East Jefferson General Hospital medical staff was ready to celebrate on June 11, when the hospital marked its 45th anniversary at the Sapphire Gala.
The National World War II Museum U.S. Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center was the party site, where EJGH doctors, nurses and other medical staff gathered to celebrate and honor those who played a role in the hospital's success. One of the founders, Dr. Henry Threefoot, also the event's honorary co-chair, recounted the early years and more about the hospital. Among the honorees were: Legacy Volunteer Award winners Waneta Newman and Bette Paynter, who have served at the hospital since it opened; Team Member Spirit Award, bestowed to social worker Kay Clemons, MSW; and Nicole Jones, the Excellence in Nursing and Patient Care Award. The Keith Collins MD Memorial Award is given to one outstanding EJGH physician who demonstrates excellence in the areas of leadership, talent, innovation, kindness and compassion while delivering the highest quality medical care. Jennifer Collins, Dr. Collins' wife, was there to present the inaugural award to Dr. Fortune Dugan, a cardiologist.
In addition to the awards program, the event featured cuisine from Drago's Seafood and American Sector Catering, music from the Ibervillionaires, and a raffle for a 2.19-carat sapphire, won by Jessica Waguespack, who attended the gala with Dr. Roland Waguespack.
WDSU's Scott Walker, the gala emcee, kept the event's momentum moving, and those in the gala crowed included event Co-Chairs Katherine Raymond and Danielle Hinyub with husbands Dr. Beau Raymond and Robert Hinyub, Audrey Threefoot, EJGH President and CEO Dr. Mark Peters and Kim Peters, Dr. Rick Harris, Amy and Dr. Joseph F. Uddo Jr., Hollie and Kevin Ericksen, Diane Hollis, Sally Boyce, Dr. Angie Rhett Sassard, Caroline and Dr. Mark Wegmann, Connie and Dr. Fredrick Dantagnan, Christy and Ralph Senner, Dr. and Mrs. Raymond DeCorte, Holly Gordon, Esther and John Gin, Valerie and Brian Englade, Dr. Nicole Rogers, Lorraine and Dr. Chuck Cucchiara, Sarah and Nathan Junius, Heidi and Dr. Gerry Cvitanovich, Jefferson Parish President Mike Yenni and Michelle Yenni, and Jefferson Parish Councilmembers Mark D. Spears Jr., Ben Zahn III, Jennifer Van Vrancken, and Paul D. Johnston.
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