Shirley N. Pettis Award

The Shirley N. Pettis Award recognizes outstanding dedication and distinguished service to children. Through their volunteerism and community service, award recipients have demonstrated the desire and motivation to improve the lives of children throughout the Inland Empire. Throughout her career, The Honorable Shirley N. Pettis Thompson was dedicated to improving the status of children, both nationally and in California. After her husband’s passing, she was elected to his seat and served the 37th Congressional District of California in the 94th and 95th Congress. Her commitment was underscored by six years of service as founding chair of the Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital Foundation Board. Under her leadership, the Foundation expanded its membership and increased awareness of children’s issues and needs.

In recognition of her commitment and service to LLU Children’s Hospital and in appreciation for her lifelong dedication to improving the quality of life for children, we acknowledge and remember the late Honorable Shirley N. Pettis Thompson through this award.

Previous Recipients

Leona Aronoff-Sadacca

Leonard L Bailey, MD

Neal and Carol Baker

Big Hearts for Little Hearts Guilds

Jack H. Brown

Robert Fisher Chinnock, MD

Farmer Boys

I.M. (Bud) and Pam Feldkamp III

K-FROG 95.1 FM

Steven and Cathy Kienle

Arlene Willis Lewis

The Honorable Jerry Lewis

Ralph and Goldy Lewis

John Mace, MD

2023 RECIPIENTS OF THE SHIRLEY N. PETTIS AWARD Ken and Sean Ramirez

For more than 20 years, Ken and Sean Ramirez have championed quality healthcare for children in Inland Empire communities through their philanthropic support of Loma Linda University Children's Hospital and the Loma Linda University Behavioral Medicine Center. Whether through regular gifts to help the Children’s Hospital and LLU Behavioral Medical Center with resources to meet the most pressing needs, establishing a lasting endowment to support children suffering with pediatric diabetes or launching the innovative MEND program that is now transforming lives of children and their families experiencing chronic illnesses, their goal has been to give innocent children a voice.

Alaina Mathews and Family

Martin and Evelyn Matich

J. David Moorhead, MD

The Honorable Patrick J. Morris

James and Rowena Ramos

Riverside Community Health Foundation

Clare Sheridan-Matney, MD

Tom and Candace Spiel

Stater Bros. Markets and Stater Bros. Charities

Dennis and Carol Troesh

Bruce and Nancy B. Varner

Donald and Lois Verleur

Walter's Children's Charity Classic

Ken and Sean continue to expand both their support and advocacy of pediatric healthcare throughout the region. Together, they recently made a significant commitment to support the new Children’s Hospital facility because of their strong belief that adults must advocate for children and their right to have access to the healthcare necessary to heal and live happy, healthy lives. Their decades-long, unwavering dedication to children make Ken and Sean the perfect candidates for the 2023 Shirley N. Pettis Award.