Every year, USC Hospital (formally known as Methodist Hospital) has held a Crystal Ball to commemorate a fellow doctor as well as to gain funds for the hospital. The 34th annual Crystal Ball held by the USC Arcadia Hospital took place on Oct. 7. 

The Crystal Ball is one of the biggest events Seniors of Merit at Work (SMW) volunteers at annually. At this event, various SMW members held different jobs that included welcoming/opening doors for guests, helping guests register, assisting with the auction, and much more! 

The gala took place at the Pasadena Convention Center where they honored Dr. Heigner Vogelbach who is the Director of Cardiology at the USC Hospital and has been practicing there for more than 30 years. The Crystal Ball is a charity event where people get to participate in a silent and live auction. Additionally, guests get to experience a night of entertainment, fine dining, and a lot of dancing. All proceeds from the gala went towards USC Arcadia’s second state-of-the-art biplane imaging system, a tool that allows for doctors to see a patient’s anatomy more in-depth. 

Moreover, many famous artists that performed at the ball include the Kool & The Gang, Paul Anka, Kenny Loggins, The Beach Boys, Smokey Robinson, Natalie Cole, and Foreigner. 

When asked what the most memorable part of the event was, SMW member Genesis Morales stated, “The most memorable part of the ball would be the auction since it was my very first time to see it live.”

Moreover, when asked what her experience was like at the ball, SMW member Leah Taylor stated, “Relatively good for the most part! I worked at the front, checking guests in, so it was good seeing all the different outfits on the red carpet.” 

Overall, the event was a success. In addition to gaining some funding for a new surgical device, guests had a night that is definitely one to remember. 

Photos courtesy of AHS SMW