Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/586182
ATRON PROFILES PATRONS | Fall 2015 23 Morikawa says a team of American Honda executives were impressed during an early walk-through of the Lundquist Tower prior to its completion. American Honda wanted to support the new wing because it features state-of-the-art facilities and advanced diagnostic technology. e seven-story tower that opened in November 2014 boasts a new MRI machine, a CT scanning unit and three ultrasound rooms. It provides area residents an additional 256 beds, increasing the hospital's total bed count to 446. e tower also features interventional radiology and 12 new operating rooms that are 35% larger than those in other parts of the hospital. Additional features include 12 high- speed elevators, 112 rooms off ering in-room dialysis, plus 88 rooms with built-in patient lifts. Laura Schenasi, executive vice president of the Torrance Memorial Foundation, says American Honda clearly understands the health needs of the growing community's nearly 1 million residents. "We were honored by the $1 million donation. Without community partners like American Honda, we would never have achieved our $200 million goal," Schenasi says. "It's diffi cult to achieve anything in life if you don't have your health. We're so grateful that Honda also recognizes health care as a critical cornerstone of this community." e major gift is in addition to the $100,000 in proceeds raised from this year's Honda Evening Under the Stars 29th Annual Gourmet Food & Wine Festival, which took place at American Honda's corporate campus in Torrance. At this year's festival, Honda also announced the donation of a brand new 2015 Honda Odyssey. e van will be used to transport the medical center's ambulatory patients. While proceeds from the annual festival were once distributed to many area nonprofi ts, American Honda decided in 2005 to narrow its focus to health-related nonprofi ts that would best serve the community. is year marks the 10th consecutive year it has selected Torrance Memorial as the benefi ciary. "We feel health care is very important to the South Bay and the community," Morikawa says. "Health care is the foundation to a community. It's something that everyone is going to need." e annual Gourmet Food & Wine Festival, originally launched by Honda nearly 30 years ago as a way to stay connected to the community, off ers community residents a unique opportunity to sample some of the area's fi nest cuisine and 80 varietals of wine. Over the past decade, the evening event has raised $1 million in proceeds for Torrance Memorial. e annual festival has featured star talent such as jazz legends David Benoit, Kenny G and Hawaiian crooner Daniel Ho. is year's performance was delivered by Grammy Award- winning American R&B vocalist Peabo Bryson. When it comes to planning Evening Under the Stars, the "giving back" extends even further into the community. For example, a committee of 19 members representing local businesses and the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce begin meeting in early June to work on securing the participation of restaurants and auction items, as well as the advertisement and promotion of the event. ose involved repeatedly point to the dedication of area restaurants and volunteers. " ese annual events are a collaborative eff ort," says Morikawa. " e restaurants donate food, beverages and services. Volunteers donate their time. at's their gift to the community. ese [community] partners that we have—it couldn't be done without them." Torrance Memorial president and CEO Craig Leach has been with the medical center since 1984, just six years less than Morikawa has been employed with the legendary automotive corporation. Even in separate interviews, the two executives nearly echo the other's sentiments. " e fact that Honda does this every year is unique," Leach says. " is event is not just about supporting Torrance Memorial. Honda is supporting Torrance Memorial, so we can support the community. I challenge you to fi nd someone who will say something negative about Honda in this community. Honda is greatly admired and we're extremely grateful and proud to have it as a partner." "I challenge you to fi nd someone who will say something negative about Honda in this community. Honda is greatly admired and we're extremely grateful and proud to have it as a partner." Le : The annual Evening Under the Stars Gourmet Food and Wine Fes val draws nearly 1,000 community members each year. Right: Steve Morikawa presents Damira and Milo Zislis with the keys to a 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid EX-L. Also pictured is Craig Leach, president and CEO, Torrance Memorial. The couple won the car by entering the Opportunity Drawing at the 2014 Honda Evening Under the Stars event.