Community Hospital of Long Beach Foundation's annual Condit Spirit Awards was held on Saturday, November 21, 2009 at the Hyatt Regency Long Beach, and set a record in attendance with nearly 350 guests, including Congresswoman Laura Richardson, Assemblymember Bonnie Lowenthal, L.A. County Supervisor Don Knabe, also the auctioneer for the event, and Mayor Bob Foster.
The event raised over $200,000, which will benefit the Community Dreams Fund: Focusing on Today, Planning for Tomorrow. The fund ensures that the hospital continues to provide quality healthcare by optimizing the latest medical technologies, and providing the services and programs for the diverse needs of our community.
The Condit Spirit Awards honored the exceptional commitment of Farmers & Merchants Bank, the Assistance League® of Long Beach, and members of the Fillmore Condit Founders' Club to CHLB. The honorees were recognized for their significant charitable gift support and volunteer service to CHLB, which enable the hospital to fulfill its promise to create a stronger and healthier community. Henry Walker, CEO of Farmers & Merchants Bank, accepted the award on behalf of the bank and Pat Reep, President of the Assistance League of Long Beach, accepted the award on behalf of the organization.
The event celebrated the hospital's 85th year of serving the greater Long Beach community, and incorporated a 1920s theme complete with musical entertainment, costumes, décor, and a slide presentation showcasing the great history of the hospital. Additionally, Donald Condit, Jr., the grandson of former Mayor Fillmore Condit after whom the event was named, was a surprise special guest speaker.
Dennis C. Smith and Anne Cramer were the chairs of the event. The major sponsors for 2009 were Belvista Convalescent Hospital, The Dougherty Company Insurance Brokers, Epps Yong & Coulson, LLP, and The Honorable Don Knabe, Supervisor, Fourth District, Los Angeles County.
Founded by Jess Grundy, a long time supporter of CHLB, the CHLB Foundation has a long and prestigious tradition of supporting the hospital's mission of providing the finest care available to its patients. CHLB Foundation's vigorous response to the hospital's needs has funded every major expansion, renovation and capital equipment purchase since the 1970s.
The Condit Spirit Awards are named after former Long Beach Mayor Fillmore Condit, whose charitable gift in 1924 helped make the Community Hospital a reality. Serving the east side of Long Beach and neighboring communities, CHLB is a major provider of personalized health care with an active emergency department and a focus on adult medicine.