CHIP's Kristin Garrett, auctioneer Bill

Menish, CHIP's Katie Schultz.

^{Photo by Cause for Celebration}

Community Health Improvement Partners (CHIP) celebrated its 15th year of improving health in San Diego at the San Diego Air and Space Museum by giving Legacy Awards to three outstanding honorees: Diane Strum, Ron Roberts and Dr. Robert Ross.

Continental Catering's Kristie Emmons

and Jarod Kane.

^{Photo by Cause for Celebration}

Who Came?:

Distinguished passengers were welcomed aboard CHIP Flight 15 by Executive Director Kristin Garrett and team members Dana Richardson, Michael Johnson, Aron Fleck and Cheryl Moder. San Diego-Imperial Counties Hospital Association Chief Steve Escoboza and County Health and Human Services Executive Nick Macchione set the course for the evening’s festivities, their visionary leadership charting CHIP Flight 15’s journey to better health. Frequent flyers included Sempra Energy’s Mitch Mitchell, SD Medical Society’s James Beaubeaux, Barbara Mannino of Vista Community Clinic, Sara Steinhoffer of Sharp Healthcare and 2-1-1 Chair Dr. Bud Beck. Rady Children’s Hospital’s Barbara Ryan doubled as event emcee, sharing the mic with auctioneer Bill Menish.

The Cause:

CHIP has earned a reputation as an innovative think tank for a wide range of public health issues including access to healthcare, childhood obesity, immunization, mental health and substance abuse. As a public-private partnership, CHIP brings together hospitals, nonprofit charities and government agencies in a unique partnership with the expectation that partners set aside their own agendas and work collaboratively for the benefit of the community at large.

Carol Norman and Syvera Hardy of the

San Diego Black Nurses Association.

^{Photo by Cause for Celebration}

The Good Hearted:

Steve Escoboza, CEO, Hospital

Association, with Nick Macchione.

^{Photo by Cause for Celebration}

Inspired by the leadership and generosity of an impressive array of business partners, CHIP Flight 15 was launched in style. Kaiser Permanente provided in-flight dining. Propelling lift-off were Procopio, Scripps Health, The California Endowment, Alliance Healthcare Foundation, Vista Hill, UC San Diego Medical Center, Verizon, Pacifica Medical, Palomar Pomerado Health and Sharp Healthcare.

The Creative:

With its elegant food stations and vibrant floral displays, Continental Catering created the colorful and eclectic ambiance of air travel in days gone by. Their artistic flair was enhanced by nuanced lighting and sound from Event Technology Services.

Get Involved:

Good health is essential to a vital community. If you have a passion for a particular health issue, such as access to healthcare, diabetes, immunization, suicide prevention or childhood obesity, consider joining one of CHIP’s many health coalitions. For more information, please contact Shreya Sasaki, 858-614-1543, or visit http://www.sdchip.org.