“A Commitment to Excellence” describes not only the Orthopaedic Institute for Children but also Michael P. Sullivan, its vice president and chief philanthropy officer. Sullivan will speak at the La Cañada Flintridge Orthopaedic Guild Book and Author Luncheon on Oct. 28. The mission of the OIC, formerly known as Orthopaedic Hospital, is to provide outstanding care for the entire range of pediatric orthopaedic disorders including specialized and unique disorders such as cerebral palsy, musculoskeletal tumors, pediatric arthritis and scoliosis among other issues.

Sullivan was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts and spent decades in professional fund development in academic medicine at Harvard Medical School.  Throughout his fundraising career, he has raised over $100 million for philanthropies and worked for two community hospitals.

As chief philanthropy officer for OIC in Los Angeles, he is charged with raising funds to better the lives of children with orthopaedic disorders and to assure that care is provided for children in need regardless of ability to pay.

The La Cañada Flintridge Orthopaedic Guild, an auxiliary of the Charitable Children’s Guild, supports OIC by donating a variety of volunteer services and raising funds for the proposed ambulatory surgical center to be built on the downtown Los Angeles campus. One hundred percent of all donations and all profits from the annual Book and Author Luncheon go directly to the Charitable Children’s Guild where it is then directed to OIC. The La Cañada Flintridge group has pledged $100,000 over the next nine years to benefit the outpatient surgery center.

As key speaker for the Book and Author Luncheon, Sullivan will include a seven-minute video that will provide a better understanding of the work being done at OIC. The luncheon will be held at the Angeles National Golf Club, 9401 Foothill Blvd. in Sunland starting at 9:30 a.m.

Those interested in attending can contact Joan Cleven at (818) 249-4603 and ask to have an invitation mailed. Space is limited. Those who are unable to attend and wish to send a donation can mail to La Cañada Flintridge Orthopaedic Guild, P.O. Box 777, La Cañada Flintridge, 90212-0777.

Submitted by Arlene MASSIMINO

  Arlene MASSIMINO