilions will anchor the front and back entrances of the expanded hospital with the Du name.
“The Du Family Hospital Pavilion will stand as a beacon to a campus where visitors’ health care needs are met by innovative, comprehensive, and holistic programs,” said Robert Braithwaite, Hoag’s president and CEO. “It is appropriate that this sweeping transformation in health care will bear the names of visionary benefactors like Ben and Carmela.”
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The campus is central to more communities. We feel it’s important that Hoag is expanding its reach. We are honored to be involved and to support the Irvine area and other growing South County communities.”
- Ben Du, Philanthropist
A rendering of the new front entrance of the Sun Family Campus in Irvine
Scan to learn more about Hoag's expansion in Irvine and the Boldly Hoag campaign
A Longstanding Commitment to Orange County
The Dus immigrated to the United States from the Philippines in 1967 as newlyweds. Ben was studying business at California State University, Long Beach and, after finishing his degree, the young couple decided to stay in California. They’ve lived in Orange County ever since and are grateful for the privilege to give back to the community that’s become their home.
While they currently reside in Newport Beach, Ben and Carmela believe in the impact and potential of the Irvine campus, referring to it as a “logical choice.” Ben explained, “The campus is central to more communities. We feel it’s important that Hoag is expanding its reach. We are honored to be involved and to support the Irvine area and other growing South County communities.”
A Spirit of Generosity
Supported by the Boldly Hoag campaign, which continues to gain momentum in the community, the Irvine expansion will bring six new buildings, 155 inpatient beds, eleven state-of-the-art operating rooms, and more to the Sun Family Campus. Given Hoag’s track record in both Irvine and Newport, Ben suggests others give what they can to the campaign, too. “Hoag has been in the community a long time and is about serving the community. I highly encourage others to get involved,” he said.
This spirit of giving is one Ben and Carmela are also passing down to their daughter Lizette and two granddaughters. “Giving back is an important part of our family legacy,” Carmela said.
Lizette Pribus, Ben and Carmela’s daughter, echoed her mother’s sentiments. “I’m immensely proud of what my parents accomplished when they came to the U.S. and everything they’ve done for the community. They’re a great example for my kids, who I hope will continue to pass down this tradition of giving from generation to generation,” she said.
Ben and Carmela also give of their time. Ben served on the Hoag Hospital Foundation Board of Directors for nine years and has served on the Foundation’s Finance and Investments Committees. They recently joined Hoag Innovators, a dynamic group of entrepreneurs and community leaders dedicated to catalyzing innovation at Hoag through the power of collective giving.
After 57 years of marriage, there’s no project or adventure Ben and Carmela don’t take on together, from traveling the world to creating impact in the lives of generations of Hoag patients.
Ben and Carmela Du with Jeffrey Bassett, MD, MPH, Benjamin & Carmela Du Endowed Chair in Urologic Oncology
Final Beam Tops Off the Surgical Pavilion on Hoag's Sun Family Campus
On Thursday, June 6, a construction crew at Hoag’s Sun Family Campus in Irvine hoisted the last and highest beam onto the Surgical Pavilion. When complete, the pavilion will house a state-of-the-art intensive care unit, eight new operating rooms, and a seamless new experience for patients and their families, among many other high-tech features. To celebrate this construction milestone and a new era in health care for communities across South Orange County, donors, volunteers, clinicians, and staff all gathered for a beam signing and topping-off ceremony. This longstanding construction site tradition included a small evergreen tree placed above the beam, signifying that construction reached the sky without loss of life or injury and symbolizing good luck for future visitors.
Dara Sun Mullarkey and Diana Sun add their signatures to the highest beam on the Surgical Pavilion.
Members of the Hoag community added their signatures to the beam before it was lifted into place at the top of the Surgical Pavilion.
Voices from the Campaign
Excitement is building for the Boldly Hoag campaign supporting Hoag's expansion on the Sun Family Campus in Irvine. Below, some of the Boldly Hoag volunteer leaders, along with Hoag leaders, share what inspired them to get involved with this important project, which is bringing increased access to specialized care for women’s health, cancer, and digestive health to Irvine while also elevating the health care experience for all who visit Hoag.
