80th Anniversary Candlelight Ball Raises $2 Million for Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla

San Diego – With generous support from philanthropist and newspaper heiress Betty Knight Scripps, the 80th Anniversary Ruby Jubilee Candlelight Ball on Dec. 5, 2009, raised $2 million to benefit lifesaving care at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla. Mrs. Scripps served as General Chairman of the prestigious black-tie event, making it the seventh consecutive year she provided philanthropic leadership.

Honoring the rich history of the Candlelight Ball, one of San Diego’s oldest and most prominent events, the more than 430 guests in attendance began the evening with a champagne toast. The gala was also commemorated with the presentation of a one-of-a-kind rose, the Betty Knight Scripps Rose, created especially in honor of Mrs. Scripps to celebrate her ongoing commitment and support of Scripps La Jolla. Mrs. Scripps joins the prestigious company of others with roses named for them, including Queen Elizabeth, Nancy Reagan, Barbara Bush and Diana, Princess of Wales.

Throughout the elegant evening, guests were treated to gourmet dining, dancing to The Bob Hardwick Sound and spectacular holiday décor. The ball also included an appearance by guest of honor, Academy Award-winning actor and La Jolla native Cliff Robertson.

In addition to Mrs. Scripps’ Chairmanship of the Candlelight Ball, her philanthropic activities are numerous on a national and international level.

Established in 1924 by Ellen Browning Scripps, Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla has been one of Southern California’s premier medical centers for more than 80 years. Scripps La Jolla offers a wide range of clinical, surgical and specialty services including a Level II Trauma Center and 24-hour emergency services, intensive care, interventional cardiology and radiology, radiation oncology, cardiothoracic and orthopedic services, neurology, bariatric surgery and women’s health services.

The hospital is consistently recognized for quality patient care and was the first in San Diego to be designated a Magnet Hospital by the American Nursing Association for excellence in patient care.

Contact: Laura Dennison
Phone: 858-678-7171
E-mail: dennison.laura@scrippshealth.org