SAN DIEGO–“We’re blessed to have this opportunity to support Palomar Pomerado Health (PPH) in building the hospital and healthcare system of the future,” says LaDainian Tomlinson, running back, New York Jets. “We’re proud to be associated with the life-saving care and community programs PPH has provided to North County for more than 50 years.”
LaDainian and Torsha Tomlinson hosted the third annual Night of Nights Gala, presented by the Palomar Pomerado Health Foundation. Dan Fouts, Hall of Fame quarterback and San Diego Chargers legend emceed the event.
Approximately 700 attendees were surprised by special guests Marty Schottenheimer, Junior Seau, Lorenzo Neal, Emmitt Smith, Peyton Manning and Drew Brees, as they traded football stories of Tomlinson, and thanked him for his contributions to San Diego and the work he is doing with PPH.
LaTorsha Tomlinson and LaDainian Tomlinson; soon to be parents of a baby boy. Photo: Carol Sonstein
“We owe a tremendous amount of gratitude to the community and the Tomlinsons for their generosity,” says Terry Green, president and chief development officer, Palomar Pomerado Health Foundation. “Raising $2.2 million at the Night of Nights is a testament to the deep commitment the community has demonstrated in support of this incredible place of hope and healing.”
A special moment at this year’s Night of Nights included a tribute to Chris Anguiano, who was critically injured in a July 2009 hatchet attack at his home in Escondido. Following an emotional video highlighting Anguiano’s story, the former nurse assistant at Palomar Medical Center stood up out of his wheel chair and embraced Tomlinson to a standing ovation.
“LaDainian may wear another jersey next year, but he and his wife will always be a part of PPH and will continue to give back to our community,” says Gustavo Friederichsen, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, PPH. “They are helping to create a legacy that will enable us to address critical health issues that plague our children and families, and insuring that PPH will continue to provide the highest level of quality health care for generations to come.”
Proceeds from the Night of Nights gala are being applied to the Palomar Pomerado Health Foundation’s $55 million “Building Your Healthcare System of the Future” capital campaign, the centerpiece of which is the hospital of the future, Palomar Medical Center West.
Junior Seau, Lorenzo Neal and Marty Schottenheimer trade funny stories of Tomlinson on the football field. Photo: Carol Sonstein
In the fall of 2004, North County voters approved Proposition BB funding for the expansion of Palomar Pomerado Health facilities. Since then, planning and design activities have concentrated on assuring that the new health-care facilities enhance patient care through innovative design and technology.
In addition to the new Palomar Medical Center-West, the facilities master plan calls for the renovation and expansion of Pomerado Hospital in Poway, renovation of the existing Palomar Medical Center in Downtown Escondido, and the addition of satellite medical centers in Rancho Penasquitos and Ramona. With this master plan, PPH joins the ranks of the most innovative leaders in healthcare.
The third annual Night of Nights was held Saturday, May 15 at the Hyatt Aventine in La Jolla. Next year’s event will be held on June 4.
