VIEW
BUILDING BOLD FLAVORS
Chef Dino Tella tosses up fresh fare in the new Marketplace Café in the heart of the Sun Family Campus in Irvine. Visitors and staff alike enjoy chefcrafted dishes designed to nourish and delight—where wellness, community, and great taste come together.
the President
Dear Friends,
Looking back on the profound impact this community has had on Hoag, I am deeply grateful to each of you for being part of this journey. At the heart of Hoag’s mission is a belief in excellence and the power of connection. It has been just about one year since I joined the Hoag family, and I am more inspired than ever to continue working together to shape health care in Orange County.
Philanthropic giving is about uniting in a shared commitment, like the collaborative efforts of a health care team. It is one of my greatest joys to connect with our community, learning what moves them and hearing their stories. The collective generosity of people like you drives Hoag’s mission, empowering us to deliver world-class care to our neighbors, friends, and families.
As we near the final phase of the Boldly Hoag campaign, I invite you to be part of this pivotal moment in the growth of Hoag’s Sun Family Campus in Irvine. This expansion will transform cancer, digestive care, women’s health, and surgical capabilities, creating a state-of-the-art destination for specialized care. We are close to our goal, but community support is still essential. Together, we can reach more people locally and beyond.
Thank you to all who have contributed, especially Diana and David Sun, whose extraordinary collective $100 million investment in Hoag’s Sun Family Campus in Irvine has helped make this expansion possible. Their generosity, along with the support of many others, is helping us create a health care facility that exemplifies innovation, compassion, and excellence in care. Hoag’s Sun Family Campus will be more than just a facility; it will symbolize what we can achieve when we unite in service to others.
As I reflect on my first year at Hoag, I am energized about what lies ahead. With your continued support, we will ensure Hoag continues to push the boundaries of innovation—shaped by a bold vision and the courage to redefine what’s possible in health care—all in service to our community.
With gratitude,
Caroline A. Pereira, MBA President, Hoag Hospital Foundation
From
CREATING COMMUNITY
During her first year at the helm of the Hoag Hospital Foundation, Caroline has joined donors and community leaders at pivotal moments, fostering connections that drive Hoag to create lasting impact and strengthen our community.
Hoag Classic Hall of Fame Community Breakfast with Keynote Speaker Jack Nicklaus
San Clemente Women’s Forum
Lunar New Year Celebration at Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Hoag Innovation Tour
From the Chair
Dear Friends of Hoag,
Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with incredible volunteers who have helped raise the support needed for Hoag to aim higher. I have learned that while raising dollars is important for impact, activating people is essential for creating it.
Each of us has a role to play—whether on the front lines or within the wider network, every contribution counts. The work we do together, in gestures of all sizes, creates a ripple effect of generosity that transforms lives, from the health care delivered today to the mechanisms we help Hoag build for tomorrow.
I have seen how our community’s leadership and passion create action, and there’s so much more we can do. By tapping into our networks and shared commitment, we unlock greater potential. Whether through fundraising, spreading awareness, or connecting others to Hoag, every effort has the power to change lives.
I encourage you to consider how to take that next step. Perhaps it’s telling a friend about an exciting Hoag update or inviting a friend to join you at a Hoag event. Or open your home to host a gathering on a health topic you’re passionate about or curious to explore. Your involvement matters. Whatever step you take will be worth it. The rewards aren’t measured solely in numbers—it’s knowing you have contributed to something that will positively impact lives for years.
Thank you for being part of our community. Together, we can achieve so much more. Let’s keep moving forward, making connections, and changing lives—one step at a time.
Sincerely,
Debbie Margolis Chair, Hoag Hospital Foundation Board of Directors
2025 Board of Directors
Officers
Deborah H. Margolis, Chair
Stephen G. Muzzy, Vice Chair
Kyle B. Wescoat, Treasurer
Diane A. Connelly, Secretary
Directors
Lisa Argyros
Philip A. Belling
Marta S. Bhathal
Robert T. Braithwaite
Robert S. Brunswick
Irving M. Chase
Gary A. Fudge
Whitney K. Gomez
Mark A. Hardtke, Sr.
