95 of RCHF’s enthusiastic golfers met for our eighteenth Annual Inland Golf Classic, which took place on May 14, 2007, at Oak Quarry Golf Club, one of Southern California’s premier golf courses.  Gift baskets awaiting players included a Foot Joy golf glove, a brand new golf bag, and got all participants happily started on a great game "Fore Teens."

RCHF’s tournament raised more than $ 31,000 towards teen programs and services.  Stephanie Smith, Teen Health Service Coordinator presented a powerful case for teen health education, reminding the attentive audience that every dollar spent educating young men and women about teen pregnancy issues, and equipping them with life skills as well as self-management success strategies constitute vital investments in the future of our City.   

Tamera Baxter, tournament chair, assisted by Robert Herrick, Chairperson of the Board of Directors, as master of ceremonies for the awards luncheon, thanked RCHF’s dynamic golfers for their support in helping teens make wise choices impacting their future and the future of our community.

During the awards ceremony, prizes were given for the straightest drive, closest-to-the-pin and longest drive.  Two winning teams were also recognized:  First Place A Flight – Jon Brannon’s group from HCA Physician Recruitment and, First Place B Flight – Riverside Community Hospital’s foursome - Jamie Wesolowski, Greg Seiler, Tom Lance and Kendall Brown.

The success of the Inland Classic is contingent upon the generous commitment from our partners, sponsors, players and volunteers.   Deserving mention are Title Sponsor: Community Health Systems Inc.;  Double Eagle Sponsors: City National Bank, Dutton Motor Company, Inland Empire Health Plan, ITT Tech, Johnson Machinery, Dignity, Riverside Community Hospital, Riverside Physician Network;  Eagle Sponsors: Canterbury Consulting, HCA Physician Recruitment, Canyon Crest Town Centre, Riverside County Medical Association;  Registration Sponsor:  California Emergency Physicians;  Breakfast Sponsor:  Parkview Community Hospital Medical Center;  Cart Sponsor: Shawn Washington Accountancy;  Lunch Sponsor: CA Construction.  Thank you to all for such loyal support!

On Saturday September 29, 2007, Riverside Community Health Foundation celebrated a decade of health services at its Fall Gala with its most loyal supporters. As the beautiful summer night filled with nostalgic DISCO music, Dr. Anderson RCHF’s President, CEO, thanked some 500 community guests for making the many achievements of the Foundation possible through their various contributions: “Whether it be through our clinics, teen programs, health education or dental services, it has been the Foundation’s immense privilege to collaborate with the community to improve health access to the underserved and uninsured.”

This year’s DISCO theme, superbly orchestrated by the 2007 Fall Gala Planning Committee graciously chaired once more by Carol Karidakes, was a perfect fit for RCHF’s fight against Diabetes. Indeed, Diabetes Is the Silent California Ogre and the 6th cause of death nationwide. Part of the funds raised were dedicated to RCHF’s Diabetes Collaborative, a city-wide partnership for diabetes prevention in conjunction with The American Diabetes Association, towards support services for those suffering from this dreaded disease.

Dr. Suvesh Chandiok was presented with the 2007 Roger W. Ridley Healthcare Professional Award in recognition of his dedication and achievement in the delivery of quality diabetes care. Also honored was Dr. Larry T. Geraty who received the 2007 Service Oriented Life Award for his lifetime of academic achievements and service on the local, national and international scenes. Capping the evening was the presentation of a check by Carla Davis and Lillian Reyes Maples in the amount of $100,000 from the Auxiliary of Riverside Community Hospital, one of the Foundation’s strongest partners. About $60,000 were raised during the Gala, of which $10,000 were dedicated to the RCHF’s diabetes initiative.

Catered by Taste Catering, with a wine tasting sponsored by La Bodega Wines & Spirits and a car show featuring 2008 models from Walter’s Mercedes Benz, BMW of Riverside and Alvarez Lincoln, Mercury, Jaguar, the evening stood as one of Riverside’s must-attend events.

We wish to thank our major sponsors who help make such a great event possible: Title Sponsor: Riverside Community Hospital; Platinum Sponsors: Community Health Systems, Inc., and Kaiser Permanente; Diamond Sponsor: The Auxiliary of Riverside Community Hospital, City National Bank, La Bodega Wines & Spirits, Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, Riverside Medical Clinic, and Smith Barney; Gold Sponsors: Banning Business Center, Johnson Machinery, and Riverside Physician Network.

In an almost magical shimmer of burgundy, gold and champagne gauzy drapes, the Riverside Community Health Foundation closed off the year in style. With 200 VIP guests in attendance, RCHF expressed its gratitude to its core supporters and partners. Among the honored guests were newly appointed Riverside Community Hospital’s CEO, Michael Rembis and his wife Christine, as well as La Sierra University’s new President, Dr. Randal Wisbey and his wife Deanna. Dr. Dan Anderson, President/CEO and Sally Andriamiarisoa, RCHF’s PR & Marketing Executive Director, welcomed their guests to an evening of celebration, closing off a year of hardworking partnerships community-wide. Acknowledging RCHF’s long-standing ties with City Hall, City Council, The Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce, as well as key players in the healthcare arena, Dr. Dan Anderson gave an overview of the Foundation’s health initiatives over the past ten years, concluding his address with an invitation to all to join RCHF in new direction and possibilities for the future in order to ensure health services for the uninsured and the underserved. The holiday cheer, the warmth of longtime friendships, as well as the importance of the RCHF’s health mandate made this elegant evening a heartwarming occasion for all.

Seeking community input on Riverside’s current health needs is crucial to the Riverside Community Health Foundation, as it evaluates on an on-going basis its current programming as well as future areas of focus. To that end, the Community Health Advisory meets twice a year to provide a forum for some 20 community leaders invested in RCHF’s mission and work. Participants discuss ideas and share expertise about health concerns they face as they work in the community. The Community Health Advisory is also a venue to assess the actual health impact of programs and partnerships on the community’s health outcome. It serves as an instrument to evaluate the successes, challenges and barriers to health which exist in our communities, and how the Foundation can play a key role in finding solutions. Thus, the Community Health Advisory is vital in identifying and prioritizing issues, concerns, and addressing gaps in service which can be met through the Foundation’s health mandate.