National convention celebrates contributions of volunteers nationwide
Held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, the three-day convention — themed “Building a Future of Hope” — recognized the significant and ongoing contributions of auxiliary members from scores of chapters nationwide. The highly anticipated gathering also enabled them to celebrate their fundraising achievements and hear inspirational messages from City of Hope leaders and patients.
The convention began on June 23, when City of Hope President and Chief Executive Officer Michael A. Friedman, M.D., and outgoing Board Chair Philip L. Engel welcomed delegates at the opening banquet.
The next day, at one of the more popular convention activities, nearly 300 conventioneers traveled to the Duarte, Calif., campus to hear faculty members talk about research and treatments. City of Hope patients also shared their own stories of hope and healing at the event, called the “Day of Discovery.”
On the convention’s final day, participants attended Hope Forum, a series of educational sessions that focused on fundraising tools and strategies, as well as the traditional Roll Call, where chapter members report on fundraising results since the last convention. At an evening dinner gala, Peets addressed the conventioneers.
“One of the best aspects this year was the addition of so many new faces — chapter members who had never been to a convention before,” said Roz Phillips, associate vice president of Development. “They really brought a new energy to all of the events. I know they and many other attendees have helped to revitalize their own chapters with the renewed sense of purpose and dedication they took back home with them.”
Among the hosts at the three-day event were longtime legacy supporters Bonnie Fein and her brother, Michael Kaplan; Ambassador Leadership Council members Don Hoffman and Pat Perrott; and New York-area supporters and sisters Lisa Fuld and Kathy Kaye. Other hosts and presenters included Norm Crosby, City of Hope’s National Ambassador of Goodwill, Florence Henderson, the institution’s Star of Hope; Board of Regents member Bobbie Stern and former City of Hope patient Dale Shartsis.
Monday’s traditional Roll Call was led by board member Israel “Izzy” Freeman and Ambassador Leadership Council member Sharon Berrick, and accompanied by legendary game show host Monty Hall and Crosby.
“This convention would not have been possible without the enthusiasm and dedication of convention planning committee members from here in Southern California, as well as around the country,” said Alan Levey, senior vice president of development. “You deeply inspired me and everyone else who attended this year’s convention.”