Community: One pledge fulfilled for St. Joseph Medical Center Guild, another in the works

Providence St. Joseph Medical Center Guild installed its new officers and announced completion of its pledge during a tea at Lakeside Golf Club in early June.

A total of $120,000 was presented to administrators Michael Rembis, chief executive of Providence, and Michael Hunn, senior vice president and chief executive of Providence Health & Services’ Southern California region.

A portion of the total — $87,196 — completes the guild’s $500,000 pledge to the Hycy and Howard Hill Neuroscience Institute, which provides treatment for brain injuries, Alzheimer’s disease and various neurological disorders.

The balance, $33,803.99, is the initial donation toward the guild’s new $500,000 pledge to the Cusumano Family Neuroscience Outpatient Center opening in the fall, said Patt Scully, the guild’s outgoing president.

“This is something we’ve worked real hard for and will continue to do and are very happy to do it,” Scully said.

The guild raised the funds by organizing three card parties and the main fundraiser, a fashion show luncheon under the theme “On the Red Carpet” held in May at the Universal Sheraton Hotel.

“I can’t thank you enough, but more important, our patients thank you,” Rembis said. “This makes a huge difference in the care of so many patients not only in Burbank but throughout the San Fernando Valley. The fashion show is amazing, the gift shop is amazing — everything you do is with class and has such an impact on the community.”

Past president Chik Smaldino conducted the installation, and playfully kept to the circus theme.

Ollie Vick was installed as president and accepted her president’s pin, keys to the guild office and her gavel.

“I’ve been a member of the guild for 50 years and I consider this the frosting on the cupcake,” Vick said.

Joining her on the board are First Vice President Donna Mahoney, Second Vice President Terry Campbell, Treasurer Sharon Reid, Recording Secretary Rhoberta Kerr, Corresponding Secretary Tricia Cimo, Fall Event Director Julie McArdle, Finance Director Pamela Shriftman, Spring Event Director Kathleen Marsden, Special Event Director Jill Allen, Gift Shop Chairwomen Jackie Van Beveren and Maria Balke, Press Chairwoman Terry Campbell, Programs Chairwoman Lucy Brown and Parliamentarian Jackie Van Beveren.

Guild liaison, Sister Rose Byrne with Sisters of Providence, received an honorary membership.

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JOYCE RUDOLPH can be contacted at rudolphjoyce10@gmail.com.