On the Town:Thanking cancer center supporters

The invitation promised conversation with key physicians from Providence St. Joseph Medical Center over fine wine and tapas, and that is exactly what major supporters of the hospital’s Roy and Patricia Disney Cancer Center were treated to on Sunday evening.

Toluca Lake’s Eight-18 restaurant served as the venue for the sunset event that sprawled from the bar to the establishment’s back patio. Staged to show gratitude to those whose generosity will make the new cancer center a reality, the cocktail party was hosted by Eight-18 owner Brad Roen and his partners Darin and Lelia Meadows.

Roy and Patricia Disney have pledged $10 million to Providence St. Joseph Foundation to build the cancer center that is slated to open in late 2008. The 55,000-square-foot facility will be built on the corner of Buena Vista Street and Alameda Avenue and will offer state-of-the-art technology and a wide spectrum of services that will include medical, gynecologic and radiation oncology, surgical specialties, clinical research, genetic counseling, supportive services and a library resource center.

Along with the Disney’s pledge, this past spring also saw the Walt Disney Co. Foundation present a $1-million check to Dr. Raul Mena, medical director of cancer services at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center, in honor of T.J. Baptie, who recently retired as the company’s vice president of community relations for Disney Worldwide Outreach.

Among those who filled the chic Toluca Lake restaurant and winery on Sunday evening were Michael Madden, chief executive of Providence Health System Southern California Region, Barbara and Dr. Raul Mena, Don Bogdon, Marilyn Thomas, Tamara Sutton, Yolanda Jacobs, Tara Berkowitz and Helen Smollen.

Also in attendance were Angelo Mozilo, the co-founder, chairman & CEO of Countrywide Financial Corp., his wife, Phyllis, and beautiful daughter, Christy Mozilo.

“This cancer treatment center will be a tremendous addition to St. Josephs,” said Christy. “Although it is the hope of everyone here that it won’t be long till there is no need for this center and we can turn it into a big community recreation center.”

Roy Disney is the former vice chairman and director of the Walt Disney Co., and currently serves as an advisory board member of Providence St. Joseph Medical Center. He is also the chairman of Shamrock Holdings Inc., the Disney family’s investment company headquartered in Burbank.

“St. Joe’s has been our family’s hospital literally since its inception,” Disney said. “We can’t imagine a more meaningful project to which we can lend our names and financial and moral support.”

Disney’s $10 million pledge brings the total of funds raised to more than $20 million toward the goal of $33.1 million needed to complete the project.

“This gift is an incredible show of support to build an integrated cancer center that will treat people in this valley, our neighboring valleys and beyond,” said Richard E. Baker, chair of Providence St. Joseph Board of Trustees. “I am confident and hopeful that Roy and Patty’s generous gift will inspire others to support this project, which is so vital to the health and welfare of our community.”

Others on hand at Sunday’s event included Dr. Boyd Flinders, Kay Swikart, Mickie Zupancic, Dorothy Sall, Dr. Chester Wilson Jr., Theresa Meyers, Dr. Kerry Weiner, Scott Rowe, Sister Lucy Villanova, ABC-7 reporter Adrienne Alpert, Karen Barragan, Jacquie Jordan, Deanna Breglia, Nicole Weaver-Goller and Philip DiNova, a recent graduate of Leadership Burbank.

For further information, or to donate to the cancer center’s capital campaign, call (818) 847-4673.