Philanthropy in Action

Long Beach Community Leaders and Celebrities Raise $250,000 at "Dancing for Our Stars" for Miller Children's Hospital Long Beach

The annual fundraiser, "Dancing for Our Stars" dance competition, brought together city community leaders and stars to support pediatric surgery at Miller Children's Hospital Long Beach (MCHLB) on Feb. 6.

The event featured guest MC Justin Rudd, community activist, with guest judges Miss Long Beach 2009, Elisa Sabes; Miss Southern California, Mary Maldonado; and Ashley Prinzen, pageant agent. John Ratzenberger, the voice of numerous Disney and Pixar animated characters and Cliff Clavin of the sitcom "Cheers," made a special appearance at the charity event.

In lieu of an auction, attendees "bid" on their favorite dance or dancers during the competition. Dancers included Randy Gordon, president/CEO, Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce; Fombe Ndiforchu, M.D., pediatric surgeon at Miller Children's Hospital Long Beach; and other hospital supporters.

Sweeping and twirling across the dance floor, the dancers bedazzled the crowd and competed for categories that included runner-up, crowd favorite, best technical performance, most pizzaz and most enthusiasm. Taking home the coveted title of 2010 Dancing for Our Stars Grand Champion was Kimmy Hertzog, mother of three children born at Miller Children's. Dr. Ndiforchu was voted "Most Pizzaz" for his tango.

The $250,000 raised will allow Miller Children's to fully integrate one of the pediatric operating rooms inside the new Pavilion that opened in December 2009.

The fully integrated room will allow surgical teams to access patient records, laboratory results and imaging studies at the push of the button, which ensures that children's operations be accomplished expeditiously and safely.