Enchanted evening boosts Sierra View Foundation

"Enchanting" was definitely the word to describe Saturday night's third annual Sierra View District Hospital foundation's gala "An Enchanted Evening under the Stars" at the McComb-Pleasant Valley Ranch near Lake Success in Porterville.

The black-tie affair took place under a full moon and sparkling stars at the home of Phil and Irene Hutton.

Situated at the base of the Sierra Nevada foothills and surrounded by trees, flower gardens, fountains and little twinkling lights, it appeared to be the perfect setting for the gala.

Guests, many dressed in gowns and tuxedos, socialized, enjoyed sampling wines, dined and danced through the evening to raise money toward the purchase of new fluoroscopy and nuclear medicine equipment for the hospital.

The new state-of-the-art medical imaging equipment is expected to cost the hospital between $1.1 million and $1.5 million, said Ramona Contreras, hospital director of marketing and community relations.

The fluoroscopy is similar to an X-ray but utilizes a continuous X-ray beam. A transmission sends the image to a monitor so the body part and its motion can be seen in detail, Contreras said. The equipment will enable physicians to examine the body's skeletal, digestive, urinary, respiratory and reproductive systems.

The noninvasive nuclear medicine will use small amounts of radioactive material to diagnose or treat diseases and abnormalities within the body.

"New technology is huge. My husband recently remodeled his office and put some of the latest technology in, and it makes a big difference in the quality of the work," Teresa Bower said of Greg Bower's dental office.

In the same way, Bower said, the hospital will benefit from the new technology.

"Especially in X-rays, it's not like it used to be. This is such a worthwhile cause," Bower said. "This is lovely. Our neighbor is on the board and invited us. It is our first time attending. It's a beautiful house. It's nice that they opened up their home to us."

Guests also had an opportunity to win several drawing prizes, all donated by people and businesses in the community, including local art work, a 40-inch high definition television and stays at the Lawrence Welk Resort in Escondido, Pismo Beach and Dillon, Colo. In addition, $500 of Harris Home Furnishings products, complete with four hours with local designer Donna Sue Keeley, was also offered.

-- Contact Esther Avila at 784-5000, Ext. 1047, or eavila@portervillerecorder.com.