Gala Raises $62,000 For Local Cancer Patients

(Left to right) Jeff Eller, Sonora Regional Medical Center President, Robb and Regina Hirsch, and Dr. Steve Shield of the Groveland Family Medical Center

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Sonora, CA-- This year over $62,000 was raised at the 11th Joie De Vie (Joy For Life) Gala at Ironstone Vineyards.

Nearly 200 people attended the Saturday benefit for the Cancer Patient Support Fund, that provides financial assistance to local cancer patients throughout the year.

"The Joie de Vie Gala committee worked very hard this year to raise $20,000 at the silent auction," said Gail Witzlsteiner, Director of the Foundation. "I am so appreciative of the generous support of our donors and the tremendous help of the Joie de Vie committee members and volunteers."

The Irving Symons Award for outstanding long-term community service was also presented posthumously to Mary Laveroni of Groveland by hospital president Jeff Eller and Dr. Steve Shield of the Groveland Family Medical Center.  The award was accepted by Mary's granddaughter and her husband, Regina and Robb Hirsch of Groveland.

Mary Laveroni was passionate about community education and health, and was instrumental in bringing many services to the Groveland area throughout her life. She was a 77-year-old resident of Groveland and worked for the U.S Forest Service for 18 years. She also served actively on the Big Oak Flat-Groveland school board, was chair of the Southern Tuolumne County Planning Commission, the Tuolumne County Education Board and the Columbia College Community Advisory Board.

The Irving Symons Award, named after the late Irving Symons, recognizes longstanding, outstanding community service.

Written by tina.falco@mlode.com

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