St. Bernardine Celebrates 85th Anniversary

On Saturday, Oct. 15, more than 500 supporters of Dignity Health – St. Bernardine Medical Center came together to honor the hospital’s 85th anniversary at its annual “Gathering at Twilight” gala. Attendees enjoyed an elegant evening of celebration at the National Orange Show and raised more than $245,000 that will benefit imaging services at St. Bernardine’s Inland Empire Heart & Vascular Institute, as well as the hospital’s stroke program. The evening’s program was a full one, highlighted by commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the hospital’s sponsoring congregation, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. “On the 85th anniversary of our hospital’s founding, it was a privilege to formally honor the Sisters of Charity, to whom our community owes a debt of gratitude,” said Dan Murphy, vice president of Philanthropy, Dignity Health, Inland Empire. “It is through their vision and inspiration that St. Bernardine has become one of the leading health care providers in the Inland Empire.” Additionally, everyone enjoyed a special tribute to Steve Barron, who served as St. Bernardine Medical Center’s longest tenured president/administrator from 1999 – 2015. Barron, who is now retiring from his position as Senior Vice President, Operations, for Dignity Health Southern California, has played a significant role overseeing Dignity Health’s six Southern California hospitals for the past six years. Highlights of the evening included a memorable performance by Matt Mauser and The Sinatra Big Band, as well as a silent and live auction where attendees bid on a wide variety of items including vacations in Laguna Beach and New York City, New York.