Aidan A. Raney, MD, FACC
Betty E. Huang
Paul C. Lin
Devon R. Martin
Carolyn C. McKitterick
Gary Pickett
Aidan A. Raney, MD, FACC
Elizabeth Shea
Katherine Shen
Richard H. Taketa
NEXTUP
This is your source for what’s new and next from Hoag’s world-class team.
Training the Next Generation of Innovators in Digestive Health
This July, Hoag launches its Advanced Endoscopy Fellowship—a major step forward in shaping the future of digestive care. The program is made possible through the James & Pamela Muzzy Executive Medical Director Endowed Chair in GI Cancer, Digestive Health Institute, held by Kenneth J. Chang, MD. An internationally recognized physician, researcher, and inventor, Dr. Chang brings decades of leadership in advanced endoscopic techniques, with more than 50 fellows trained and over 480 publications to his name. At Hoag, he is building on that legacy to train the next generation of GI leaders. The new fellowship offers intensive, hands-on training in advanced diagnostic and interventional endoscopy, helping Hoag expand access to innovative care.
Hoag Health Center San Clemente Opening This Summer
Hoag is making a significant expansion into San Clemente, a move that will bring personalized, proactive, integrated health care to South Orange County’s residents. Scheduled to open on Monday, July 14, Hoag Health Center San Clemente is a 20,000-square-foot facility that will offer access to primary care, urgent care, obstetrics and gynecology, orthopedic and sports medicine, radiology and imaging services, spine and pain management, neurosciences, a wellness center, and more.
Hoag Health Center San Clemente will be located in Plaza Pacifica at 993 Avenida Pico, San Clemente. For more information about opening events, including the community opening ceremony on Saturday, July 12, see hoag.org/san-clemente.
Hoag Health Center San Clemente at 993 Avenida Pico
New Spine Institute and Center for Pain Management Facilities Open
The Hoag Hospital Foundation celebrated a grand opening reception for the launch of two new specialized clinical spaces in May. The new facilities for both the Spine Institute and Center for Pain Management are located at Hoag Health Center Newport Beach, on the Mike & Lori Gray Campus, at 510 Superior Avenue. These updated clinical spaces will enhance patient care and comfort, offering streamlined access to advanced diagnostics, innovative treatments, and coordinated care.
New Endowed Chair Holder at the Hoag Family Cancer Institute
Steven Grossman, MD, PhD, has been named the Grace E. Hoag Executive Medical Director Endowed Chair, Hoag Family Cancer Institute. An internationally recognized clinician and scientist, Dr. Grossman joined Hoag from USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and Keck School of Medicine, where he served as deputy director for cancer services and physician-in-chief. With deep expertise in GI cancers, including pancreatic cancer, he was drawn to Hoag’s unique “privademic” model, which blends academic innovation with private practice in a patient-centered setting.
Endowed chairs are rare in community hospitals and reflect Hoag’s commitment to top-level care. Philanthropic support through Dr. Grossman’s chair will help expand access to advanced technologies and clinical trials, elevate cancer care, and build a robust translational research program that connects lab discoveries with real-world treatments. Additional support for Dr. Grossman’s recruitment came from Circle 1000, a philanthropic group that has raised more than $26 million for the Hoag Family Cancer Institute.
Left to right: Teresa Conk, Senior VP and Chief Clinical Institutes Officer, Hoag; Aaron Przybysz, MD, Division Chief, Pain Medicine; Burak Ozgur, MD, Director, Hoag Spine Institute; and Robert Braithwaite, President and CEO, Hoag
NEXT-LEVEL CARE :
How Donor Suppo rt Is Driving Technological Innovation at Hoag
Miniature Robotics to Revolutionize Surgery
Thanks to the generosity of Hoag Innovators, a dynamic group of forward-thinking philanthropists driving the future of health care by investing in pioneering initiatives and transformative solutions, Hoag was the first hospital in the Western U.S. to introduce the MIRA Surgical System. The world’s first miniaturized robotic-assisted surgery (miniRAS) device is transforming minimally invasive procedures with greater precision, faster recovery times, and improved patient outcomes. Dr. Elizabeth Raskin, surgical director for the Margolis Family Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program at the Digestive Health Institute, made history as the first woman in the country to operate with this sophisticated technology.
