Crystal Ball Celebrating its Silver Anniversary with Special Honorees, Headliner

Photo by Terry Miller

Paul Anka is very well known in Arcadia after so many appearances – including this one, when he helped open the new Performing Arts Center at the High School in October of 2012 – Photos by Terry Miller

Crystal Ball Celebrating its Silver Anniversary with Special Honorees, Headliner
“Legendary” is one of those words that is too often overused. However, sometimes no other word better describes someone.
Returning for an unprecedented third time as Methodist Hospital’s Crystal Ball headliner, legendary singer/songwriter Paul Anka will once again thrill guests with his timeless musical style October 11 at the Pasadena Convention Center. It is quite fitting that Anka, always a huge favorite with the guests, will be the special entertainment for this celebratory 25th Annual Crystal Ball.
“After my introduction to Methodist Hospital by Mickey and Lee Segal, I discovered what an important organization it is,” Anka said. “After that first exciting night and concert…and then to be invited back again to experience the enthusiasm of the audience and the achievement of money raised for such a good cause, I am very honored to be a part of it.”
The evening’s proceeds will go to support the creation of Methodist Hospital’s new rehabilitation unit. When finished in 2016, the all-new unit will occupy the entire third floor of the Berger tower, with sweeping views of the mountains and the Santa Anita Golf Course.
“Any time any of us can give back, it is very heartwarming and rewarding to do so. It just keeps getting better and better every year,” Anka said. “To lend my support to the hospital and the organization means so much to me.”
Honorees Christine and Michael D. Antonovich:
Also fitting for this special occasion are the honorees chosen for this year: Christine and Michael Antonovich, whose tireless dedication to Methodist’s mission and principles made them a natural choice for this special honor. In five short years, the couple has become a familiar duo at Methodist Hospital events and staunch supporters of the many successful efforts to strengthen and grow their clinical programs.
Christine, an actress who joined the Methodist Hospital Foundation board five years ago, and Michael, a longtime Los Angeles County Supervisor, have actively and passionately supported the Crystal Ball and its efforts to rally community support for hospital services and programs.
“Crystal Ball is a gala event that attracts more than 900 people each year, and many dedicated people work very hard to make it successful,” Christine said. “It’s amazing to me to watch Crystal Ball come together. I’m very much looking forward to another wonderful event.”
Echoing Christine’s sentiment, Michael said, “It’s a great honor to receive this recognition. The event goes a long way toward upgrading the care that the hospital provides, keeping it on the cutting edge so that it can provide better service for those who need medical treatment.”
2014 Co-Chairs Mickey Segal and Ronald Okum:
Co-chairs Mickey Segal and Ronald A. Okum are both foundation board members and longtime Crystal Ball supporters.
“Mickey is an amazing man who has a lot of energy,” Christine said. “He is very focused, and the Crystal Ball is a special event whenever he is involved. I learn so much from people like Mickey.”
Ron is a former college classmate whom Michael both admires and respects. “With Mickey and Ron you have a strong team with extensive ties to the community,” Michael said. “Both have contributed greatly through their volunteer efforts on behalf of various organizations in the San Gabriel Valley and throughout Los Angeles County.”
Paul Anka – Multi-talented Hall of Fame Artist:
Named by Billboard Magazine as one of the most successful performers ever, Anka’s hits include “Diana,” “Lonely Boy,” “Puppy Love,” and “Put Your Head On My Shoulder.”
Anka knew that being a songwriter meant the power was in the pen. As a result, he wrote several hits, including “My Way,” “She’s A Lady,” the Academy Award-nominated theme for The Longest Day, and notably penned the longest-running theme in television history for The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.
He is a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame and is the New York Times Bestselling author of his recently released autobiography, “My Way.”
Remarkably, Anka is the only artist to have had a record on Billboard’s Top 100 chart for seven consecutive decades. Further in his ongoing, prolific career, Anka co-wrote the lead song on the Michael Jackson album, Xscape, entitled “Love Never Felt So Good,” which went #1 in 50 countries around the world.
Antonoviches Share Crystal Ball Tradition of Love, Goodwill:
The Antonoviches became involved with Methodist Hospital in 2009 when Christine was asked to join the foundation board. The couple attended Crystal Ball that year as invited guests, and the following year Christine co-chaired the event, as she did in 2011 and 2013. On each occasion, Michael, the longest-serving supervisor of the nation’s largest county, supported Christine and the Crystal Ball with his familiar presence. Despite his busy schedule, Michael seldom misses an important hospital event.
“It’s important to have a solid medical care system in place to serve our residents,” Michael said. “We’ve participated in a number of hospital programs, and our children have received services at Methodist Hospital for school injuries and accidents. We always appreciated the service and quality of care, which was very professional.”
For Christine, a native of China, the Crystal Ball is an experience that promotes a culture of love and goodwill that she believes she shares with everyone who attends the event.
“I truly enjoy being a part of that,” she said. “I enjoy the positive energy the event creates.”
Glitter, Glamor and Fun:
As its name suggests, the Crystal Ball delivers a night of glitter and glamour, complete with a gourmet dinner, live and silent auctions, and dancing for hospital supporters from throughout the San Gabriel Valley.
“Every Crystal Ball is unique,” Christine said. “Each year I meet many new friends and get a new feeling of happiness. I believe this will be the most special Crystal Ball ever.”
For Crystal Ball ticket information or to contribute to the Rehabilitation Unit Campaign at Methodist Hospital, call 626-898-8888 or email crystalball@methodisthospital.org.
About Methodist Hospital:
Founded in 1903, Methodist Hospital of Southern California is a not-for-profit hospital serving the greater San Gabriel Valley. Licensed for 400 beds, the hospital offers services that include a 24/7 emergency department, outpatient surgery, labor and delivery, neonatal intensive care, neurosurgery, acute physical rehab and complete cardiovascular services. Methodist Hospital is a Los Angeles County-certified stroke center, as well as an approved STEMI receiving center for heart attack patients.
A recognized center of excellence for heart care, knee and hip replacement, cancer care and bariatric surgery, Methodist Hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission with advanced certification in heart failure and stroke and is accredited as a Comprehensive Community Cancer Program by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. For more information, visit www.methodisthospital.org.

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