Where there’s a will, there’s a way.

Stymied by COVID-19 restrictions to host an outdoor, garden-style gala in April, the Adventist Health Glendale Foundation dreamed up another way to present its annual recognition celebration and fundraiser – and called it Drive-In UNGala 2020!

Unlike any prior gala produced by the foundation, Drive-In UNGala 2020 was held on Aug. 5 at a “pop-up” drive-in theater atop the eight-level parking structure at Americana at Brand.

Following coronavirus-related health safety guidelines, everyone was to remain inside vehicles during the evening’s program. Starring roles on the big screen featured Dr. Ronald and Mrs. Georgiana Wu, along with family members and friends, in video tributes and remembrances that recognized the Wus’ 50-plus years of service to the hospital and local health care.

More than 200 guests arrived in vehicles and were greeted by Dr. and Mrs. Wu, accompanied by Alice Issai, president of Adventist Health Glendale, who joined with others in waving small commemorative flags to mark the occasion.

Each vehicle received popcorn and sweet treats to help guests enjoy the evening’s festivities, which concluded with the showing of the popular musical, “Mamma Mia!”

Donors to UNGala 2020 contributed more than $1 million to the Foundation, supporting COVID-19 patient care and other greatest needs in the hospital. Donations included major gifts and sponsorships by the S. H. Ho Foundation and Pacific BMW, Glendale Adventist Emergency Physicians and an anonymous grateful patient – plus a long list of additional sponsors.

“It meant a great deal to our hospital family and community to pay tribute in person to Dr. Ronald and Mrs. Georgiana Wu,” President Issai said. “We have recognized these two individuals for their extraordinary contributions to Adventist Health Glendale and our patients by naming our auditorium in their honor.

“The pandemic forced us to postpone the ribbon-cutting ceremony earlier this spring, so we were very pleased to create a way to celebrate the Wu’s at our foundation’s Drive-In Gala.”

Foundation President Irene Bourdon emphasized “how vital the hospital’s lifeline is to our community, especially now. Our doctors, nurses and support staff are very grateful for the generous donations helping to protect our frontline healthcare providers and saving lives.”

Dr. Wu, a former Glendale obstetrician widely known for helping women with difficult pregnancies, retired from private practice in 2017 after being involved in the delivery of an estimated 20,000 babies. Meanwhile, Georgiana participated in countless hospital support programs and fundraisers, including two terms as president of The Guild.

Following the Wus’ tribute videos shown on the drive-in’s two big screens, guests responded with resounding applause, flashing headlights and honking horns.

Submitted by Vic PALLOS