“With the addition of the MIRA Surgical System, we’re not just enhancing our surgical capabilities— we’re expanding access to the life-changing benefits of minimally invasive surgery, ensuring more patients can experience improved outcomes and a higher quality of life,” Dr. Raskin said.
Handheld Breast Ultrasound Technology
Early detection is critical in the fight against breast cancer, and the Women’s Health Institute is leading the way by utilizing handheld ultrasound technology, acquired through philanthropic support, in its suite of diagnostic tools. This revolutionary device enhances traditional screenings like mammograms and MRIs by providing real-time imaging, allowing both clinicians and patients to closely monitor changes in breast tissue.
“Patients are always amazed by this technology—they love that I can use it right in the office during their exam to show them what we’re seeing in real time. It gives them confidence that we have the best, most advanced tools available,” said Elizabeth Kraft, MD, breast surgeon at the Hoag Breast Center.
AI Retinal Screening
Thanks to ongoing philanthropic support at the Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center, Hoag has implemented an in-clinic, AI-based eye screening protocol to transform diabetic retinopathy detection. By identifying the condition before symptoms appear, this technology allows for prompt treatment and preservation of eyesight.
Hoag was one of the first in Orange County to adopt EyeArt® technology, the first FDA-cleared artificial intelligence technology that can detect this condition independent of an ophthalmologist. This technology gives patients an FDA-approved interpretation in less than 60 seconds while they are still in the office, saving them a trip to the eye doctor. If a patient tests positive for diabetic retinopathy, they can quickly be referred to an ophthalmologist for treatment.
Empowering Vascular Care with 3D, Radiation-Free Imaging
The Jeffrey M. Carlton Heart & Vascular Institute is pioneering the future of vascular surgery with LumiGuide 3D device guidance—a radiation-free imaging technology to be acquired through Hoag Innovators funding. Unlike traditional 2D X-ray imaging, which exposes both patients and clinicians to radiation, LumiGuide utilizes Fiber Optic RealShape (FORS) technology, offering real-time, 3D visualization of devices within the body—without radiation.
This advanced clarity and precision will significantly enhance patient safety and procedural outcomes, particularly in complex, minimally invasive interventions. Hoag is the first hospital in Orange County to integrate LumiGuide, thanks to visionary donors who recognized the impact of investing in next-generation health care.
CURRY Technology for Epilepsy Treatment
Hoag’s Epilepsy Program at the Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute is taking a major step forward with the upcoming integration of CURRY software, a powerful tool that helps pinpoint where seizures originate in the brain. In complex cases—especially when traditional MRI scans don’t reveal a clear problem—neurologists rely on EEG readings to track abnormal brain activity. “CURRY enables us to use advanced computational models to pinpoint the most likely seizure onset zones for surgical treatment,” explains David Millett, MD, PhD, co-medical director of Hoag’s Epilepsy Program. It’s like a high-tech GPS guiding doctors to the right location.
This technology is particularly valuable when planning epilepsy surgery. Without CURRY, specialists rely on instinct and experience to determine where to place monitoring electrodes in the brain. Now, CURRY generates a 3D model of each patient’s brain, helping doctors visualize potential seizure zones with far greater accuracy. As James Park, DO, co-medical director of Hoag’s Epilepsy Program, explains, “By identifying additional targets with greater accuracy, we can improve the chances of seizure freedom, enhancing patients’ quality of life.”