“I
can't think of too many things more important than health—our personal health and that of our loved ones. What better way to ensure quality health care for your family and your community than by getting involved with Hoag.”
– Kathie Armstrong Co-Chair, Boldly Hoag Expansion Committee
“Our pledge to all women in Orange County is to ensure access to the finest and most advanced programs and services at every stage of their lives.”
– Allyson Brooks, MD, FACOG, Ginny Ueberroth Executive Medical Director Endowed Chair, Women’s Health Institute, and Co-Chair, Boldly Hoag Women's Health Committee
“The health of our community is greater than just one campus. Our community is growing, so it’s important Hoag continues to grow and is aware of the community’s needs. I’m excited to serve on the committee because more education is needed about what Hoag offers. I get to be the person who shares that knowledge.”
– Laurel Tippett
Boldly
Hoag Women's Health Committee
“Science and technology are changing and expanding our understanding of cancer— not just how to beat it but how to prevent it. The Hoag expansion represents our continued commitment to our patients: to stay at the forefront of the most rapidly evolving medical specialties.”
– Burton Eisenberg, MD, Grace E. Hoag Executive Medical Director Endowed Chair, Hoag Family Cancer Institute
“Hoag offers patients a wide range of specialized services to help them navigate the complexities of health care and have the best possible experience and outcomes. These services made a huge impact on our family, and we’re glad to have the opportunity to support increased access to Hoag’s programs for people in Irvine and throughout Orange County.”
– Valerie Wong, Irvine Resident
“I have always appreciated the way Hoag intentionally seeks feedback from the communities they serve. Hoag is attentive to the different needs of women in all stages of their lives, and this is evident in their thoughtful planning of the new Women's Health Pavilion at Hoag Irvine.”
– Dara Sun Mullarkey Boldly Hoag Women's Health Committee
“With the largest and most comprehensive digestive health program in Orange County, Hoag’s Digestive Health Institute is prioritizing the diverse needs of our patients through a multidisciplinary and collaborative approach to care. Expansion into South Orange County gives us the opportunity to continue offering the full spectrum of care, including state-of-the-art diagnostics and treatments, conveniently located for patients across Southern California.”
– Thomas Hutchinson
Executive Director, Digestive Health Institute
“We believe in giving to organizations and projects that make a broad, positive impact on people living and working in Orange County. Through the Boldly Hoag campaign, Hoag is doing just that by increasing its medical capabilities and expanding access to its high-quality health care.”
– Jeff Pagano, Vice President, Jeanette Bertea Hennings Foundation
FOR THE WIN
Orange County’s only PGA TOUR Champions event thrilled fans with spectacular golf and an unsurpassed experience, all in support of a great cause.
The highly anticipated Hoag Classic returned to the Newport Beach Country Club March 20-24, 2024, with Hoag as the title sponsor alongside presenting partners City National Bank and McCarthy Building Companies. As Orange County’s only PGA TOUR Champions event, the 2024 Hoag Classic thrilled tournament goers with its high level of play and elevated, one-of-a-kind fan experiences.
Competing for the $2 million purse was an impressive field of World Golf Hall of Fame legends and other major championship winners including Darren Clarke, Fred Couples, David Duval, John Daly, Ernie Els, Jim Furyk, Miguel Ángel Jiménez, Colin Montgomerie, Vijay Singh, and Steve Stricker. After back-to-back birdies on the final two holes to overcome two final-round double bogeys, 2024 World Golf Hall of Fame inductee Pádraig Harrington claimed the Hoag Classic title and his seventh win on the PGA TOUR Champions.
With more than $25 million raised for Hoag and local educational and military charities since the tournament’s inception, the Hoag Classic continues to enhance the health and well-being of our community and uphold the reputation as one of the PGA TOUR Champions' most philanthropic and successful events.
Tournament Week at a Glance
The Hall of Fame Community Breakfast presented by the Hoag Orthopedic Institute kicked off tournament week on a high note where guests enjoyed a captivating conversation with PGA TOUR Champions players John Cook and David Duval. The week continued with two memorable days of golf at the Aston Martin Newport Beach Legends Pro-Am, a cherished tradition that pairs amateur foursomes made up of sponsors and community members with a PGA TOUR Champions professional.
