Burn Institute hosts 16th annual gala

The Burn Institute Auxiliary held its 16th Annual “Share Your Heart” gala recently, but this year the venue was new. The festive event was held in the House of Blues - and the theme was Mardi Gras. Major donors arrived early to enjoy entertainment and a private cocktail reception. The House of Blues made a perfect backdrop for New Orleans-style fun, and many of the supporters donned masks, feather boas, and colored beads in keeping with the Mardi Gras atmosphere.

Kimberly Hunt emceed the gala again (without husband Billy Ray Smith, who was under the weather). Bill Menish and Padres icon Randy Jones were auctioneers. Nichole and Doug Cox chaired the party, with an honorary committee that included Chairman of the Board Jerry and Carolyn Davee, Tony and Nancy Muser, Steve and Kathleen Flynn, Mary Beth Kellee, and Hugh Dunklee.

Among the crowd enjoying the festivities were Elisa and Mark Brent, Karen Fillis, Cheryl and Jim Floros, Steve and Rhonda Knight, Bernadette and John Simpson, Kathryn and Bill Gang, Kiyomi Suzue, Kim Anderson, Mark and Yolanda Moothart and Mary Ellen Wengler.

Local auction donors included Birch Aquarium at Scripps, Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, Flemings Steakhouse, La Jolla Spa MD, La Jolla Marriott, Ladeki Restaurant Group, Vigilucci’s Restaurant Group, The French Gourmet, and The Shores Restaurant.