Hospital foundation's big day
A sold-out crowd of 180 guests gathered at Ramekins Culinary School, Events & Inn to honor Valerie Brown and Harriet Derwingson at the Sonoma Valley Hospital Foundation’s 8th Annual Celebration of Women on May 17.
The annual event honors outstanding Sonoma Valley women who have made significant contributions to the community through their volunteerism, community involvement and philanthropy. This year, the SVH Foundation Board of Directors selected Brown (at left) and Derwingson as the recipients of the Pulse Award, in recognition of their outstanding support and service to the community of Sonoma.
In addition to receiving their awards from SVH Foundation Board Chair Sharon Nevins, the honorees were presented with certificates of recognition from Mayor Ken Brown, Supervisor Susan Gorin, Tom Bartee on behalf of Assemblywoman Mariko Yamata and Elizabeth McCarthy on behalf of Senator Noreen Evans.
In her acceptance speech, Brown said, “I am so appreciative of receiving this award. Our community is made up of caring folks who dedicate their lives to making a difference, and together we do.” Derwingson echoed Brown’s praise for the community and ended her speech with a haiku entitled “The Pulse of Sonoma.”
Beautiful valley
Everyone caring, helping
We love where we live
Other highlights of the luncheon included inspiring presentations by featured speakers Kelly Mather, President/CEO of Sonoma Valley Hospital, Dr. Diwata Bose and Dr. Vida Campbell.
Mather announced the launch of the new Sonoma Valley Hospital Spirit of Women program and reviewed the new and expanded women’s health and wellness programs at SVH. Dr. Bose, board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist and the hospital’s newest physician, provided an overview of the primary health issues facing women and emphasized the importance of annual screenings and lifestyle choices.
Dr. Campbell, board certified radiologist, addressed the issue of preventative mastectomies, which has been in the news recently following actress Angelina Jolie’s announcement that she underwent the procedure after learning that she carries a mutation of the BRCA1 gene, which sharply increases her risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Dr. Campbell also celebrated the great strides made in the past 25 years in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment and emphasized the critical role of annual screenings.
In her opening comments, Foundation Executive Director Harmony Plenty reminded guests that their contributions will help fund mammograms for un/underinsured women each May and October and thanked them for their support. “If you know any woman in Sonoma Valley who is putting off her mammogram for financial reason, please let them know that we can help,” she urged the crowd.
Emcee Jennifer Yankovich put her duties as Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce CEO on hold for the afternoon to lead the event program. Mike Benziger and Danny Fay from Envolve poured their Rosé during the reception and fellow Wine Sponsors Gloria Ferrer Caves and Vineyards, Hanzell Winery and Remick Ridge Vineyards provided wines for lunch. Major sponsors included Archer Norris, a professional law corporation, Sonoma Bank and Union Bank.
Former Pulse Award recipients; many of whom were in attendance to celebrate this year’s honorees; include: Julie Atwood; Kathy Benziger; Judith Bjorndal; MD; Suzanne Brangham; Phyllis Carter; Susan Chew; Karen Collins; Patti England; Helen Fernandez; Jean Hopeman; Marcia Levy; Yolanda Mangrum; DDS; Elsa Nelson; Marcia Nelson; Barbara Nobles; Valerie Pistole; Rose Mary Schmidt; Jean Arnold Sessions; Carolyn Stone and Tina Wolfenden.
Event proceeds; which are still being calculated; will benefit women’s health and wellness programs at Sonoma Valley Hospital. For more information; contact SVH Foundation Executive Director Harmony Plenty at 935.5070 or [email protected]
Photo by Melania Mahoney
