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GIVE FROM THE HEART

‘Our Children, Our Future’ Event Honored Those Making a Lifelong Difference in the Health and Future of the Valley’s Most Vulnerable Kids

Phoenix – Nov. 2, 2017 – On Saturday, October 28, a record-setting crowd of more than 580 raised in excess of $565,000 at the 14th Annual Maricopa Health Foundation CopaBall. The sold-out black-tie event, entitled ‘Our Children, Our Future’ raised both awareness and funds for medical and education programs at Maricopa Integrated Health System (MIHS) our community’s public teaching hospital and safety net system of care.

Emceed by Valley media personality Karie Dozer, speakers included MIHS President and CEO Steve Purves, Honorary Event Chairman Dr. Lattie Coor, Maricopa Health Foundation CEO Nate Lowrie and Thunderbirds Big Chief, Andy Markham, who accepted the 2017 Arizona Legacy Award on behalf of Thunderbirds Charities. The award was presented by Victoria McPherson representing the Pendergast family, the 2016 Arizona Legacy Award honorees.

Other 2017 award recipients recognized were:

Dr. Julia Kelly, Director of Ambulatory Pediatrics for District Medical Group and Medical Director for the Comprehensive Health Center Pediatric Clinic at MIHS, who received the J. Kipp Charlton Physician of Excellence Award.

The award, named for the late J. Kipp Charlton, who, during 45 years at MIHS, served as Chairman of the Department of Pediatrics, Director of the Division of Nephrology and as an attending pediatrician, was presented by Dr. Charlton’s children, Paul Charlton and Daphne Charlton Landsborough.

Diana Schmidt, BSN, RN-NIC, a 33-year MIHS Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse and 30-year Clinical Resource Leader for the NICU night shift at MIHS, was awarded the Joey Ridenour Nursing Excellence Award.

The award, named for Joey Ridenour RN, MN, FAAN, who served MIHS for more than 24 years, both as Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of Nursing, was presented by Maricopa County Special Health Care District Board of Directors Vice Chairman Mary A. Harden, RN,  who spent 32 years as a nurse at MIHS. Ridenour currently serves as Executive Director of the Arizona State Board of Nursing.

“We are delighted with the record-breaking support for the Maricopa Health Foundation as we raise funds and awareness for the critical work done at MIHS,” said Foundation CEO Nate Lowrie. “Huge thanks to MIHS President and CEO Steve Purves, the MIHS leadership team and board, our Foundation board members and staff, and the generous donors helping us invest in the kids in our community.”

The fun-filled masquerade-themed event was held at the Montelucia Resort and Spa in Paradise Valley, Arizona.

Valleywise Health Foundation is a nonprofit organization supporting Valleywise Health, Arizona’s only public teaching hospital and safety-net health system. Money raised by the Foundation supports the following Valleywise Health facilities and programs: Maricopa Medical Center, Arizona Burn Center, Arizona Children’s Center, Valleywise HealthBehavioral Health Programs, Valleywise Health Breast Clinic, Valleywise Health Chaplaincy Programs, Labor and Delivery, Level 1 Trauma Center (serving both children and adults), Mariposa: Wings to Safety Domestic Violence Clinic, Phoenix Cancer Center, Refugee Women’s Health Clinic and 12 Family Health Centers across Maricopa County.

Contact: Maricopa Health Foundation
Marcia Scott – 602-451-4550
Marcia@AZClearwater.com

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