Saturday’s Military Appreciation Day presented by CoreLogic honored current and former servicemen and women with complimentary admission and refreshments and celebrated the 2024 Hoag Classic military honorees with a special ceremony on the 18th hole. The inaugural Celebrity Challenge added to the day’s excitement. Former Angels pitcher Jim Abbott, former NFL running back Reggie Bush, former NFL running back and Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk, and NFL quarterback Matt Barkley followed the final pairing of the day, playing in two, two-man best ball teams to raise money for two of Hoag Classic’s military charities. es etus escipsa n
Hoag Fan Experience
The Hoag Fan Experience returned for the second year, showcasing new and innovative elements to welcome guests to the tournament. In addition to a collaborative mural wall, a second-story viewing deck with refreshments, familyfriendly ping pong table, long putt challenge, and a Boldly Hoag sneaker cleaning station, guests had the opportunity to engage with a Hoag physician and staff members from digital health care concierge service Hoag Compass via an interactive hologram. This inventive feature underscored Hoag’s commitment to innovation and an elevated patient experience across platforms.
Hoag Classic & Kingston Technology Scholarship Fund Award Breakfast
On Sunday, March 24, Hoag Classic sponsor Kingston Technology held its annual Scholarship Fund Award Breakfast, which brought together donors, Hoag leadership, Hoag employee scholarship recipients, friends, and family to celebrate 2023 scholars and the impact of the program on the lives and careers of Hoag employees.
Scheduling specialist Rosa Fields, who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in health care administration, spoke at the breakfast to share her gratitude. “The Kingston Technology Scholarship is enabling me to pursue this goal, and after raising five children, I can now focus on realizing my dream. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to apply my degree as Hoag expands. I am extremely grateful for your support,” she said.
Student Day Presented by Kingston Technology
Kingston Technology likewise sponsored Student Day on Sunday at the Hoag Classic, providing students 18 and under with complimentary admission to the thrilling final day of play.
“This year’s Hoag Classic was an outstanding event. Through the incredible generosity and support from the Hoag Classic, we’ve been able to significantly expand access to the worldclass health and wellness services Hoag provides.”
- Robert T. Braithwaite President & CEO, Hoag
Foundation
Friends on the Green
The Hoag Hospital Foundation is grateful to the donors and friends who attended this year's Hoag Classic and made it a memorable tournament of sport and community support.
THE BACK STORY ON THE HOAG SPINE INSTITUTE
Hoag’s newest institute is expanding, with teamwork as its core.
With a growing team, a focused strategy, and dedicated supporters of its vision, the Hoag Spine Institute is poised to be the vital care powerhouse for people in Orange County living with back pain. More than 100 million Americans suffer from neck or back pain each year. In fact, back pain is the number one reason that people visit the doctor for physical pain. A comprehensive approach is what Hoag’s team has envisioned to alleviate pain, restore function, and enhance the quality of life of their patients. Philanthropic support will be key to realizing that vision, and recent gifts have helped thrust it forward.
“Establishing this institute is a culmination of many hospital leaders and clinical experts and their efforts coming together,” said Burak Ozgur, MD, director of the Hoag Spine Institute. “It takes a village. It's our pain specialists, neurologists, radiologists, nurses, hospital administration, philanthropic partners, and more. We are all part of this team to help provide our patients with world-class care.”
Structuring Spine Care
Hoag’s multidisciplinary team strives to first use the latest conservative nonsurgical therapies. From pain management to physical medicine and rehabilitation, to chiropractic medicine and acupuncture, a priority is avoiding surgery. As a surgeon, Dr. Ozgur recognizes that some may find it interesting that he prefers patients forego surgery when possible.
“Most patients don't need surgery. They need time, they need patience, they need compassion, and a proper workup and diagnosis,” Dr. Ozgur said. “That’s where an institute makes the difference. Each element of the institute can provide another service where everybody is homing in on their specialty, and that means that together, we can perform better for the patient.”
The Hoag Spine Institute’s multipronged approach to care emphasizes a comprehensive examination of a person’s needs at each stage of their journey. Whether it’s an early foundation of preventive care with conservative management, a minimally invasive procedure, or a complex surgery with multifaceted phases— the institute has specialized experts and treatments for every step of the way.
