Valley Presbyterian Hospital to Host Fundraising Dinner, 1st Annual Celebration of Excellence Honors Lodwrick and Carole Cook
Van Nuys, CA (PRWEB) April 11, 2014 -- Valley Presbyterian Hospital is pleased to announce the upcoming launch of its annual fundraising dinner event. The 1st Annual Celebration of Excellence will take place May 1 at the Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 North Sepulveda Blvd., in Los Angeles from 6-9 PM.
This inaugural event will benefit Community Emergency Services at Valley Presbyterian Hospital. For more than 50 years, the hospital has provided critically needed emergency services to residents of the San Fernando Valley. Last year alone, more than 60,000 patients visited the Emergency Department seeking care. Event proceeds will enable Valley Presbyterian Hospital to embark on a much needed, full-scale renovation of its Emergency Department.
The 1st Annual Celebration of Excellence event will honor noted Southern California executive and philanthropist Lodwrick M. Cook and pay tribute to his wife, the late Carole Cook, a dedicated member of the Valley Presbyterian Hospital board for 12 years. Following cocktails, dinner and the program, guests will enjoy entertainment by the UCLA LatinJazz Big Band directed by Dr. Bobby Rodriquez.
“Lod and Carole have been generous supporters of Valley Presbyterian Hospital for many years,” said Pegi Matsuda, Senior Vice President of Community & Market Development. “We are proud to recognize Lod Cook for his lifetime of leadership and his beloved Carole for her devotion to the hospital and the community it serves.”
Throughout their 35 year marriage, Carole and Lod Cook were prominent figures in efforts to strengthen and beautify Los Angeles and improve the quality of life for the citizens of this region.
Carole was appointed to the board of Valley Presbyterian Hospital in 1998 and remained a dedicated board member until her untimely passing in 2010. She also served on the Board of Regents of Pepperdine University and was an active supporter and volunteer for The Music Center, including membership in the storied Blue Ribbon Committee.
Lod began his career at Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO) as an engineer trainee and worked his way up to chairman and CEO. After leaving ARCO, he became Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Pacific Capital Group and Co-Chairman with Gary Winnick of the Board of Directors of Global Crossing. As a respected leader and philanthropist, Lod is the friend of five U.S. Presidents and received the Insignia of Honorary Knight Commander from Queen Elizabeth II.
“Valley Presbyterian Hospital is a vital resource for the San Fernando Valley and it has been a privilege to be involved with the hospital for many years. Carole loved serving on the Board of Directors and knew that her service was making a difference. I am honored– and I know she would be so happy – to be recognized with the first Celebration of Excellence Award,” said Lod Cook.
A vital resource for the Van Nuys and surrounding community, Valley Presbyterian Hospital is a nonprofit, independent hospital that caters to all walks of life. Many patients who visit the Emergency Department lack financial resources and depend on the emergency room as their primary access point for health care services. The hospital’s Emergency Department is specially-certified to treat pediatric and stroke patients and is a designated STEMI Receiving Center for heart attack patients brought in by paramedics. As a STEMI Receiving Center, critical care is provided within 90 minutes of the onset of chest pain.
For information on event sponsorship and tickets please contact Tori McNees at (818) 902-2904 or via email at events(at)valleypres(dot)org.
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ABOUT VALLEY PRESBYTERIAN HOSPITAL
Valley Presbyterian Hospital (VPH) is an independent, nonprofit and nonsectarian hospital serving the medical needs of the San Fernando Valley community for more than 50 years. VPH has grown to become one of the largest acute care hospitals in the Valley region and continues to provide patient-centered care for a healthy community. The 350-bed facility offers advanced technology and a full range of medical services to improve and save lives. For more information, visit valleypres.org.
Susan von Seggern, Casparian Marketing Communications, +1 (213) 840-0077, [email protected]
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