Lung Cancer Care Technologies - Faster, Safer, More Accurate
At the Hoag Family Cancer Institute, Hoag Innovators has fueled the acquisition of a suite of technological resources transforming lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. Three novel tools—the ION robotic bronchoscope, the Cios Spin intraoperative CT scanner, and the Invenio surgical microscope—are streamlining patient care like never before. This combination of technologies allows physicians to navigate lung nodules with precision, perform immediate biopsies, and even initiate treatment in a single procedure, reducing risk and expediting the path to care.
Before these advancements, patients typically required a CT-guided biopsy through the chest, a process with higher risks and longer turnaround times. “We’re the only hospital in California using all three of these technologies together in a single procedure,” says Javier Longoria, MD, an interventional pulmonologist at Hoag. "This makes diagnosis safer and more precise.”
VR Training Simulation for Nursing
Hoag’s Nursing Education Department has adopted virtual reality (VR) training simulation technology to enhance clinical education for the New Graduate Residency Program.
Thanks to our dedicated donors, Hoag was able to acquire this breakthrough technology, furthering its commitment to excellence in patient care and innovation. These virtual simulations offer an immersive way to practice clinical skills, make decisions, and learn in realistic simulated environments that build confidence and competence for new nurses before applying them at the bedside.
C-Arm for Spine and Pain Management Procedures
Thanks to our dedicated donor community, Hoag has integrated advanced C-arm imaging technology to improve the precision of pain management and spine care procedures at the Spine Institute and Center for Pain Management The C-arm provides real-time, high-resolution X-ray images, assisting surgeons in navigating complex spinal anatomy with greater accuracy. This technology enhances surgical precision, minimizes risks, and improves patient safety, reflecting Hoag’s commitment to adopting cutting-edge tools in interventional pain medicine.
Beyond surgical applications, pain medicine specialists like Aaron Przybysz, MD, PhD, also utilize the C-arm for interventional pain management procedures, such as epidural steroid injections, nerve blocks, and radiofrequency ablations. The live imaging ensures precise needle placement, reducing complications and improving pain relief outcomes for patients with chronic pain conditions, including spine-related disorders, cancer pain, and neuropathy. “Donors play a vital role in helping us move medicine forward. Their support enables us to invest in technologies like the C-arm, enhancing our ability to treat patients while also advancing clinical research,” shared Dr. Przybysz.
“Donors
play a vital role in helping us move medicine forward. Their support enables us to invest in technologies like the C-arm, enhancing our ability to treat patients while also advancing clinical research.”
Dr. Aaron Przybysz Division Chief, Pain Medicine
SUN RISING
MILESTONES ON HOAG’S SUN FAMILY CAMPUS
Bon Appétit! Marketplace Café Now Open!
Opened in February 2025, the vibrant Marketplace Café serves staff, patients, and visitors with a new menu featuring four food stations to accommodate various dietary preferences. With ample seating throughout, it provides a relaxed, community-driven experience. Open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m., the café creates a welcoming environment for nourishment and connection.
The development of our café facilities was made possible through the generous philanthropic support of the Jeanette Bertea Hennings family. Her name is now proudly displayed in the café, honoring her significant contribution to this vital space.
The Surgical Pavilion will be the largest new structure on the Sun Family Campus.
The pavilion will feature eight state-of-the-art operating rooms, a major expansion from the two currently on campus.
The Surgical Pavilion will offer dedicated spaces for care providers and team members, featuring the Trish & Mike Berchtold Staff Lounge & Courtyard.
The Surgical Pavilion represents a major advancement not only for patient care but also for supporting and empowering the health care teams. Its modern design will play a key role in attracting physicians who recognize the benefits of such innovative facilities.
The pavilion also prioritizes staff amenities, offering dedicated spaces to rest and recharge. One of these spaces, the Trish & Mike Berchtold Staff Lounge & Courtyard, has been named in honor of the pair’s generous gift. Trish served on the Hoag Hospital Foundation Board of Directors, and this naming reflects the Berchtolds’ ongoing commitment to nurturing Hoag’s team.
