 |
|||
 |  |  |  |
| David T. Feinberg, M.D. | Anthony N. Pritzker | Jim Carrey | Joan Hyler |
2009 Visionary Ball Sizzle Reel
Eight-hundred and fifty guests attended the 2009 Visionary Ball at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel on October 1st. The event was a sold-out success that raised 1,84 million to benefit research and education at UCLA Neurosurgery.
The Visionary Ball, co-chaired by Edie Baskin Bronson and Jill Grey, raised funds to help sustain the Department of Neurosurgery's pursuits in research, teaching, patient care and public service.
Tom Bergeron, Emmy Award-winning host of the ABC reality series hit TV show Dancing with the Stars was Master of Ceremonies. The program began with an opening of UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music Trumpet Ensemble, followed by a welcome message from Dr. Neil A. Martin, W. Eugene Stern Chair and Professor of UCLA Neurosurgery.
A brief video presentation shared recent Neurosurgery news stories, and four honoree awards were presented:
Joan Hyler, entertainment executive was presented with the first-ever Courage Award, received from by her long-time friend, comedy-writer and multiple Emmy Award winner Bruce Vilanch.
David T. Feinberg, M.D., M.B.A., chief executive officer of UCLA Hospital System and associate vice chancellor was presented with Visionary Award Dr. Gerald S. Levey, M.D.
Anthony Pritzker, managing partner of The Pritzker Group was presented with Visionary Award by Jamie Halper and Tim Noonan.
Jim Carrey, actor and comedian was the recipient of the "Rodney Respect Award", presented by Joan Dangerfield, widow of comedy legend Rodney Dangerfield.
Another highlight of the event was a series of moving patient testimonials by Rachel Waters, Jim Mulay, Jennifer Carlin, Rabbi David Wolpe, Marco Ferreira, and Brina Limon. The evening concluded with a musical performance by Michael McDonald, five-time Grammy Award winner and former The Doobie Brothers band lead singer.
