PEOPLE WATCH Following a moving video tribute to Willa Dean, Neiman Marcus Vice President and General Manager Ariela Shani presented her with a Judith
Leiber crystal handbag in the shape of a butterfly, and foundation chairman Dave Ritchie announced the establishment of the Willa Dean Rose Garden on the grounds of the Orangewood Children’s Home. Overcome, Willa Dean tearfully said, “I grew up on a farm in Texas. I had a happy family and didn’t experience child abuse. But, I know it exists. I’ve seen it. Thank you for this honor.”
Brunch chairwoman Karen Linden introduced and thanked the Hoag doctors, administrators, nurses, and staff present, “who demonstrate daily their commitment and compassion to Hoag Hospital, the Hoag Cancer Center and our patients,” she said. Chief among them were Ron Guziak, Executive Director of the Hoag Hospital Foundation Dr. Neil Barth, Chief of Staff at Hoag and well-known oncologist Dr. Robert Dillman, Medical and Scientific Director of the Hoag Cancer Center and Dr. Mel Silverstein, Medical Director of the Hoag Breast Cancer Center and breast care surgeon.