As the Surgical Pavilion rises, it signals more than expansion—it reflects a deep commitment to care, innovation, and thoughtful design. Every square foot has been carefully considered to elevate the experience and outcomes for all who come through its doors.
Generations of Dedication
From longtime supporters to devoted employees, Hoag’s legacy is shaped by those who’ve made it part of their family story.
Seventy-five years ago, a pivotal donation from the George Hoag Family Foundation facilitated the construction of Hoag Hospital. Since then, “The Hoag Family” has grown roots far deeper than George and his heirs. Generations of families in our community have received life-saving care, tended to their wellness, given birth, and so much more at Hoag. Tens of thousands of employees—health care providers, administrators, cafeteria workers, environmental service professionals, and countless others—have built careers and contributed to medical innovations at Hoag.
Since its opening, Hoag Hospital has had remarkable growth from a small community hospital to a regional provider of world-class care while retaining its personalized warmth and deeply rooted culture of patient-centered care. Melinda Hoag Smith, her husband Chuck, and the George Hoag Family Foundation have continued and expanded the legacy of philanthropy that Melinda’s father, George Hoag II, and grandmother, Grace Hoag, began.
“My dad would come up to the hospital almost every day, walk the halls, and talk to the nurses and the patients,” said Melinda. Indeed, George II was known for his amiable nature, Hawaiian shirts, and impeccable memory for names. “He always said, ‘We’re a family here.’ We have expanded on that,” Melinda continued. “One of the primary directives and responsibilities of the George Hoag Family Foundation is to ensure and preserve this culture at Hoag because it is truly what makes it unique and sets it apart from other health care systems.”
For the next generation, you’ve got to set the model, the expectation, and then they just have to see your heart. They feel our passion for hope.”
Melinda and Chuck remain actively engaged at Hoag with regular participation through various hospital committees, employee events, and philanthropic support, as well as the establishment of the Melinda Hoag Smith Center for Healthy Living. Through its engagement, the George Hoag Family Foundation’s commitment to their namesake hospital will endure into the fourth and fifth generations. Melinda and Chuck’s children and nephew sit on the George Hoag Family Foundation Board, which allocates gifts to Hoag and other non-profit organizations serving the vulnerable in Los Angeles and Orange counties. Their grandchildren, all schoolaged, attend “Hoag Family Days” and participate in events like holiday gift wrapping for families in need.
“For the next generations, we’ve tried to set the expectation and model the passion and heart of our founder’s mission to improve social conditions, promote human welfare, and alleviate pain and suffering,” Melinda said. “Our family’s commitment to Hoag Hospital has been the cornerstone of this mission.”
Melinda Hoag Smith next to a photo of herself as a young child that decorates the Patty & George Hoag Cancer Center.
The Fainbarg/Chase Family
Four generations of the Fainbarg/Chase family, ranging in age from under 10 to over 90, attended the March dedication of the Steven Fainbarg Community Atrium at the Melinda Hoag Smith Center for Healthy Living. The donation, in memory of Allan and Sandy Fainbarg’s son who passed away in 2024, supports the center’s Promotores outreach program, providing community health workers the ability to facilitate access to services for underserved nearby residents.
It is the most recent of the Fainbarg Family Foundation’s numerous significant gifts to Hoag over the decades, encompassing facilities, technology, cancer care, cardiology, and more. Today, Allan and Sandy’s commitment continues with their daughter, Nancy Chase, and her husband, Irving, who also serves on the Hoag Hospital Foundation’s Board of Directors.
“The Melinda Hoag Smith Center for Healthy Living is really what touches our heart. It serves the underserved, and that’s what we’re all about.”
“The Melinda Hoag Smith Center for Healthy Living is really what touches our heart,” said Nancy. “It serves the underserved, and that’s what we’re all about,” Irv concurred. Known for regularly attending events such as the Hoag Summer Fest alongside their children and grandchildren, the Chases are carrying on the Fainbarg tradition of supporting Hoag.
