From Hope to Love: Highlights from Mending Kids' Imagine Gala

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Imagine Gala: the Gift of the Future, commemorating the 18th year of Mending Kids. As an organization with the mission of providing life-saving surgical care to children, giving them the opportunity to celebrate more birthdays is a clear indicator of success, hence this year's Gala birthday theme. We were thrilled to see 250 guests come together this past Saturday, dressed to the nines, and ready to party like it was their own birthday!
 
And boy, did we have a blast honoring Dr. Robert Cho and Shriners Children's Southern California with the Mend Award, and Chris Cortazzo, who received the Love Award. Romina Ublillús, our brave recipient of the Hope Award, was unable to attend in-person, but not to worry, she will be presented with the award when our team heads to Iquitos, Peru to mend children during our annual general surgery and dental mission.
 
The highlight of the night was none other than rock legend, Gene Simmons, who gave an impromptu speech and generously donated to help us reach our upcoming milestone of mending 5000 children. He also offered up his signed Axe Guitar at the live auction, and threw in front-row seats and VIP backstage passes to a KISS concert and a personal dog walk to the highest bidder. We are still pinching ourselves!
 
Another heartfelt thank you to every one of you who made this year’s Imagine Gala a success!

Mend a Child