Attention All Passengers!

Fasten your seatbelts and prepare for an unforgettable journey. On Thursday, April 3, 2025, we will take flight at the Riverside Convention Center to celebrate 32 years of miracles.

You’ve been the wind beneath our wings, helping Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital soar to new heights. Together, our 15 regional locations serve the 1.2 million children of the Inland Empire.

This evening supports Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital through the Stronger Together campaign, funding leading-edge treatments like CAR T-cell therapy and a new outpatient facility that will consolidate services, providing families with care when and where they need it.

Take off in first-class platinum, blue, or all-white attire—casual or elevated—and join us for a high-flying evening of hope and healing.

Thursday, April 3, 2025

  • Riverside Convention Center
    3637 5th Street | Riverside, California
  • 5 p.m. - Social Hour and Silent Auction
    7 p.m. - Program, Dinner, and Live Auction
  • Attire: First-class platinum, blue, or all-white attire—casual or elevated
  • Emcee: Heather Froglear

Please Note: The Riverside Convention Center has updated its security protocols, and all guests will be asked to pass through metal detectors upon entry. Thank you for allowing a little extra time for arrival, and we look forward to enjoying the rest of our evening without further delay!

2024 31st Gala - Gala Highlights

Awardees

Shirley N. Pettis Award | Jeanne and Lou Mace

The Shirley N. Pettis Award is reserved for those whose lives have been dedicated in service to children. Jeanne and Lou Mace exemplify this through their tireless volunteer efforts and heartfelt commitment to improving the lives of children throughout the Inland Empire.

Jeanne, a founding member and past president of the Desert Guild, helped shape it into a driving force for pediatric care. Alongside Lou, they recently became Lifetime Members, pledging $500,000 from their estate to support pediatric research through the Woolley-Pettis Endowed Chair. Their gift ensures that innovation in children’s healthcare will continue for years to come.

Nancy B. Varner Lifetime Achievement Award | BIGHORN Cares

The Nancy B. Varner Lifetime Achievement Award is a tribute to those who have shown extraordinary dedication and a lifetime of distinguished service to children. BIGHORN Cares embodies this spirit through its unwavering commitment to improving the lives of children and families in our community.  

Since 2014, BIGHORN Cares has distributed over $5.4 million through 572 grants, funding essential programs such as afterschool initiatives, maternity aid, health screenings, and foster care. Their generosity has directly benefited Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, contributing over $135,000 since 2017 to support pediatric care and services.

Dr. Leonard L. Bailey Outstanding Clinician Award | Albert Kheradpour, MD

The Dr. Leonard L. Bailey Outstanding Clinician Award honors lifelong dedication and distinguished service to children by a clinician at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital. Dr. Albert Kheradpour has exemplified these qualities throughout his professional career through his unmatched advocacy for his patients.

A board-certified pediatrician and pediatric hematologist-oncologist, Dr. Kheradpour has cared for patients at the hospital for nearly 25 years. As division chief of hematology/oncology since 2015, his leadership and advocacy have shaped patient care and inspired his team.

Dr. Kheradpour’s commitment to whole person care and his role in advancing pediatric cancer research through the Children’s Oncology Group continue to offer hope and healing to countless families.

Hometown Hero Award | Bill and Crystal Wyatt

The Hometown Hero Award recognizes the contributions of individuals who share our passion for children and help enrich the quality of life in our communities. For over 30 years, the Wyatts have given generously of their time and talents, exemplifying what it means to be a Hometown Hero.

The Wyatt’s leadership in planning last year’s “Saddle Up for Miracles” gala created an unforgettable experience, reflecting their passion for making a difference. Bill’s motto, “It’s for the children,” perfectly reflects their hands-on approach to giving, inspiring a brighter future for our community.

Junior Hometown Hero Award | Brooke Jennings

Brooke Jennings, a 14-year-old philanthropist and founder of The Chapter Foundation, already embodies the life and spirit of a Hometown Hero. Through her youth-led nonprofit, Brooke has mobilized her peers to bring joy and hope to those in need, whether in homeless shelters, hospitals, or schools.

Beyond leading her foundation, Brooke is an active participant in the Girl Scouts of America and Jack and Jill of America. With ambitions of becoming a pediatric cardiac surgeon, Brooke’s dedication to making the world a better place continues to grow.