Actress Julie Andrews and filmmaker Blake Edwards received the prestigious Caritas Award at the annual Caritas Gala hosted by the Saint John’s Health Center Foundation Trustees and the Irene Dunne Guild on Oct. 16.
The award presented by the legendary Garry Marshall honored the famed couple’s tremendous philanthropy. Additionally, Saint John’s Health Center Trustee Carolyn Dirks and her husband, Brett Dougherty, were honored with Spirit of Saint John’s Award for their outstanding work and charitable contributions over the years.
The Caritas Gala (Caritas is Latin for love or charity) was held at the Beverly Wilshire and was attended by more than 500 guests and raised more than $670,000, which will fund programs and services at Saint John’s.Maria Arechaederra of Pacific Palisades was the chair; Evelyn Guerboian (Tarzana) and Patricia Lorne (Pacific Palisades) served as co-chairs of the event.
“Both our Caritas and Saint John’s Award winners this year demonstrate compassion and concern for others,†Saint John’s CEO Lou Lazatin said. “Through their exceptional philanthropic efforts, they shape our community and uphold Saint John’s mission of providing help to the poor and vulnerable.â€
Since the inception of the Gala in 1993, this elegant event has raised more than $10.3 million. The proceeds have benefited the Health Center’s programs and services, such as the Irene Dunne Guild Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in the Maria Shriver Nursery, the Fast Track Unit of Saint John’s Emergency Department and the design and development of the new Irene Dunne Guild Gift Shop.
Since its founding in 1942 by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth,Saint John’s Health Center has been providing the patients and families of Santa Monica, West Los Angeles and ocean communities with cutting edge medical treatments.
