One enchanted evening
Hundreds attend SVMC’S 12th annual gala and ‘Dancing with the Sierra View Stars’ competition
Over 400 guests gathered inside the main pavilion at the Porterville Fairgrounds Saturday evening to attend Sierra View Medical Center’s 12th annual gala event and Dancing with the Sierra View Stars competition that benefits the hospital’s Roger S. Good Cancer Center.
The SVMC Foundation sponsored the four dancing couples and judges for the evening entertainment, and guests were delighted by the variety of the fabulous dance performances and voted with their pocketbooks.
‘Enchanted Forest’ was the gala’s theme this year, and decorations of green and blue fabrics and painted walls transformed the main hall of the fairgrounds into a forest, with elegant dinner tables and astounding towering flower arrange-
ments.
Foundation Chairman and Master of Ceremonies Dennis Townsend welcomed and thanked everyone for attending the event to help raise funds to procure a new 4D CT Simulator for Sierra View Medical Center, and SVMC CEO Donna Hefner said all proceeds would purchase the advanced technology equipment.
Many guests, visiting dignitaries, and Tulare County doctors and health professionals were present at the event, and all seemed to enjoy the beautiful and well-organized black-tie occasion.
Irene Smith of the Mariachi Academy was at the gala for the first time, was excited to see the dancers.
Quinn Atherton danced in 2017 and was a dance judge this year, and said, “I’m actually able to enjoy this spectacular evening.”
Townsend welcomed Porterville City Manager John Lollis, Mayor Milt Stowe, Porterville City Council member Martha Flores, Tulare County Chief Sheriff Mike Boudreaux, City and SVMC Board of Directors and Executive team and other dignitaries attending the gala.
Retired Tulare County Board Supervisor District 1 Alan Ishida and his wife Wanda, District 5 Supervisor Mike Ennis, and Cece Townsend also attended the gala.
“I personally thank you for this unbelievable event,” said Hefner, “Help us fight cancer. I pour out my love to friends and family of survivors, and thank you for this wonderful evening.”
“It’s a great pleasure to see Mayor Milt Stowe and Lorry here tonight,” said Lollis, before he gave the invocation and prayed for the safety of the dancers.
Lorry said the gala was “beautiful and enchanting,” and she was glad to see people getting to know each other again, “I’m having a good time tonight.”
Beverly Atherton said it was wonderful to watch her mother perform last year and amazing to see her judge the dancing tonight. “I love the cause and love coming to the medical center gala every year.”
“It’s a wonderful community event to raise money for the hospital, and putting money and the wellness of individuals is what makes the community thrive,” said Michelle Punian, a teacher at St. Anne’s school. She is close friends with Dr. Jaisi and Dr. Jasvir Sidhu, and says they are lucky have them as their family physician’s as well as friends. “We have wonderful doctors in Porterville. And Dr. Sidhu Sr. is a true lover of people. He is a wonderful example of stewardship.”
The dancers train from 8 or 9 months to a year before each foundation gala.
Dr. Anthony and Kristy Martin danced an upbeat 1950’s jazz swing dance with lifts and acrobatics that was very entertaining. Kristi used the song Dear Future Husband, and the couple wore matching outfits.
Judge Amy Graybehl said they had great speed and lifts, and it looked like they were having fun. They did a spectacular floor spin with great synergy said the other judges.
Dr. Abel and Sofia Ojeda did a dance using quick steps and a jazz infused style using a storyline and props. They put a huge amount of energy and verve into their dance and worked the crowd and dance floor.
“It was a fantastic time to get lost with my wife in front of all these people,” said Dr. Ojeda, “We had a wonderful time with the other contestants, and it was wonderful working with dance teachers Stephanie and Tony Berra and the SVMC Foundation.” The Ojedas danced to “Can’t Stop the Feeling” by Justin Timberlake.
William and Larissa Wells danced a thrilling country western style dance with lifts and twirls that wowed the audience. Larissa threw in a surprise hip-hop element that really surprised her husband. The couple love to dance, and were excited to raise money for such a good cause.
Mitch and Liz Brown were the fourth couple, and danced for a cause close to their heart. Mitch’s mom was a cancer treatment center patient.
When the Browns danced, it was evident that they had a close and loving relationship, and it showed in their dancing, said Atherton. They also used the entire dance floor continually and it was a pleasure to watch. All the other judges concurred.
When guests voted on the dancers, the foundation received a little over $15,000 for the evening.
Mitch and Liz Brown won the competition with a total score of 30 from three judges, but all the couples were given awards for their spectacular performances.
The audience clearly enjoyed and admired all of the dancers and appreciated their different and fabulous routines and hard work.