Press Release

For the past 11 years, the Rancho Santa Fe Unit of Rady Children's Hospital has held a black tie gala at a private residence in Rancho Santa Fe for their annual fundraiser. While this annual event has been very well attended and supported by the community throughout the years, according to 2008 Gala Chair, Leslie DeGoler, a format and venue change is in store for the February 23 event.

"Our main objective is to support the hospital by raising funds to care for sick children here in San Diego," said DeGoler.  "While this is a tremendously worthy cause we realize there are other causes, many of which our members also support, and come gala season these events compete for attention."

Cathy Polk, 2007-2008 Unit Chair, surveyed guests who attended the 2007 gala for input and suggestions on refreshing the format in order to host an event that would retain long-time supporters while bringing in new supporters. Those suggestions led the unit to present an evening with an outstanding, exciting entertainer.

Cocktails and an informal dinner atmosphere with a large variety of food station selections to suit all tastes are planned during the two-hour silent auction. Guests will move to theater-style seating for the live auction followed by a one-hour performance by comedian and philanthropist Jay Leno. The fundraiser will conclude with dessert and dancing until midnight. Dress for the event is cocktail attire.

"The hospital is 100 percent behind the changes and our choice,” said Polk. "It will be a night to remember."

Fisher Investments and Relational Investors LLC are the first sponsors lined up to underwrite Stand Up for Rady Children'd Cancer Care Center: An Evening With Jay Leno.

Call 858-568-8642 for tickets. Seating is available in groups of 10 at $10,000, $7,500, $5,000 and $3,000.

Seating at all levels is limited.