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11th Annual Pace Setter Fundraiser
Raises $141,000 for Neighborhood Healthcare Patient Care

Escondido, CA, June 10, 2009…Neighborhood Healthcare’s major fundraiser of the year, the 11th Annual Pace Setter, exceeded all expectations and raised $141,000 for patient care.

A sell-out crowd of 225 guests enjoyed a spectacular evening which included tasting Orfila wine, dining on distinctive food created by Crown Point Catering, and listening to entertainment by the Hot Pursuit band. Attendees included six of the founding members of Neighborhood Healthcare – now 40 years in operation.

“The Pace Setter has grown into an annual opportunity to share a lovely evening together with a greater purpose, to assure that Neighborhood Healthcare will always be there for those who depend on us for medical, dental and behavioral healthcare,” says Tracy Ream, CEO.  “Just as the event has grown, so has the need for affordable healthcare. 

The Pace Setter Award was presented to Phyllis Colter, EdD, for her passionate contributions that have not only benefited Neighborhood Healthcare but many other local nonprofit organizations.

Neighborhood Healthcare has used its strong roots in the community to grow to 11 health centers located throughout inland San Diego and southwest Riverside counties. 
“The money raised at this summer party will be used for patient care,” said Connie Burke, Director of Philanthropy. “Our patients come from a wide range of demographics. Our quality healthcare keeps a child’s classmate healthy, helps a relative who has suffered a recent job loss and helps an older adult living on a fixed income.”
The crisp early summer weather set the stage for a perfect evening of fun and entertainment, capped off with a delectable dinner under a brilliantly decorated white tent. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of a crystal award by Mayor of Escondido Lori Holt Pfiler to Pace Setter Honoree Phyllis Colter of Escondido. A video provided guests with insight into the importance of proper asthma care for adults and children, and the work Colter does to raise literacy rates and promote reading. 

Neighborhood Healthcare presents this annual award to an individual or family with a proven record of exceptional generosity who, through direct financial support and volunteer time has demonstrated outstanding civic and charitable responsibility not only to Neighborhood Healthcare but to the community at large. Their generosity encourages others to take philanthropic leadership roles on a community level.

Sumptuous food was provided by Crown Point Catering, paired perfectly with Orfila’s fine wine. Entertainment was provided by Valley Center sensation Hot Pursuit. Mistress of Ceremonies Estha Trouw and Auctioneer Russ T. Nails energized the crowd during both live and silent auctions where guests vied for prize packages and donations poured in amid the beautiful vistas of the San Pasqual Valley.

There were more than 100 silent and live auction items featuring a sky box for 16 at Petco Park, travel packages, dining and museum passes, spa and golf outings, luxury gift baskets and electronics. Some of the most popular items included:  a Calloway Golf Hyper X Flex Driver, Laser tag adventure for 6, golf outings at many San Diego golf clubs, tickets to San Diego Symphony Summer Pops 2009, and a weeklong escape to an Oceanside beach house (which sold twice).

Event Sponsors include:  Barney & Barney, Belsky & Associates, Don and Marie Belcher, Alan & Debbie Gold, Cange International Inc., Care 1st Health Plan, Carla DeDominicis Attorney at Law, Community Health Group, Council of Community Clinics, Eglobal Solutions, George and Susan Niece, Grevilleas.com, Hamilton Blake & Associates, Johnny & Donna Watson, Judith A. Descalso Attorney At Law, Judy Smith/Lincoln Financial, KC Schafer, Maxine & Gary Kreitzer, MPA Architects, Inc., Navco Security Systems, North County Times, Palomar Pomerado Health, Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP, Richard Marino, rpl Laboratory Solutions, Sandra Nooe Counseling Services, Sharp Grossmont Hospital, Stone Brewing, Tracy Ream, UBS Financial Services/ Judith Seaver, Union Bank of California and Johnny and Donna Watson.