October 11, 2004
A philanthropic group in Chandler wants to raise $100,000 for Chandler Regional Hospital’s emergency room and other departments through its inaugural gala, "Laughter Is the Best Medicine."
Money raised by the Founders Circle, a branch of the Chandler Regional Hospital Foundation, will primarily benefit the emergency room, and emergency room staff and physicians have two big items on their wish list, said Rene Holden, co-chairman of the gala.
"They want a stat lab (for testing blood, urine, et cetera) in the emergency room, mainly because they are hoping they can expedite people getting through there a little faster," she said, adding that "they would like to have their own ultrasound lab in there so that people don’t have to wait so long for those tests."
"Laughter Is the Best Medicine" will include cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, dinner, comedian Bill Engvall of the WB’s "Blue Collar TV" and a dance.
"It’s a very elegant dinner," said Richard Frazier, executive director of the foundation. "It’s actually taken from White House dinner menus in the 1970s."
Music for the dance will be provided by Boogie Knights, which formed in October 1992 as a Halloween gag. The group has performed nationally and overseas, on various MTV programs and performs weekly in Las Vegas.
The "disco revival" group complements its music with choreography, polyester and bell bottoms.
"It’s going to be a lot of fun," Holden said. "You’ll get to laugh, have fun and meet some great people."
Laughter Is the Best Medicine
When: 6 p.m. to midnight, Oct. 30
Where: Wild Horse Pass Resort, 5594 W. Wild Horse Pass Blvd., in the Gila River Indian Community near Chandler
Information and reservations:
(480) 917-1685
Cost: $200 per person; tables of 10 start at $2,000
