October 22, 2008 > 22nd Annual Top Hat Fundraiser Receives Record Support 22nd Annual Top Hat Fundraiser Receives Record Support Event Proceeds Will Benefit Washington Hospital's Digital Echocardiography Program A record amount of $125,000 was raised to support digital echocardiography equipment upgrades at this year's Top Hat dinner dance, the 22nd annual fundraiser for the Washington Hospital Healthcare Foundation. Top Hat XXII was the official celebration of two important landmarks in Washington Hospital's history - the 50th anniversary of when the Hospital opened its doors in 1958 and the 60th anniversary of the founding of Washington Township Hospital District in 1948. "The record proceeds that were raised will help Washington Hospital establish important upgrades in both the Echocardiography Lab and Surgery Department and I would like to sincerely thank our sponsors and attendees who came out to support this worthy cause," said Brent Hodson, Executive Director of the Washington Hospital Healthcare Foundation. "Since the Foundation's first Top Hat event in 1986, we have contributed well over $1 million to the Hospital to initiate new services, underwrite high-technology care and support community programs." For physicians caring for a patient's heart, timely, accurate diagnosis is of the essence. Proceeds from this year's Top Hat event will help purchase the new state-of-the-art technology that will enable cardiologists in the hospital to improve the quality, speed and flexibility with which they retrieve images of a patient's heart muscle through echocardiography, a type of ultrasonic imaging. Nearly 650 guests attended the gala which for the first time took place under a beautiful tent on the grounds of Washington West. The event featured an elegant reception, dinner, live auction and entertainment that included a "Best of Broadway" revue and dancing to the Bill Hopkins Rock'n Orchestra. Special thanks to Presenting Sponsor, Janice Futch-Claridge and Benefactor-level sponsors - Fremont Bank and Professional Home Care Associates. Thank you to Fran Stone, past president & current honorary trustee of the Washington Hospital Healthcare Foundation for chairing Top Hat XXII and to all the committee members who worked so hard to make this party an event to remember. Washington Hospital Healthcare Foundation would like to extend a warm thank you to Top Hat XXII Sponsors: Presenting Sponsor Janice Futch-Claridge Benefactor Sponsors Fremont Bank Professional Home Care Associates Patron/Dinner Sponsor John T. Dearborn, M.D. and Associates Patron/Photography Sponsors California Cardiovascular Consultants and Medical Associates & California Hospitalist Medical Corporation Anniversary Sponsors American Medial Response California Cardiopulmonary Perfusion Cisco Field Deccan Pacific Medical Group, P.C. Fong & Chan Architects, Inc. Jacobs Engineering McKesson Murco Management Norcal Ambulance Service Swinerton Builders Top Hat Sponsors AIG Retirement Dr. Neelam & Sunil Bhalla Cargill Salt Citizens for Better Community Fremont Emergency Medical Group, Inc. Millican Jones Interior Planning & Design Dr. Stephen & Mary Lou Ross Table Sponsors Avalon Spa & Salon Dr. Ranu Grewal-Bahl & Dr. Michael Bastasch Dr. Basil Besh and Dr. John Jaureguito Dutra Enterprises, Inc. Nancy Farber Freed & Associates Fremont Healthcare Center Gonsalves & Kozachenko Hartford Medical, Inc. Heritage Bank of Commerce Ireland San Filippo, LLP James R. Griffin, Inc. Dr. Sandeep Kunwar & Dr. David Larson Medtronic CRDM Kishore Narra, M.D. Northern California Anesthesia Associates Ohlone College Foundation Pan Pacific Bank Pathways Home Health & Hospice Royal Ambulance The Outsource Group Dr. Bernard & Nancy Stewart Tina M. Sankoff FUN-DATION(tm) Vintaco, Inc. Washington Outpatient Surgery Center Washington Radiologists Medical Group, Inc. Washington Township Medical Group, Inc. Western Laboratories Medical Group, Inc. Windsor Country Drive Care Center Windsor Park Care Center Washington Hospital Healthcare Foundation coordinates and supports several community programs and events throughout the year. To learn more, call (510) 791-3428 or visit www.whhs.com and click on "Giving to WHHS."