in serving the Chamber, in addition to her career as senior vice president of the commercial real estate services firm NAI Capital and past vice chairman of NAI Retail Council. Both are active philanthropists, and share a passion for the arts and opera. In addition to his work for the Foundation, Roger is a past board member of the LA Opera, current trustee of CalArts and a member of the Global Advisory Committee for the Mayo Clinic. Angelle Grace also serves on the board of the Blue Ribbon for The Music Center. She’s long been involved with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and her work includes raising more than $2 million a year by staging Runway for Life galas. She was also appointed to serve on the board of governors of St. Jude’s in 2000. The couple have been married for 10 years, which Roger quips, “is not long enough.” They enjoy many of the same pastimes: sailing, tennis and learning about world cultures through travel. They also love family time with their children— Martina, 33, and Gregory, 31—who live in Switzerland. And Angelle Grace is an avid salsa dancer, belly dancer, cook and mentor to young women. The Wackers can’t say enough about the compassionate care Saint John’s provides to all regardless of their situation. Angelle Grace recalls a visit from Father Patrick to her hospital room: “I saw a priest and I thought, ‘This is either good news or it’s bad news.’ When I said I wanted to go to the chapel, Father Patrick literally escorted me. We prayed together, and he walked me back to my room. I felt so safe and hopeful.” Her husband adds, “The hospital is truly blessed to have Father Patrick Comerford, a chaplain with the Health Center’s spiritual care department; Sisters Maureen Craig, SCL [Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth], Foundation chaplain, Therese Zimmerman, SCL, Marie Madeleine Shonka, SCL, and Nancy Svetlic, SCL.” Roger sums up his feelings saying, “I think Saint John’s will continue to have a great future, especially now with its recent partnership with Providence Health & Services. Angelle Grace and I are very happy to be part of it.” •
SUMMER 2016, SAINT JOHN'S
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