LIHU‘E — Wilcox Memorial Hospital has the 256-Slice CT scanner it has been vying for in its sight. The hospital is nearing its goal to purchase and install the advanced piece of technology, according to Jill Lowry, director of philanthropy
LIHU‘E — Wilcox Memorial Hospital has the 256-Slice CT scanner it has been vying for in its sight. The hospital is nearing its goal to purchase and install the advanced piece of technology, according to Jill Lowry, director of philanthropy at the Wilcox Health Foundation.
As one of its final pushes for the scanner, the Wilcox Health Foundation will host Hot Havana Night, a gala event Nov. 19 at the Grand Hyatt in Po‘ipu. Tickets are $125 for general admission and $250 for VIP. Tables of 10 are $1,250.
Planning for the gala started about 11 months ago, and the evening will include live entertainment by the nine-piece band Nueva Vida, Cuban dance and drumming troupes from O‘ahu and appearances by historical guest stars. There will be three silent auctions, and a custom Woody golf cart — complete with a custom paint job, red and white upholstery, red dingle ball trim and a new stereo — is expected to draw a lot of bidders, according to Lowry. Those who are unable to attend the gala can still bid by proxy.
A Cuban-inspired menu includes ensalada Cubana tipica (a Cuban salad), grilled churrascoo steak and Cuban custard.
Students from Me Myself & I Creative Mecca are currently working on Cuban-inspired signs that will decorate the venue.
Lowry’s office at the hospital is filled with Cuban-themed costumes, vintage suit cases, red pom poms, espresso sets and other props for the Nov. 19 event. A vibrant sequin dress with a high slit hangs on the door to Lowry’s office.
“That is going to be worn by one of our male physicians,” Lowry explains.
Like previous galas, most of the entertainment during the Nov. 19 event will be provided by staff members at Wilcox Memorial Hospital. This year’s cast includes the “Carmen Mirandas,” actors portraying Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz (aka Ricky Ricardo), Mexican painters Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, Cuban prima ballerina Alicia Alonso and Spanish-American actress Charo.
“Our perspective is we like to do something really different,” she said. “Every year our theme changes. It starts becoming difficult because you are trying to top the previous year.”
During last year’s Vintage Vegas Gala fundraiser, the foundation raised approximately $50,000 toward the CT scanner, Lowry said. This year, the foundation hopes to raise $70,000.
“We try not to set a goal, because it’s not entirely fundraising. It’s friendraising,” Lowry said.
A portion of the money raised during the Nov. 19 gala will go toward the purchase of the scanner, which has been nicknamed the “Brilliance CT” for its ability to generate clear, 3D images of blood vessels in the brain and organs such as the heart.
The scanner uses noninvasive diagnostics to assist physicians in treating cardiac issues, stroke, trauma, cancer and orthopedics.
Wilcox Hospital plans to have the scanner installed in 2012, making it the first hospital in Hawai‘i with the 256-Slice CT scanner.
“Our current 16-slice CT scanner is at the end of its life,” she said. “It needs to be replaced regardless. If were going to buy a new one, why not go big? This will be a massive benefit to the community.”
There are approximately 100 tickets left for the Nov. 19 gala. For more information or to purchase tickets call 245-1198.
• Andrea Frainier, lifestyle writer, can be reached at 245-3681, ext. 257 or afrainier@ thegardenisland.com.
