
“La Dolce Vita”, which is Italian for “The Sweet Life”, proved to be just that for guests of Providence St. Joseph Medical Center Guild attending the annual spring fashion show in the Grand Ballroom of the Sheraton Universal Hotel in mid-April.

Social hour allowed guild supporters to peruse silent auction items and purchase opportunity tickets or indulge in adding a little sparkle to one’s wardrobe or jewelry box.
President Ollie Vick invited everyone to “sit back and enjoy the wonderful afternoon,” before thanking co-directors Kathleen Marsden and Julie McArdle, advisor Donna Mahoney and the committee.
“Many of you come every year and we truly appreciate it!” Marsden said.
Nick Testa, chief medical officer of the medical center, thanked the guild saying “Your contribution means the world to this institution.”

This is the guild’s major fundraising event and members have pledged to raise $500,000 for the new Cusumano Family Outpatient Center located on the first floor of the medical center for the treatment of a broad range of neurological conditions.
Lucinda Miedema produced the fashion show and integrated wonderfully the three designers Lourdes Chavez Couture, Elisabeth Saba Custom Knits and Berek NY. The scrumptious colors and breezy lines were reminders that summer is on its way. In between style sets, tenor Nick Palance sang several romantic Italian favorites.
Following the invocation by Sister Blanca Satles, Sister of Providence liaison with the guild, Garth Kemp, ABC weatherman, took to the stage to perform his master of ceremonies duties. Each year the guild welcomes Kemp to their holiday luncheon and showers him with gifts for kids through his Spark of Love Toy Drive.
“I guess this is pay back for all the toys the guild gives me,” Kemp quipped about being emcee.
Several of the medical center’s doctors were celebrity models and strolled down the catwalk looking dapper in their dark suits. They included David Sato, Robert Feinfield, George Teitelbaum, Jeoug Lee, George Orloff, Shahan Yacoubian, Stephan Yacoubian, Mark Mikhael, Justin Cahn and Boyd Flinders.
The biggest surprise was the four-legged canine model Romeo, a fluffy white pyrenees, on the leash held by the medical center’s chief Testa. Romeo’s proud owner Ann Valladares said he is training to become a service dog at Holy Cross and Providence St. Jo.
Congratulations to “amazing” Grace Mylroie Patz for finding everyone a great place to sit. She’s a marvel at 101!
Cash winners of the day were Gretchen Wayne, $1,000; Nancy Chistian, $500; and Carol Murphy, $250. Joy Cantrell, the medical center’s dietary manager, didn’t make the luncheon but purchased the ticket that was pulled for the $10,000 grand prize. Bet she’s smiling!
New members are always welcome. Perks include making new friends, attending luncheon meetings with inspiring guest speakers and volunteering in the beautiful boutique gift shop in the medical center lobby. For information, call the guild office at (818) 847-4624.