Area professionals, caregivers, and volunteers who make a difference in the lives of Southland seniors will be honored by Santa Monica-based WISE & Healthy Aging at its annual Celebration of Caring event, announced Grace Cheng Braun, President and CEO.
The recognition luncheon will be held at the Ritz-Carlton Marina del Rey on Saturday, April 18.
A highlight of the Celebration of Caring event will the honoring of Dr. Chui L. Tsang, Superintendent and President of Santa Monica College, who will receive the Leadership in Caring Award.
Presenting Dr. Tsang with the award will be RAND Corporation President and CEO Michael Rich. Dr. Tsang, who has been with Santa Monica College for the past nine years, announced his plans for retirement in June earlier this year.
“We are delighted to have the special privilege of acknowledging Dr. Tsang for his leadership and years of service to the community, said Renee White Fraser, event chair and president/CEO of Fraser Communications. “Dr. Tsang has grown the reputation of the College as a top academic institution dedicated to fostering diversity and quality of curricula, a model showcasing the importance of community colleges in California. And through its Emeritus College, Santa Monica College also demonstrates a commitment to lifelong learning for older adults.”
Two Kaiser Permanente physicians will receive the Compassion in Caring Award. Kimberly Reece, MD, is Assistant Area Medical Director and Primary Care Service Lead. Susan E. Wang, MD, is Chief of Geriatrics and Palliative & Continuing Care.
“We are extremely proud that WISE & Healthy Aging will recognize Drs. Reece and Wang,” said Howard Fullman, MD, medical director at Kaiser Permanente West Los Angeles Medical Center. “These two outstanding physicians embody Kaiser Permanente’s commitment to providing world-class service, quality and compassionate care to our members.”
Fullman said Dr. Reece is a dedicated hospital leader and physician whose personalized approach to patient care helps to improve the life of each of her patients.
He said Dr. Wang has been a tremendous asset as Chief of Geriatrics and Palliative Care, delivering the highest level of quality and compassionate care to our geriatric patients.
“We appreciate this recognition, and are grateful to WISE & Healthy Aging for their leadership and innovative work to enhance the quality of life of older adults,” Fullman said.
Chen Braun said the organization is grateful for the many supporters of our WISE & Healthy mission of enhancing the independence, dignity and quality of life of older adults.
“This is a special day to acknowledge the dedication and caring of these special individuals,” Cheng Braun said. “We invite the community to come and celebrate with us on April 18.”
Tickets for Celebration of Caring are $150 and can be purchased online. For reservations and event information, or to learn more about WISE & Healthy Aging, call 310.394.9871 or go to www.wiseanhealthyaging.org.
