Jackie Evancho, SB Symphony and More to Perform at Benefit Concert for LLUCH

The 21st Annual Foundation Gala benefiting Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital (LLUCH) is putting a new twist on a 20-year tradition, adding a benefit concert and celebrity guests to the program. Thirteen-year-old Jackie Evancho will headline the themed event, “I’m Possible: Making the Impossible Possible,” along with the San Bernardino Symphony and special guest, Hugo Ramos, at Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario on Thursday, March 13. K-FROG’s Heather Froglear and actor Craig Bierko will serve as the celebrity emcees for the evening. The event will kick off with social hour at 5:30 p.m.; the program will begin at 6:30 p.m., and the concert will begin at 8 p.m. “Anything is possible with the support of our community,” said Jillian Payne, executive director, LLUCH Foundation. “And this year we are inviting the community to come out and enjoy an evening of fun and excitement. With their help every child can say ‘I’m possible.’” Payne continued, “Hitting the 20-year milestone in 2013 was an amazing accomplishment. With the new year brings new opportunities, and we are excited to encompass a broader audience to the event dedicated to the precious lives Children’s Hospital treats every day.” “Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital is creating tomorrow’s healthy kids each and every day in the Inland Empire and beyond,” said Ruthita Fike, LLUMC CEO and interim administrator for LLUCH. “Funds raised at the Foundation Gala help the hospital ‘make the impossible possible.’ The critical funds raised through our dedicated sponsors and donors allow our hospital to provide advanced, whole child care through cutting-edge research, innovative technology and world class patient care for pediatric patients and their families.” This year the gala will include the traditional components of years past including a silent and live auction, award presentation and patient recognition. The program will conclude with a first-ever, live concert with 13-year-old recording artist, Jackie Evancho, and the San Bernardino Symphony. Evancho earned worldwide acclaim after competing and winning second place on NBC’s variety show, “America’s Got Talent,” in 2010. The young soprano from Pittsburgh has released three studio albums, performed for the royal family in Japan, and has performed for President Barack Obama on two separate occasions. Joining Evancho on stage for a duet will be former LLUCH patient, 14-year-old Hugo Ramos. A native to the Inland Empire, Ramos is a singer and musician who was one of the top six finalists on “La Voz Kids” on Telemundo in 2013 and first place on “Niños con Talento” on Estrella TV. Tickets for the Gala and benefit concert are available at www.lomalindagala.org and are priced as follows: • $2,000 – table of 10 (includes dinner) • $100 – VIP arena seats (includes dinner) • $50 – general concert seats For more information or to become a sponsor for the 21st Annual Foundation Gala, please call Victoria Dulin at 909-558-5370. By sponsoring the gala, you are helping make dreams possible.