Providence Child Center’s “Heart of Gold” Benefit Raises Over $398,000

Portland, February 24th, 2016. This year’s Providence Child Center Heart of Gold Dinner was an evening full of heartwarming tributes and inspiring generosity in support of children in our community. The Heart of Gold emcee was Bill Schonely and the honoree was Dr. Don Romanaggi. The event raised more than $398,000 for Providence’s Center for Medically Fragile Children to fund the life enriching programs and therapies that help these children reach their fullest potential. Donations will also support the Romanaggi Garden, a space that provides respite, solace and joy for the residents of the Center.

Heart of Gold guests Carole Vranizan and Anamaria Hefeneider.

Heart of Gold honoree Dr. Don Romanaggi and his family.

JoAnn Vance, RN, executive director of children’s developmental health, Providence Child Center toasts Heart of Gold honoree Dr. Don Romanaggi.

Dr. Don Romanaggi, who served the community for 31 years as an allergist, was honored with the evening’s Heart of Gold Award for his generosity, compassion and kindness. More than 10 years ago, Dr. Romanaggi formed a deep connection with Providence Child Center after he and his late wife toured the facility and met the inspiring residents at the Center for Medically Fragile Children. That experience sparked a commitment to making a difference for the children at the Center – donating his time, resources and encouraging the involvement of others.

Past Heart of Gold Award recipient and Portland Trail Blazers legend Bill Schonely was master of ceremonies and shared stories of the inspirational children at the Providence Center for Medically Fragile Children.

From Providence Child Center:

The Providence Child Center provides services for children of all abilities to help them reach their fullest potential and includes the Center for Medically Fragile Children, the only facility in the Northwest offering24-hour care for children with profound disabilities and complex medical needs, Providence Neurodevelopmental Center for Children, Swindells Resource Center and Providence Wee Care. For more information visit www.providence.org/childcenter.

1