Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/586182
PATRONS | Fall 2015 17 Laura Schenasi, execu ve vice president, Torrance Memorial Founda on; Cathy Siegel; Danielle Lauro, Luminaries Luminaries and Novas, two Auxiliary support groups for Torrance Memorial, celebrated their 25th anniversary at the 2015 Grand Finale by presenting a check for $25,000 to Torrance Memorial Medical Center at their annual Grand Finale event at the Torrance Marriott. e Novas also recognized 14 graduating high school senior members who have contributed more than 3,800 hours over their four years of volunteer service. Novas members are high school students who receive valuable experience through various hospital volunteer opportunities in the hopes of inspiring them to have a lifetime of commitment to service. Beginning in the ninth grade, students work throughout the year supporting the medical center by volunteering their time and talents within the Foundation, Auxiliary and Home Health and Hospice departments. e Luminaries are comprised mostly of the Novas' parents. Novas also volunteer in Escort services wearing Auxiliary blue jackets and assisting hospital personnel with deliveries and patient discharges. In addition, Novas and Luminaries organize a bake sale each year to raise money for Torrance Memorial. A Grand Check and a Grand Finale An anonymous donation brings an expansion to the piano program at Torrance Memorial. In June, a new Kawai grand piano was placed in the Lundquist Tower Grand Lobby. Staff and volunteers attended a special unveiling and ribbon- cutting ceremony featuring short musical performances by volunteers. e volunteer piano players range in age from their teens to 90+. ey begin performing in the morning and continue until early evening seven days a week, with a repertoire ranging from classical and jazz to old standards and more. e piano program has already been a part of the hospital's Volunteer Services program for many years in the Transitional Care Unit. Now more people will experience the benefi ts of music, which is known to be a soothing and relaxing agent for those experiencing illness. Lundquist Tower Carries a New Tune Novas gradua ng seniors celebrate at the Grand Finale. Back Row (L to R): Jamie Chen, Bailey Kaufman, Gabriela Strong, Brianne Insley, Lexi Underberger, Courtney Sam. Front Row (L to R): Rory Hubbard, Alyssa Blinder, Tracy Sam, Kian Bazshushtari, Danielle Morgan, Andrew Tom. EVERY DONATION COUNTS Top: Torrance Memorial's volunteer piano players celebrate the dedica on of the new piano. Bo om: Dan Platus, chair of Torrance Memorial's piano volunteers, cuts the ribbon on the new Kawai grand piano. HOW DID THE NOVAS GET THEIR NAME? "Novas are stars that shine intensely for a brief moment and then gradually fade in brightness. Like nova stars, each student in high school also has the opportunity to shine brightly and make the most of their four short years." – Alice Diego-Malit, Luminaries Member