Hospital employees who participated in the historical fashion show at Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center’s “80th-Anniversary Celebration” Oct. 15 pose for a group shot during the festivities.

Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center Hosts 80th Anniversary Party

Almost 1,500 Westside residents helped Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center mark a milestone of community service by attending the medical center’s “80th-Anniversary Celebration” on Oct. 15.

The event, themed “Building on a Caring Tradition,” featured an afternoon of fun and festivities for the entire family.

Musical entertainment was provided by the band Malpractice, featuring Santa Monica-UCLA physicians David Baron and Richard Frieder, and the Santa Monica High School Marching Band. Both groups received numerous ovations from attendees.

The event also included a special ceremony honoring several local residents who were born at the original Santa Monica Hospital during its first years of operation. These Santa Monica “babes” were William Harvey and Robert Coulter, of Pacific Palisades, born in 1926 and 1927, respectively; Patricia Grunden and Arthur Verge, of Santa Monica, who were born in 1927; and Helene Wernick, of Los Angeles, who was born in 1928. Santa Monica resident Jane Whiting, whose five children were born at the medical center, also was honored.

More than 15 community organizations, including the Santa Monica police and fire departments, Santa Monica College, the American Red Cross of Santa Monica and WISE Senior Services, participated by staffing booths at the event. Merle Norman Cosmetics, a longtime hospital benefactor, performed makeovers for interested guests.

Santa Monica Mayor Robert Holbrook presented a proclamation from the city to Posie Carpenter, chief administrative officer at Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center, in recognition of the hospital’s milestone anniversary and longstanding record of community service.

Among the restaurants and food companies making donations to the event were Costco, El Pollo Loco, Edible Arrangements, First-Class Vending, Golden Touch Bakery, Jaipur Cuisine of India, Krispy Kreme and Taco Real.