SANTA MONICA, CA (October 27,
2014) – The Irene Dunne Guild in partnership with
the Saint John’s Health Center Foundation, hosted the
2014 Caritas Gala Saturday night at the Beverly
Wilshire Hotel, Beverly Hills. The annual black-tie
event celebrates individuals who demonstrate compassion
for others through exceptional service to the
community. Multi award-winning musician, songwriter,
composer, arranger, producer and recording artist David
Foster and his wife, television personality, model and
interior designer Yolanda Foster received the Caritas
Award; and Tonian Hohberg, president and founder of
FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising was
presented the Spirit of Saint John’s Award.
Gala Chair Evelyn Guerboian and
Chairman of Saint John’s Health Center Foundation Board
of Trustees, Dr. John Robertson welcomed the more than
550 guests , noting that since the Guild’s inception in
1987, its members have raised more than $11 million for
Saint John’s.
Newly named Chief Executive of
Saint John’s Health Center, Marcel Loh was introduced,
remarking that “I was aware of the Saint John’s
reputation before I arrived. As you know, there are two
very different skills required when working in
medicine: treating the illness and treating the
patient. I’m proud to say that here at Saint John’s,
I’ve seen a wonderful balance of expert skill and
compassion.”
Recipient of the 2012 Caritas
Award and a member of the Saint John’s family since
1987, Sister Maureen Craig introduced Larry Wayne
Morbitt, cousin of honoree Tonian Hohberg and an
accomplished international vocalist, who sang a moving
version of The Prayer of Saint Francis.
Introducing the Spirit of
Saint John’s awardee, Sister Maureen described
Tonian Hohberg , a Foundation trustee, as “the
personification of our spirit,” adding, “It took a
spirit of adventure to come to California and start what
was going to be a small school for talented young
designers, but look what it’s turned into. FIDM is an
important and essential part of downtown LA with a
reputation worldwide.”
Longtime friend of Caritas
Award honorees Yolanda and David Foster, presenter
Dr. Lawrence Piro, President and CEO of The Angeles
Clinic and Research Institute and a member of the Saint
John’s Health Center Board of Directors described the
multi-talented duo as wonderful parents, great friends
and people who live lives that embody the spirit of
‘Caritas’”.
Highlighting the evening was a
special performance by David Foster and friends
including soulful solos by jazz singer Brenna Whitaker,
singer/songwriter Shalea,
actor/singer/dancer Rogelio
Douglas, Jr. and opera singer Nathan
Granner. The ensemble brought the crowd to their feet
with a rousing rendition of “Happy.” The evening
continued with late night dancing to the music of the
Cowling Band.
About Yolanda and David
Foster
David Foster has created albums
that have collectively sold in the hundreds of millions
and has worked with Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion,
Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Andrea
Bocelli, Michael Bublé, Josh Groban, Rod Stewart and
Stevie Wonder, among a host of others. He has won 16
Grammy Awards, an Emmy Award, a Golden Globe and
received three Oscar nominations for “Best Original Song
, been inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall Of Fame and
received a star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2012,
David entered into a new phase in his career, becoming
chairman of Universal’s Verve Music Group. Making
charitable work a priority, he founded The David Foster
Foundation in 1985. In addition, he has volunteered his
time and talent to more than 400 charities, including
the annual Muhammad Ali Celebrity Fight Night, The Andre
Agassi Foundation and Carousel of Hope.
Yolanda Foster is best known for
her starring role in “The Real Housewives of Beverly
Hills.” Born in Papendrecht, Netherlands, she was
discovered at 16 by Eileen Ford, owner of Ford Models.
She signed with Ford and modeled throughout the world.
Based on her own battle with Lyme disease, Yolanda has
become an impassioned advocate for seeking a cure for
the debilitating disease. A dedicated philanthropist,
she is a major supporter of the David Foster Foundation,
Habitat for Humanity and the Belo Children’s Cancer Ward
in Manila Hospital in the Philippines. She currently
runs Hopelessly Romantic, a business to help men and
women “get wise and keep their romance alive.”
About Tonian Hohberg
Foundation trustee Tonian
Hohberg was honored with the Spirit of Saint John’s
Award for her inspirational service to Providence
Saint John’s and its mission. Hohberg is president and
founder of Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising,
an internationally recognized college with 7,000
students and more than 60,000 graduates. FIDM is a
private degree granting institution of higher learning
that specializes in preparing students for careers in
fashion design, interior graphic, visual and
entertainment industries. She also is founder and
president of the FIDM Scholarship Foundation and the
FIDM Library and Museum Foundation. A four-term
commissioner for the California Student Aid Commission,
Hohberg was a member of the American Council on
Education Governmental Relations Committee and serves on
the executive committee of the Central City Association.
She has been honored by the National Women’s Economic
Alliance Foundation, the National Conference of
Christians and Jews and THE MUSES of California Science
Center, among others.
The Caritas Gala is
co-hosted each year by the Irene Dunne Guild in
partnership with Saint John’s Health Center Foundation
to honor individuals who exemplify dedication and
commitment to the community and embody the philosophy
and mission of Saint John’s. Proceeds from the gala
benefit vital programs and services at the health
center. Since 1987, the Guild has raised more than $11
million and has supported Saint John’s through a wide
variety of innovative philanthropic, educational and
volunteer programs and services. The Guild was named for
the late actress Irene Dunne, considered the “First
Lady” of Saint John’s.
Past Caritas Gala
honorees include Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, Warren
Beatty and Annette Bening, Former First Lady Nancy
Reagan, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Arnold Schwarzenegger and
Maria Shriver, Martin Sheen, Vin Scully, Robert Wagner,
Angela Lansbury, Pierce Brosnan, Julie Andrews and Blake
Edwards, Chris O’Donnell and Jimmy Stewart.