“We are trying to pass on our philanthropic ways to them,” Nancy said of her children and grandchildren.
Philanthropy is “just sort of innate,” added Irv. “The best teaching is role modeling by example.”
The Muzzy Family
“We’re very Orange County-centric,” says Steve Muzzy of his original nuclear family, which includes his parents, Jim and Pam, and two brothers. In the 1980s, the Muzzys began their long history of support for their community hospital, Hoag. Since then, their philanthropic gifts, which include funding for fellowships and specialized endowed chairs, have helped elevate Hoag from community hospital to regional leader.
“Hoag has been able to attract the best doctors in whatever specialty the hospital deems is needed, and it’s just amazing,” said Steve, who is vice chair of the Hoag Hospital Foundation Board and a collaborative decision-maker in the Muzzy family’s philanthropy. “Hoag makes it very easy for us to support the things that we have identified that we want to support,” he said.
The Muzzy family’s engagement with Hoag doesn’t end with Steve and his brothers; Steve’s son, Tommy, is a development officer for the Hoag Hospital
“
Hoag makes it very easy for us to support the things that we have identified that we want to support."
Foundation, and his daughter-in-law McKenna is a nurse in Hoag’s neonatal intensive care unit, each contributing in their own way to excellence at Hoag.
“The greatest thing about Hoag Hospital is that we have what we have right now due to philanthropic support from the community, and that support continues to grow over time,” said Steve, a Coto de Caza resident who appreciates the proximity of Hoag’s Sun Family Campus in Irvine. “With the expansion, we’re going to reach even more people.”
The Taketa Family
As a child, when Rick Taketa visited his father at work, he didn’t go to a conventional office; he went to Hoag, where Richard Taketa, MD, worked as a radiologist. Dr. Taketa also was a volunteer leader who served on the Hoag Hospital Board of Directors. Over the decades, Hoag took on increasing significance in Rick’s life as a place of both joy and heartache: his siblings were born there; when he was 12, his mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer there, overcoming grave odds to become a three-time survivor; at 16, a Hoag doctor saved his leg from amputation after a serious soccer injury; and Hoag doctors were there for his wife Alexandra during complications following childbirth.
“I had a front row seat for the changes at Hoag,” Rick said, “from a single building on the hill to this robust health system keeping Orange County supported. I can share countless more stories of how this once little community hospital has impacted my life and the lives of so many others.”
Although he didn’t become a health care provider like his father, Rick has had his own positive impact on Hoag, with philanthropic gifts and service. He serves as a member of the Hoag Innovators Advisory Board, which brings together philanthropists, entrepreneurs, and community leaders to catalyze innovation at Hoag, and he is a previous chair and current member of the Hoag Hospital Foundation Board of Directors.
Now in his last year on the board, Rick said, “I don’t imagine this is my last year of involvement with Hoag.” It’s also just the beginning of involvement for his teenage daughters Skylar and Sierra. The girls joined Rick and Alexandra as they co-chaired Hoag’s 2024 Christmas Carol Ball and have been some of the youngest attendees at Hoag Innovators meetings.
“We’re trying to instill in them this larger ethic that part of living a good life is giving back to your community but specifically understanding that health care and innovation are critical to a healthy Orange County. I know the experience they’ve had with philanthropy at Hoag will be lasting and impacting for the rest of their lives.”
We're trying to instill in them this larger ethic that part of living a good life is giving back to your community but specifically understanding that health care and innovation are critical to a healthy Orange County." “
The Pham Family
Nina Pham was an 18-year-old college freshman when her father, Binh Pham, relocated the family from Kansas to California for his new job in supply chain operations at Hoag.
“As he started to work with that team, I remember him talking so highly of everyone that he was working with,” Nina said. His enthusiasm was contagious. Six months later, Nina began working part time in Hoag’s radiology scheduling, and six months after that, her mother joined Hoag Clinic’s accounting team. “Everyone at Hoag is truly amazing,” said Nina, now a college graduate and full-time development specialist for the Hoag Hospital Foundation. “They truly care about their employees. They stand by their vision of not only taking care of the community of patients but the community of employees.”