Once a patient has been treated, the team is dedicated to gaining insights from their experiences. Thanks to philanthropy, the team has recently recruited a research manager who will be tracking patient outcomes, measuring national statistics and benchmarks, and elevating Hoag’s presence as an industry leader in spine care.
Supporting the Vision
Philanthropy has been instrumental in acquiring technology and recruiting vital team members for the institute, including a nurse navigator, who delivers valuable care coordination to patients. A research manager, who will help with patient data collection and analysis, also recently joined the team thanks to philanthropic funding. Additionally, donor support from Hoag Innovators, a group of philanthropic leaders who use pooled funds to champion innovation at Hoag, helped bring the OEC Elite C-arm equipment to Hoag. This cutting-edge technology serves as a foundation for a centralized interventional pain management suite that enables Hoag physicians to better identify the cause of pain and create personalized treatment plans.
Earlier this year, Dr. Ozgur presented the vision of the Hoag Spine Institute and its short- and
and long-term goals at an intimate dinner of Hoag’s friends and supporters of spine care. Guests also heard from Dr. Charles De Mesa, chief of interventional pain at the Hoag Spine Institute, who spoke about innovations across the institute and its next phases.
The OEC Elite C-arm technology, acquired with philanthropic funding, will enable physicians to identify causes of pain to create personalized treatment plans.
In attendance were the founders of the Hamoui Foundation, Omar Hamoui and Omaima Salous, who have committed $1 million to support spine care. This marks the first milestone gift for the Hoag Spine Institute. “We believe giving is reciprocal,” Omaima said. “Having experienced the excellent health care at Hoag, we felt compelled to show our appreciation by investing in its continued excellence.” Their philanthropic philosophy revolves around investing in and giving back to causes that have personally impacted them. Several family members have undergone spine-related procedures and received care from Dr. Ozgur. “It is an honor to join Dr. Ozgur's vision. Establishing an accessible, comprehensive care facility that integrates non-invasive therapies with the latest research and training will be a great resource for the health and well-being of our growing community,” she said.
Teresa Conk, Hoag’s senior vice president and chief clinical institutes officer, was also a key participant in the significant spine meeting of the minds. “We’ve got the right leader in place, we’ve recruited the right team, and we know that we are doing the right thing for the community,” she said.
With a career at Hoag spanning 14 years, Dr. Ozgur is focused on harnessing everything he has learned with the power of his clinical colleagues he likens to superheroes, the philanthropic supporters he calls teammates, and the hospital staff and leaders who he’s grateful are pulling alongside him in the same direction.
“I appreciate that people are seeing the vision and that it’s coming to fruition,” Dr. Ozgur said.
“It’s very exciting to see this institute develop in a way that positions Hoag to best serve our patients and help them become healthier, feel better, and enjoy their lives.”
To learn more about supporting spine care at Hoag, please contact: Jenn Brown, executive director of development, clinical institutes, at (949) 764-7454 or Jennifer.Brown@hoag.org.
Left to Right: Dr. Charles De Mesa, Bill Thompson, Pam Muzzy, Jim Muzzy, Dr. Ozgur, Carol Wilken, Jerry Jones, Pat Jones, Kent Wilken, Teresa Conk, and Andrew Guarni at the Spine Institute preview event
Omaima Salous and Omar Hamoui
Of Finance, Food, & Philanthropy
Hoag Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Andrew Guarni’s brand of generosity comes in a nourishing form, where breaking bread together binds relationships and philanthropy.
The days start early for Andrew Guarni, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Hoag. Amid the calming quiet before business hours at the General William Lyon Leadership Center on Hoag’s Newport Beach campus, he can contemplate the matters that keep the growing Hoag enterprise humming: finances. Andrew appreciates that balance isn’t just for financial sheets; he’s both a numbers and a people person.
He’s a familiar face around the hospital, community events, and builds bonds with Hoag teams beyond his purview who aim for the same goal. “We want everyone here to live their best and healthiest lives, and I want to be part of that,” he said. “I try to do whatever it takes to make Hoag the best place for the entire community.”
Finance
His career seemed almost predestined. He was a senior in high school outside of Philadelphia and didn’t know what was next. “I was lucky enough to find a volunteer job in the local hospital in their accounting department,” Andrew said.
