Films to aid newborns

Most people don’t associate baby warmers with the movies “Karate Kid” or “Grown Ups,” but maybe after Verdugo Hills Hospital hosts its first film series, they might.

The first film series at United Artists La Cañada 8 Theatres will feature the upcoming Sony films “Karate Kid” and “Grown Ups” on Saturday and June 26.

The fundraiser will help raise money for baby warmers for infants. Warmers, which are required by California law, are work stations used after a baby is born to weigh the infant, warm it, conduct breathing tests, check response time and measure body temperature.

In a hospital that delivers more than 700 babies a year, hospital foundation board members identified baby warmers as its No. 1 need.

With creativity and a connection, board member and Sony Pictures Entertainment Vice Chairman Jeff Blake offered the hospital the chance for exclusive showings.

More than 300 tickets are available for the film series. Popcorn and a drink are also included when you buy a ticket.

Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 the day of the show. To buy a ticket in advance, call (818) 952-3516.

The hospital hopes to raise more than $2,000 at the fundraiser, said Paul Celuch, human resources vice president at Verdugo Hills. This may become a series that continues again in the future, he added.