Nov. 15, 2017

CopaBall Sets Attendance, Fundraising Records

Left: Thunderbirds Chance Cozby and Andy Markham. Right: Victoria McPherson and Kelsey Kirkland

A record-setting crowd of more than 580 raised in excess of $565,000 at the 14^th Annual Maricopa Health Foundation CopaBall. The Oct. 28 masquerade-themed event Oct. 28 at the Omni Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Montelucia was a sold-out occasion, entitled “Our Children, Our Future.” The evening raised both awareness and funds for medical and education programs at Maricopa Integrated Health System.

Speakers included MIHS President and CEO Steve Purves, honorary event chairman Dr. Lattie Coor, Maricopa Health Foundation CEO Nate Lowrie and Thunderbirds Big Chief Andy Markham. Markham accepted the 2017 Arizona Legacy Award on behalf of Thunderbirds Charities. The award was presented by Victoria McPherson, representing the Pendergast family, the 2016 Arizona Legacy Award honorees.

Dr. Julia Kelly, director of ambulatory pediatrics for District Medical Group and medical director for the Comprehensive Health Center Pediatric Clinic at MIHS, received the J. Kipp Charlton Physician of Excellence Award. The award is named for the late J. Kipp Charlton, who during 45 years at MIHS served as chairman of the Department of Pediatrics, director of the Division of Nephrology and an attending pediatrician. Charlton’s children, Paul Charlton and Daphne Charlton Landsborough, presented the award.

Diana Schmidt, BSN, RN-NIC, a 33-year MIHS neonatal intensive care nurse and 30-year clinical resource leader for the NICU night shift at MIHS, was awarded the Joey Ridenour Nursing Excellence Award. Ridenour served MIHS for more than 24 years, both as chief nursing office and vice president of nursing. Mary A. Harden, RN, Maricopa County Special Health Care District Board of Directors vice chairman, presented the award.

Valley media personality Karie Dozer was the evening’s emcee.

PHOTOS COURTESY MARICOPA HEALTH FOUNDATION