The Votes Are In!
2023 Readers' Choice is back, bigger and better than ever!
View Winners → 
20th Annual Crystal Ball to Benefit Methodist Hospital
Arcadia Weekly Oct 08, 2009
One of the most important structures in all of Arcadia, the first on the Rancho Santa Anita, is the Hugo Reid Adobe. But research has uncovered an ugly truth.
by
share with
CAP/ Crystal Ball Co-Chairs Jill Boli and Patty Wondries have been working diligently with their energetic committee of volunteers to make this year’s ball more vibrant than ever.
Crystal Ball Co-Chairs Jill Boli and Patty Wondries have been working diligently with their energetic committee of volunteers to make this year’s ball more vibrant than ever.
Organizers Promise Entertaining Evening of Fun, Friends and Fundraising
For the past 19 years, the Crystal Ball, benefiting Methodist Hospital of Southern California, has been noted as one of the premiere social events in the San Gabriel Valley. This year, the Crystal Ball celebrates its 20th anniversary with an extraordinary line-up of celebrity studded entertainment. Renowned Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Kenny G will headline the evening’s entertainment followed by the fabulous sounds of Wayne Foster Entertainment. In addition, noted philanthropist and Arcadia resident Jim Helms will be honored at the Crystal Ball for his many years of outstanding service to both the hospital and the community.
Methodist Hospital Foundation sponsors the Crystal Ball which raises money to support Methodist Hospital. Recently, funds raised have benefited areas such as cardiac services, the maternal child health center, advancements in technology and innovative treatments for patients and The Next Generation of Care campus transformation. Throughout its history, the Crystal Ball has generated more than $3.7 million.
Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the Campaign for Methodist Hospital which supports the hospital’s plan to create The Next Generation of Care. A new patient tower is under construction that will house advanced medical technology and information systems to provide exceptional patient care in a healing environment.
Crystal Ball Co-Chairs Jill Boli and Patty Wondries have been working diligently with their energetic committee of volunteers to make this year’s ball more vibrant than ever. While attending last year’s ball, Wondries leaned over to Boli and offered to co-chair the ball next year if Boli would work with her. Boli who has lived in Arcadia for many years and who has chaired the Crystal Ball before agreed and together they have been one of the most dynamic duos in the Crystal Ball’s 20-year history.
“Of course our goal is to raise money to support Methodist Hospital, but we’ve found that working in this difficult economic climate is quite challenging and so we are reaching out to everyone in the San Gabriel Valley to join us for a ‘community friendship’ event this year,” Wondries said. “Because of the economic downturn our country has been so fractured that it will be a thrill to have the community come together with goodwill in a very large event that benefits the hospital, a place that at one point or another everyone will need to use. However, we also want the public to know that they shouldn’t wait to buy tickets because they are still selling very quickly!”
“We are extremely excited that both Kenny G and Wayne Foster Entertainment will be entertaining the crowd for a night that will more than live up to our theme of ‘Rhythm and Romance,’” Boli said. “Additionally we’re delighted that the ball will be held in the newly remodeled ballroom of the Pasadena Convention Center which is sure to be more spectacular than ever. And as always our guests can expect to be treated to an extravagant dinner featuring a savory entrée, and delectable desserts paired with wonderful wines.”
The Crystal Ball will feature a variety of items up for bidding in both a silent and live auction. Some of the items available include vacation opportunities to Fiji, Alaska, Tahiti, the Bahamas, Los Cabos, and Ponte Vedra Beach. In addition, stunning one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry will be available along with unique wines, collectable art and much more.
“We have been very fortunate to have wonderful support including our Crystal Sponsor, McCarthy Building Companies, and six other Platinum sponsors,” Wondries said.
Individuals and companies wishing to obtain more information about sponsorships and tickets for “An Evening of Rhythm & Romance with Kenny G” can contact Gloria Rico, special events manager, by email at crystalball@methodisthospital.org.