He worked that same job every summer and winter break through college—West Chester University of Pennsylvania—where he got an accounting degree. When it came time to find a job, he would find himself again in familiar territory. “The first job offer was at a hospital system. So, I’ve been doing that ever since, and I love it,” he said.
Future jobs took him to health systems in different parts of the country, where he learned that communities are different, but the commitment to caring about patients, staff, and their well-being is the same.
In 2012, he came to Hoag as a contractor to work on the budget and special projects, expecting to be here for three months. Each subsequent three-month extension pulled him closer to Hoag. “I basically had a six-month, on-the-job interview with Robert Braithwaite,” Andrew said of Hoag’s president and CEO.
Food
In addition to finances, food and family are also passion areas for Andrew. Raised in a traditional threegeneration, Italian home, he has enjoyed the culture of sharing meals to engage people and connect over common dedication to Hoag.
By 2019, his culinary skills were known to colleagues— so much so that one of them asked him if he would offer his chef services as a bidding item for the annual Christmas Carol Ball’s fundraiser auction in support of Hoag. He immediately accepted, and his dinner for eight people sold for $5,300.
“I was totally blown away. Who would pay for me to cook?” Andrew said. “It turned out to be Dick and Mary Allen. Being the gracious person that he is, Dick invited the couple that he was bidding against.” Accompanied by his wife, Jennifer Cook, who also serves as his sous chef, Andrew made a spread with a main course of truffle mushroom risotto at the Allen home. What Andrew appreciated most about the dinner was that it brought him closer to Mary and Dick Allen, longtime Hoag friends and namesake of its diabetes center. “The dinner table's always been a place to meet people, greet people, and get to know them,” Andrew said.
Since then, Andrew’s meals have become a soughtafter auction prize each year at the Christmas Carol Ball, selling for as much as $15,000 (so far). He remembers what he cooked for each one: grilled veal chops with prosciutto, mozzarella, and a red wine reduction; miso-glazed Chilean sea bass…each an orchestra of flavors.
Andrew’s own palate cherishes the simplest dishes: those from his childhood, cooked by and alongside his grandmother. “She was a fantastic cook. She was also a character. If someone asked for a recipe, she would leave one or two ingredients out so theirs would never taste like hers,” he remembers. “But thankfully for her grandson, she didn't do that.”
An upbringing alongside his family, particularly his grandparents, taught Andrew how to give in the simplest ways. “We didn't have anything. So, it was all about being kind to everybody,” he said. Because of his grandfather, Andrew always has a handkerchief with him. “He told me that I always needed to be prepared because you never know when you're going to run into somebody who needs it because they're crying. I've given away easily a hundred handkerchiefs in my time.”
A symbol of his childhood and a source of inspiration, Andrew displays his great-grandmother's rolling pin and pasta cutter, above, in his kitchen.
Philanthropy
Inspired by and in honor of his family, Andrew is also a Hoag donor. As the chief financial officer, he sees the direct power philanthropy has on a hospital’s finances. “We get to buy things that other places have to put in their budget and maybe can't get. Donors have helped us buy surgical robots, recruit world-class physicians, and they are helping us build a new campus.” Andrew was also an early donor to the Boldly Hoag campaign, which is fueling Hoag’s expansion, starting at Hoag’s Irvine hospital on the Sun Family Campus. Buildings are rising, fortified with philanthropic dollars and community support for the vision ahead.
Andrew sees Hoag’s growth being not only physical but also an expansion of its standard of health care. “We’re building and hiring for these new spaces, but we’ll need our longtime and dedicated teammates in these facilities as well to show our new colleagues the Hoag way, so we retain the culture that makes Hoag so special,” he said.
Generous friends of Hoag who make gifts and donate their time make Andrew’s job easier, he said. Philanthropic funds supplement hospital funding, ensuring that the most pressing needs are met, while ensuring that there are also resources available to continually elevate care. Andrew is a proud ambassador of the Hoag mission wherever he goes.
“Even when I'm not wearing it, I always have this Hoag badge on,” he said. “I feel like it’s a privilege.”
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A look at the latest Hoag Hospital Foundation events and gatherings.
