Orthopaedic Institute for Children’s Stand for Kids Gala Celebrates Those Who Help Children “Grow Well and Play Well”

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- True to its belief that “kids can soar,” the Orthopaedic Institute for Children (OIC) held its annual Stand for Kids gala at the Santa Monica Museum of Flying, where more than 300 supporters honored the impact the institute makes on children worldwide and paid tribute to many of those who help make it possible.

Proceeds from the event will help ensure that all children with orthopaedic conditions have a future where they can grow well and play well. Toward that end, OIC Chief Executive Officer Anthony Scaduto, M.D., announced at the gala that OIC is halfway toward its goal of raising $20 million toward its OIC 2020: A Vision for Our Future capital campaign. Guests Renee and Meyer Luskin helped OIC reach that milestone with their surprising $1 million donation that evening.

The centerpiece to OIC’s Vision for Our Future campaign will be a major reconstruction to transform the Lowman Building into a state-of-the-art medical pavilion. “Inside this new pavilion will be the largest pediatric orthopaedic urgent care center in the United States that will include a new fracture clinic, physical therapy center, research laboratories, pharmacy, radiology center and lecture hall,” said Dr. Scaduto. “This transformation will help ensure that our expert surgeons, doctors and nurses have the best facilities and equipment to care for the increasing numbers of children who come through our doors.”

In addition to its fundraising goal, the Stand for Kids gala provided patients, physicians, researchers, staff and OIC’s extended family a glimpse into OIC’s impact as the largest provider of pediatric orthopaedic care in the western United States as well as its international reach throughout Asia, Africa, India, South America and Mexico. It also gave the organization the opportunity to thank many of its supporters and to “proudly honor a few of those who have had a tremendous impact on our mission,” said Dr. Scaduto.

Among those was Harry McKellop, Ph.D., who was presented at the gala with OIC’s Lifetime Achievement Award in honor of his prolific work, which has resulted in 12 patents to date on novel methods to reduce polyethylene wear in orthopaedic implants. As a teacher and mentor, Dr. McKellop has touched the lives of countless orthopaedic fellows, residents and volunteer student workers who spent time in his labs over the past three decades.

The Automobile Club of Southern California, a supporter of the children served by OIC for 40 years, was honored with the Corporate Pinnacle Award; and UCLA Health was honored with the Power of Partnership Award. UCLA’s unique 20-year partnership with OIC has created a platform for unparalleled contributions to patient care, scientific discovery in orthopaedic surgery, and musculoskeletal medicine.

Leading the evening’s charge was master of ceremonies Debby Ryan, one of the most exciting and promising young actresses in television, known for her roles in “Cover Versions,” “Insatiable” and “Jessie.” Entertainment was provided by Tony-, Emmy- and Golden Globe-nominated performer Matthew Morrison.

About Orthopaedic Institute for Children

Orthopaedic Institute for Children (OIC) was founded in 1911 as Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital. Focused solely on musculoskeletal conditions in children, OIC receives nearly 70,000 patient visits each year. In alliance with UCLA Health and with the support of the OIC Foundation, we advance pediatric orthopaedics worldwide through outstanding patient care, medical education and research. Our locations in downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Westwood and Calexico treat the full spectrum of pediatric orthopaedic disorders and injuries. For more information, visit us at ortho-institute.org.

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