Gala benefits new UCSD cardiovascular center

Friends and supporters of UCSD’s Sulpizio Family Cardiovascular Center (part of the UCSD Medical Center) attended the university’s 13th annual Heart of San Diego Gala on Feb. 27 to honor Jack and Judy White for their exceptional support of the cardiovascular center and the community.

Proceeds from the black-tie affair, which included dinner, dancing and a live auction at the Four Seasons Resort Aviara in Carlsbad, will benefit the construction of the comprehensive Sulpizio Family Cardiovascular Center.

Slated to open in early 2011, the state-of-the-art facility will provide a single site for all of UCSD’s clinical treatment and research efforts in heart and vascular disease and stroke management.

The Whites donated $1.2 million to endow the Judith and Jack White Chair in Cardiology at the UCSD School of Medicine. Upon Jack’s recovery from heart surgery in 2004, the Whites also provided the funding to upgrade all of San Diego’s Emergency Medical System vehicles with 12-lead electrocardiographic equipment. The devices allow paramedics to determine if a patient is experiencing cardiac arrest before arriving at the hospital. Today, hospitals are able to prepare for cardiac treatment in advance of a patient’s arrival, saving time and lives.

Longtime co-chairs of the gala are Zandra Rhodes and Salah Hassanein. Jeanne Jones and Don Breitenberg and Evelyn and Ernest Rady are honorary co-chairs.

For more on the heart center, visit