The Comcast NBCUniversal Mario Lopez Golf Classic recently raised $430,000 for the Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center during a day of golf, philanthropy and entertainment.
Lopez, whose three children were born at Providence Saint Joseph, hosted the event that began with a putting contest and golf shotgun start. A barbecue lunch was held, followed by a 19th hole reception, and an awards dinner capped the day. Guests danced to Yachtley Crew’s ’70s and ’80s soft rock songs and bid on treasures in a live auction.
“This is our signature fundraising event of the year,” said Angela Khurdajian, director of philanthropy for the Providence Saint Joseph Foundation. “Mario Lopez is always a big draw. He spent the entire day graciously thanking everyone for their support and taking pictures. And Lakeside is a draw. People want to play there.”
The landmark entertainment studios including Comcast NBCUniversal, the Walt Disney Company and Warner Bros. have contributed to the Burbank hospital for decades. Many of the entertainment industry leaders golfed alongside Karl Keeler, chief executive of Providence Saint Joseph, and several active and retired doctors and nurses.
The foundation honored Michael Daruty, a newly retired Comcast NBCUniversal executive and member of the foundation’s Board of Directors. Daruty has also been a member of the golf committee for 18 years and has served as chairman of the golf committee for the last nine years.
“Michael’s leadership has been instrumental for our success year after year,” Khurdajian said. “He has been an extraordinary ambassador and has brought in many media companies who support us and look forward to participating each year.”
Since 2004, the golf committee has raised a total of $6.6 million for the hospital’s clinical institutes including: Roy and Patricia Disney Family Cancer Center, Howard and Hycy Hill Neuroscience Institute, Women’s and Children’s Institute, Jaromír Střížka Emergency Department and the Cusumano Family Health Center, which is scheduled to open later this year. The Cusumano family, supporting Providence for nearly 50 years, also was a sponsor of the event.
“Our gratitude goes to our generous sponsors and to everyone who made this golf tournament a smashing success,” Khurdajian said.
Other key sponsors that made the event a success included the Walt Disney Company, Worthe Real Estate Group, Entertainment Partners, Qvest.US, Metropolitan Culinary Services, Dolby, 2G Digital, MTI Film LLC, Illuminate Hollywood, the Los Angeles Chargers, Murphy and Ed Romano, and United Airlines.
First published in the June 24 print issue of the Burbank Leader.