“
They truly care about their employees. They stand by their vision of not only taking care of the community of patients but the community of employees.”
Nina’s grandfather was a quiet community force who provided safe passage for thousands of refugees to the U.S. after the Vietnam War and continued to serve his communities through his work in social work and civil rights.
“He was building a legacy for us,” Nina said. “I see a lot of that here in our donor community. Everyone’s building their own legacy, whether it’s through gifts of all sizes or a naming or even me, who has parents that work at Hoag, and it’s so beautiful to see.”
The Ueberroth Family
Beyond Orange County, Ginny Ueberroth is best known as the wife of Peter, president of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics Committee and former Commissioner of Baseball. But she’s made her own indelible mark on the local community.
“She was an early example of women’s empowerment,” says her daughter, Vicki Ueberroth Booth.
Nearly 50 years ago, after being diagnosed with breast cancer and receiving life-saving treatment at Hoag, Ginny laid the groundwork for the family’s longtime philanthropic commitment to Hoag Hospital. She became a founding member of Circle 1000, a women’s group that has raised more than $26 million for the Hoag Family Cancer Institute since 1987. As longtime chair of the Ueberroth Family Foundation, she has overseen funding of numerous women’s health initiatives at Hoag, including establishing the Ginny Ueberroth Executive Medical Director Endowed Chair for the Women’s Health Institute. A tireless volunteer, Ginny has also served on the Hoag Hospital Board of Directors.
“I have followed in her footsteps in a lot of ways,” said Vicki, president of the Ueberroth Family Foundation Board, chair-elect of the Hoag Hospital Board of Directors, and a member of Circle 1000 since 1994. “We’ve been a team for 30 years, working on the Foundation and with community organizations.”
As Ginny’s involvement has waned, Vicki is continuing that teamwork model with her own daughter, Sarah, who now works for the Ueberroth Family Foundation.
“I’m having her shadow me so she can learn about our partner organizations, build relationships with their leaders, and see how they address the needs in Orange County,” Vicki said. “Because of my parents, my mom especially, Hoag will always be in our DNA. When the world seems rough and you need inspiration, Hoag has a lot of it.”
When the world seems rough and you need inspiration, Hoag has a lot of it..” “
The 2025 Hoag Classic once again brought world-class golf, celebrity appearances, and meaningful philanthropy to Newport Beach Country Club from March 16-23. As Orange County’s premier PGA TOUR Champions event, the tournament showcased an unforgettable week both on and off the green, uniting athletes, fans, and community leaders in support of Hoag’s mission.
On the course, an all-star roster of golf greats—including defending champion Pádraig Harrington, Ernie Els, and Fred Couples— competed for the $2 million purse. Their incredible skill and sportsmanship drew thousands of spectators, adding to the energy and excitement that define the Hoag Classic experience. In the end, Miguel Ángel Jiménez delivered a thrilling, bogey-free final round to claim victory—his 15th career win on PGA TOUR Champions and his second of the 2025 season.
Now in its 29th year, the Hoag Classic continued its tradition of blending elite competition with community impact. The tournament has long been recognized as one of the most significant charitable events in PGA TOUR Champions history, raising more than $25 million to date for Hoag’s programs and services, as well as local educational and military charities.
Tournament Week at a Glance
The 2025 Hoag Classic week teed off with the Newport Beach Celebrity Classic, where professional athletes and Hollywood stars competed in a charity match benefiting Southern California fire relief efforts. The Hoag Classic Hall of Fame Community Breakfast honored golf legend Jack Nicklaus as the keynote speaker while celebrating the late Richard “Dick” Pickup for his legacy of generosity. Adding to the excitement, fans enjoyed the Hoag Classic Sunset Celebration & Concert on Saturday night, headlined by country music duo LOCASH. The event brought the community together for a night of entertainment.
