October 30, 2024

Group photo of La Grande Affaire planning committee, California Hospital medical staff, board members and JW Marriott culinary team standing on stage in the Diamond Ballroom at the JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE on October 19, 2024.

33rd Annual La Grande Affaire raises over $420,000 to support Health Equity Fund

The signature fundraising gala raised vital funds for procurement of MamaAnne OB Simulator, other hospital programs and initiatives

LOS ANGELES (October 30, 2024) — The 33rd Annual La Grande Affaire gala, benefiting Dignity Health - California Hospital Medical Center (CHMC), raised more than $420,000 to support the hospital's newly established Health Equity Fund. The elegant evening was emceed by KTLA 5 News meteorologist Vera Jimenez and welcomed more than 400 guests to the JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE.

Dr. Rodney Cheng standing at the champagne wall The event highlighted CHMC's commitment to providing accessible, high-quality health care to all members of the community, regardless of their background or circumstances. The funds raised will support the Health Equity Fund's goal to create healthier communities, address homelessness, enhance behavioral health services, support survivors of human trafficking and nurture the next generation of health care providers.

CHMC President Alina Moran showcased two vital initiatives during her keynote address: Hope Street Margolis Family Center and the acquisition of the MamaAnne OB simulator.

Hope Street offers comprehensive programs advancing health equity across generations, including family literacy, early childhood education and youth development services.

“CHMC is proud to be a ‘hospital without walls,’” said Moran. “And Hope Street is a perfect example of how we're reimagining the role of a hospital. We're committed to leveling the playing field, ensuring that all children and families have the opportunity to thrive.”

The MamaAnne simulator represents a significant investment in maternal health equity, particularly addressing the disparity in maternal mortality rates among women of color. The state-of-the-art training tool will help prepare health care professionals for various obstetric scenarios in the hospital’s Simulation Center, ensuring better outcomes for mothers and babies.

“Many hospitals are unfortunately closing their OB units, leaving a critical gap in care, particularly for women in low-income communities,” explains Moran. “At CHMC, we're taking a different approach. We're doubling down on our commitment to healthy births, not only by opening a brand new OB department in our new tower, but also by investing in leading-edge training technology like the MamaAnne simulator.”

The evening featured a moving video presentation of the Barrera-Tapia family whose baby Luna was born prematurely at the hospital, stayed in the NICU for several months, and is now receiving services at Hope Street—showcasing the continuum of generational care the hospital provides. Her parents Esmeralda and Israel were in attendance, along with their care team, neonatologist Dr. Suha Newhide and NICU nurse Andrea Martinez.

KTLA 5 meterologist Vera Jimenez pulling a winning ticket from the opportunity drawing The gala included both silent and live auctions, featuring luxury items such as a South African safari, sports packages featuring LA's premier teams, and fine dining experiences at top Los Angeles restaurants. Grant Snyder served as auctioneer for the evening, which also included two opportunity drawings for a premium wine and spirits collection and diamond stud earrings.

California Hospital Medical Center, which has served the Los Angeles community since 1887, is part of the Dignity Health and CommonSpirit Health family. The hospital employs 1,900 staff members and has a medical staff of 600 professionals, providing crucial health care services to downtown Los Angeles and surrounding communities.

CHMC Foundation thanks this year’s planning committee including event chair Jeffrey R. Germain, and committee members Javier Cano, Rosa Chavoya, Vinnie DiCarlo, Rodney Cheng, MD; Kurt Hanway, Theresa Martinez, Anette Padilla and Ron Turner.

CHMC Foundation thanks its generous partners, donors and sponsors, including:

Thanks to our 33rd Annual La Grande Affaire sponsors

About California Hospital Medical Center Foundation

California Hospital Medical Center Foundation was founded in 1985 to raise philanthropic support for building projects, equipment, patient care services and community outreach for Dignity Health - California Hospital Medical Center. The generosity and vision of our donors generate the resources to provide the highest quality medical care to all in need, regardless of their ability to pay. The foundation has dedicated staff and is governed by a Board of Directors that oversees a comprehensive fund development program incorporating special events, private foundation and corporate grants, individual giving and government support—raising more than $25 million per year.Learn more at SupportCaliforniaHospital.org.

About Dignity Health - California Hospital Medical Center

Located in the heart of Downtown L.A., California Hospital Medical Center is a 318-bed, nonprofit teaching hospital providing compassionate care for over 130 years to the residents of Los Angeles. We offer a full-continuum of acute hospital care services, including a Level II Trauma Center, state-of-the-art Cardiac Catheterization Lab, Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and a free-standing Women’s Health Center. As part of CommonSpirit Health, a nonprofit health system dedicated to advancing health for all people, California Hospital is committed to creating healthier communities, delivering exceptional patient care, and ensuring every person has access to quality health care. Learn more at DignityHealth.org/CaliforniaHospital.