The LIONS HEALTHFIRST FOUNDATION honored five prominent Las Vegas doctors with Humanitarian Awards. The gala black-tie banquet was held at the LAS VEGAS HILTON. Proceeds from the banquet will be used to provide ultrasound abdominal, circulatory and cardiac screenings to local citizens at prices ranging from low-cost to free.
The event consisted of a cocktail hour, followed by dinner, awards and entertainment. CNN anchor Veronica De La Cruz, who served as emcee, came to the event from Atlanta, Georgia. Veronica De La Cruz, who lived in Las Vegas at one time, (her Mom still lives here) anchors the CNN broadband news service, CNN Pipeline, now CNN LIVE, and was one of four founding anchors. She also substitutes as a replacement anchor for CNN Headline News. A former competitive figure skater, Veronica was an anchor, reporter and producer at KYMA-TV in Yuma, Arizona before joining CNN.
Mayor Oscar Goodman, Lt. Gov. Brian Krolicki, former Lt. Governor Lorraine Hunt and husband Dennis Bono were in attendance, along with an audience of many distinguished guests. Singer/entertainer Jerry Vale greeted guests and longtime Las Vegas Strip headliner Jay White, performed as Neil Diamond.
James Bartel, president of the LIONS HEALTHFIRST FOUNDATION announced that the doctors were being honored for their outstanding service to the community.
The honorees were:
Stanislaw Burzynski, M.D. for his research and work in treating cancer patients and pioneering work on new treatments.
Emil Stein, M.D. for his work in free eye screenings and eye surgery to needy citizens.
Ann M. Wierman, M.D. for her compassionate care and work as a hematologist and medial oncologist.
Annabel E. Barber, M.D. for her research on shock, cancer and digestive diseases. She was also honored for her involvement in youth and minority programs and for her leadership as an associate professor at the University of Nevada School of Medicine.
Eileen Cordero, M.D. (who was unable to attend) for treating the sick and suffering regardless of ability to pay.
A silent auction, a live auction, and a raffle gave guests an opportunity to receive wonderful prizes. The beautiful flower table decorations were also raffled off and I received one. Thanks to Russ Fons, publicist, for his excellent work in making this an eventful, successful evening.
