On Sunday, March 13, the Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital Foundation celebrated its 12th annual gala at the San Bernardino National Orange Show Events Center, Orange Pavilion.

Brad Paisley, country music star, presented the entertainment for the evening, and Derek Parra, Olympic champion speed skater, presided as master of ceremonies as patrons raised $380,000 for the Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital neonatal intensive care unit.

Parra, a native of San Bernardino, is the first Mexican-American Olympian. During the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah, he earned a gold medal for the 1,500-meter event and a silver medal for his 5,000-meter performance.

Included in the evening’s activities was special recognition of key individuals who have made a difference in the lives of children. Neal and Carol Baker, founders of Bakers Drive Thru Restaurants, received the prestigious Shirley N. Pettis Award.

As lifelong residents of the Inland Empire, the Bakers have made a mark of distinction on the local communities. For more than 50 years, they have dedicated themselves to caring for children through firm values, a commitment to excellence and philanthropic vision.

Two community members were honored at the Children’s Hospital Foundation gala as hometown heroes. This year’s award recipients are Tom Hartman from Riverside and Juan Carlos Luna from San Bernardino.

Hartman has volunteered with Loma Linda University Medical Center and Children’s Hospital since March of 2001 and has contributed more than 5,660 hours.

A full-time volunteer, dividing his time between the pediatric acute care unit and the Medical Center information desk, he began volunteering because of his experience with his granddaughter, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor at age 2. He also honors the memory of his wife, Rayola, who died several years ago from complications of diabetes.

Luna is the Kiwanis advisor for K-Kids, a group of 52 students who volunteer in the local community. He also oversees and instructs the Junior Police Academy at Lytle Creek Elementary School, where he is a fifth-grade teacher.

Brad Paisley, the celebrity entertainer, has received many awards, including two from the Country Music Association, one from the Academy of Country Music, and three from TNNs Country Weekly Music. He established the Brad Paisley Foundation, a nonprofit organization created to provide funding for various charities.

Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital is dedicated to serving Inland Empire communities by providing world-class health care for every child, regardless of social, ethnic, religious or economic background. The support from the gala ensures that Children’s Hospital continues to meet these vital medical needs.