Dec. 12, 2008

Flagstaff Medical Center’s 48th annual Turquoise Ball, held Dec. 5 at the High Country Conference Center, paid tribute to two of its dedicated workers while raising unprecedented funds for the hospital’s heart and vascular programs. The event set records for the Turquoise Ball in number of guests attending, dollars raised and sponsorships secured.

Evelyn Sandoval, Mailroom, and Billie Roberts, Nutrition Services, received unexpected notoriety as the master of ceremonies and FMC Board Chairman, Chris Bavasi, directed the spotlight to their tables during the gala. The two women were praised as being representative of the hospital’s “real dignitaries.”

The 2008 Turquoise Ball’s presenting sponsor, Flagstaff law firm Aspey, Watkins & Diesel, expressed its goal in sponsoring the event of bringing together the community. “FMC and AWD have grown up together in Flagstaff and it is vitally important that local business support the continued growth of the hospital,” said Harold Watkins, managing partner of AWD. “Because FMC is a non-profit hospital it needs everyone’s support to ensure comprehensive medical services are available when we need them.”

The 500-guest gala included a live auction with a Kokopelli metal sculpture by Robert Shields, a Giclee print by Shonto Begay and a Hopi Katsina by Gerry Quotskuyva. A raffle carried out by simultaneously popping 100 red balloons around the ballroom added to the festivities. Guests were treated to a bit of history as Dr. Gilbert Sechrist who recounted the days of his youth working with his family as the hospital groundskeeper and eventually practicing in Flagstaff.
Proceeds from this year’s ball will benefit patients who receive care through FMC’s heart and vascular programs. FMC’s cardiovascular team was present, assisting as bid spotters in the auction.

To learn more about Flagstaff Medical Center and donation opportunities, visit FlagstaffMedicalCenter.com and click on the “Get Involved” link or call the Foundation at Flagstaff Medical Center at 928 773-2093.