DECEMBER 2023
57th Annual Christmas Carol Ball
Co-chaired by Dick Pickup and his daughter, Devon Martin, the 57th annual Christmas Carol Ball held at VEA Newport Beach brought together nearly 450 guests who rang in the holiday season with first-rate entertainment, fabulous food, festive candy, dancing, and even disco balls! The celebration raised $954,000 to advance patient care at Hoag. We were grateful to share this special time with Dick Pickup prior to his passing in April 2024.
APRIL 2024
30th Annual Hoag Heritage Society Luncheon
The Hoag Heritage Society recognizes donors who have made planned gifts to Hoag. This year’s Hoag Heritage Society Luncheon, held at the Balboa Bay Resort, was extra special as it commemorated the 30th annual event. Guests heard from fellow Hoag Heritage Society member Marcy Brown, senior vice president and chief operations officer at Hoag, on the importance of planned gifts for Hoag’s future and enjoyed witty entertainment provided by comedian and magician Dana Daniels.
SCENE
A look at the latest Hoag Hospital Foundation events and gatherings.
Hoag Innovators Spring Meeting
Hoag Innovators is a group of philanthropists, entrepreneurs, and community leaders who meet twice a year to learn about the latest advancements in medicine from Hoag’s leading physicians and determine how best to invest their pooled philanthropic gifts to catalyze innovation at Hoag. At their spring meeting, held at the Lido House, Innovators heard technology pitches from three physicians and collectively chose to allocate funding to all three projects, which will advance care in interventional radiology, digestive health, and neurosciences. Since its inception in 2017, Hoag Innovators has raised more than $24 million to advance Hoag’s innovation platform and strengthen its position as a health care leader.
Endowed Chair Donor Reception
Held at the Pendry Newport Beach, this special evening celebrated Hoag’s endowed chairs and the visionary supporters whose dedication and generosity empower these physician leaders to advance their specialties and Hoag. Throughout the evening, endowed chairs shared personal messages of gratitude and impact. Since the inception of the Endowed Chair Program over a decade ago, more than $60 million has been generously donated, establishing 22 endowed chairs at Hoag.
Choose Nursing, Choose Hoag
The 2024 Choose Nursing, Choose Hoag Luncheon celebrated Hoag’s talented and compassionate nurses and the generous donors who empower them to flourish. Held at the Balboa Bay Resort, the program featured a conversation on supporting the wellness of Hoag nurses and raised $150,000 to advance nursing excellence at Hoag.
MAY 2024
BUILD BOLDLY
Plan Today to Support Your Legacy and Hoag’s
As long as people need excellent health care, Hoag will strive to deliver it. We need your help so people across Orange County can rely on Hoag’s level of care today, tomorrow, and for generations to come. Many people choose to make a gift to Hoag through their will, trust, retirement accounts, and other methods that may bring financial and tax benefits. Take a few minutes planning today to ensure a brighter tomorrow for yourself, your family, and the community.
We are here to help.
For more information about making a gift to Hoag, contact: Julie Heggeness, JD, CSPG, TEP
Vice President, Legal & Executive Director, Gift Planning
949-764-7206 | Julie.Heggeness@hoag.org | hoaghospitalfoundation.org
2024 Board of Directors
Officers
Deborah H. Margolis, Chair
Stephen G. Muzzy, Vice Chair
Kyle B. Wescoat, Treasurer
Diane A. Connelly, Secretary
Directors
Anthony A. Allen
Lisa Argyros
Victor A. Assad
Philip A. Belling
Patricia L. Berchtold
Robert T. Braithwaite
Irving M. Chase
Gary A. Fudge
Whitney K. Gomez
Mark A. Hardtke, Sr.
Betty E. Huang
Paul C. Lin
Devon R. Martin
Carolyn C. McKitterick
Gary Pickett
Aidan A. Raney, MD, FACC
Katherine Shen
Cynthia Stokke
Richard H. Taketa
Senior Leadership
Geoff McCloskey
Senior Vice President, Finance and Operations
Adam Gafke
Vice President, Campaigns and Development Analytics
Lyddy Lewis
Vice President of Development, Major Gifts
Gwen Ritter
Vice President of Development, Principal Gifts
Jenelle Seltzer
Vice President, Donor Relations