Friends and supporters gathered at the Hoag Hospital Foundation’s villa on the 18th hole for a front-row view of the action.
Hoag Classic & Kingston Technology Scholarship Fund Award Breakfast
On Sunday, March 23, Hoag Classic, in partnership with Kingston Technology, held its annual Scholarship Fund Award Breakfast, which brought together donors, Hoag leadership, Hoag employee scholarship recipients, friends, and family to celebrate 2024 scholars and the impact of the Employee Education Scholarship Fund Program on the lives and careers of Hoag employees.
The Employee Education Scholarship Fund was launched in 2017 by founding gifts from Hoag leadership and physicians, including Hoag President and CEO Robert Braithwaite; Hoag Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Andrew Guarni; Dr. James Caillouette, Joan & Andy Fimiano Endowed Chair in Orthopedic Surgery; and Gabby White. The purpose of the program is to provide scholarships of up to $5,000 for non-nursing employees who are actively pursuing education to advance their careers at Hoag.
“Through their partnership with the Hoag Classic, Kingston Technology has become a vital supporter of the Employee Education Scholarship Fund. Since 2020, they have funded over 50 scholars—including first-generation college students, sole providers setting an example for their children, and others overcoming significant challenges—all united by their passion for Hoag and their commitment to elevating patient care.”
Andrew Guarni, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Hoag
SCENE
A look at the latest Hoag Hospital Foundation events and gatherings.
Christmas Carol Ball
December
2024
The 58th annual Christmas Carol Ball lit up the holiday season with elegance and generosity, bringing together Hoag’s dedicated supporters for a night of celebration at VEA Newport Beach. Thanks to the incredible leadership of event chairs Alexandra and Rick Taketa, the evening was a resounding success, raising an outstanding $952,785 in support of Hoag. From a festive cocktail reception and silent auction to dinner, music, and dancing, the event highlighted the power of community and philanthropy, ensuring a brighter future for health and wellness in Orange County.
Innovators Spring Meeting
April 2025
Hoag Innovators is a group of philanthropists, entrepreneurs, and community leaders who meet to hear from Hoag clinicians advancing medical innovation and decide how to allocate their collective gifts to drive impact. At their spring meeting, they gathered at Hoag’s Translational Research Lab in Irvine. Members received exclusive lab tours and voted to fund innovations in CT technology for breast cancer detection and an obstetric and perinatal simulation lab. Since its founding in 2017, Hoag Innovators has raised over $28.6 million to support health care innovation.
SCENE
A look at the latest Hoag Hospital Foundation events and gatherings.
Hoag Heritage Society Luncheon
April 2025
The Hoag Heritage Society recognizes donors who have made planned gifts to Hoag. This year’s luncheon included a panel discussion featuring Andy Fimiano, former CEO of Southland Industries and longtime supporter of Hoag, and Dr. Miles Chang, Hoag’s medical chief of staff and philanthropic advocate. Both have committed estate gifts to Hoag, ensuring their impact will benefit generations to come. Moderated by Tony Truong, Hoag Hospital Foundation’s new senior vice president of strategic philanthropy, the discussion explored each panelist’s personal journey with giving, Hoag’s evolving landscape of philanthropy, and meaningful ways donors can shape the future of health care in our community.
One Gift. Generations of Impact.
Your legacy has the power to shape the future of health care. As Hoag brings more services and advanced care to communities across Orange County, your impact can go even further. Whether through a bequest, a gift of property, or a life income gift, you can support world-class care at Hoag for generations to come.
Start a conversation today.
Connect with Tony Truong, senior vice president, strategic philanthropy, to explore the possibilities.
949.764.1986 | Tony.Truong@hoag.org www.hoaghospitalfoundation.org
Coufos Family Center for Philanthropy
330 Placentia Avenue • Newport Beach, CA 92663
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Boldly Bu ildin g Excellence
Sun Family Campus, Irvine
