The recent Aurora Lakeland Medical Center Benefit Ball raised over $66,000 for cardiac monitoring equipment in the hospital’s emergency department.

Over the past 22 years, the Benefit Ball has played a significant role in a number of projects at Aurora Lakeland Medical Center, including the remodeling of the emergency department, creation of the women’s center at the hospital, and the addition of valuable clinical equipment in many hospital departments.

“This equipment will help cardiac patients who come to the emergency department," said Laverne Schmidt, director, philanthropy, Aurora Lakeland Medical Center. “Helping to ensure that our physicians and nurses have the latest tools they need to provide excellent care is what our event is all about. Special thanks to the volunteers who are dedicated to making this event a success."

Held at Geneva National, this year’s event was attended by 250 people. Platinum sponsors included Midwest Emergency Associates and Sharon and Vern Brunner. Silver sponsors included Great Lakes Radiologists, S.C., A G Edwards, and Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Cashman.

The Honorary Chairperson for this year’s Benefit Ball was Nestor C. Alabarca, M.D., internist, Aurora Health Center, Lake Geneva.

Dr. Alabarca has always thought of medicine as the best and noblest way to help people in need. He approaches patient care both as a clinician and educator as he works with patients at Aurora Health Center and Aurora Lakeland Medical Center. He has special interest in pulmonary medicine, pulmonary function testing, fiber optic bronchoscopy and lung biopsy.

Also as part of the evening, the Margaret Schloemer Humanitarian Award was presented to Alice Morava, a long time supporter of Aurora Lakeland Medical Center.

The 2006-07 Aurora Lakeland Medical Center Benefit Ball Committee included Dee Dee Allen, Marianne Bonifacic, Joey Coleson, Lin Crook, Sherry English, Kathy Hartman, Anne Homan, Irene Humphrey, Laura Levert, Colleen McNamara, Alice Morava, Kelly O’Dea, Terri Robert, Laverne Schmidt, Mary Schroeder, Kathy Skowlund, Cathy Slovick, Lana Spinner, Jeannie Weber, and Michelle Weber.

Aurora Health Care is a not-for-profit Wisconsin health care provider and a nationally recognized leader in efforts to improve the quality of health care. Aurora offers services at sites in more than 90 communities throughout eastern Wisconsin.

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Contact: Andy Johnson (262-767-6267)