Donald Becker, M.D.	Thomas Barrack	Jay Leno

2005 Visionary Ball Montage Video

The inaugural Visionary Ball was held at the Regent Beverly Wilshire on October 20, 2005. The Division of Neurosurgery raised over $680,000 dollars (gross) through ticket sales, program tributes, and straight donations, with 668 guests in attendance.

The Ball commenced at 6:30 pm with a cocktail reception featuring technology displays.

• BrainLab: Vector Vision and 3-D imaging
• InTouch Health: ICU Robot
• Karl Storz: Frazee sets, Cappabianca set, and PECD Spine set
• Medtronic: "MAST" Spine Surgery Technology, Stylus electric drill, Durepair Dura Substitute, Strata Adjustable Hydrocephalus shunt, and Becker EDMS drainage system
• UCLA Medical Center: 3-D model of new hospital with video simulation

At 7:30pm, guests were seated for dinner and the program began with a welcome message from co-chairs Lisa Nunez and Patti Neuwirth. Steve Garvey was Master of Ceremonies, and Dr. Neil Martin announced the naming of the Rodney Dangerfield Operating Room in the new UCLA Replacement Hospital. A brief video profiled four patients, including musician Kevin Carlberg, who performed directly following the profile. There was also a musical performance by Debby Boone, and the event closed with awards for the three Honorees:

• Tom Barrack Visionary Award, presented by his son, T.J. Barrack
• Dr. Don Becker Visionary Award, presented by Dr. David Hovda and Dr. Gerald Levey
• Jay Leno Rodney Respect Award, presented by Joan Dangerfield

Endorsements

"Congratulations! It was a fabulous night. Dr. Becker-- when Dr. Levey introduced you and when you spoke, you could hear a pin drop. We've all been to lots of events where people are honored, but I've rarely, if ever, felt such genuine emotion and admiration directed toward an honoree as I felt was there for you last night. It was extraordinarily moving." - UCLA Development Director

"Sylvia joins me in sending congratulations to you on work well done in terms of the planning and the carrying out of the beautiful, grand, elegant, and highly professional Visionary Ball last evening. You are truly deserving of highest congratulations!" - Neurosurgery Board member

"We had telephone calls from our guests and every one of them mentioned that one of the outstanding things about the evening was that the program 'tick-tick-ticked' and wrapped up well before 10pm. That was a real plus!" - Neurosurgery Board member

"I was amazed at how smoothly it all seemed to go... just an army of workers which made it light for everyone. I think the program was great, very lively. Good food, no obvious seating issues. Great Job!" - Event Guest/Donor