Nineteenth annual Seeds of Hope raises funds for behavioral health services

Loma Linda University Behavioral Health hosted its nineteenth annual Seeds of Hope fundraiser on November 5, which brought together patients, families, caregivers, staff, and supporters to acknowledge the importance of behavioral health. All money raised during the evening’s event helps fund adult and pediatric services, including emergency care and scholarships for ongoing treatment. 

After a welcome from Anthony Hilliard, MD, president and CEO of Loma Linda University Health, guests enjoyed dinner and a packed program that included an award presentation, panel discussion, and a special message from Monica Tone, MD, Medical Director for Outpatient Services at the Loma Linda University Behavioral Health Institute and Associate Program Director for the Psychiatry Residency Program. Hilliard also acknowledged the event’s premier sponsors, Gerald and Ligaya Washington, whose support has played an impactful role in expanding access to behavioral health services and programs. 

While attendees enjoyed dinner, Edward Field, MBA, vice president of Behavioral Health Services, provided an update on the progress made in services over the past year, including the following: 

“At Loma Linda University Behavioral Health, we believe everyone deserves compassionate care, the chance to heal, and hope for a brighter tomorrow,” Field said. “Every day, our teams walk alongside individuals and families during some of the hardest moments of their lives. And every day, we’re reminded that healing is possible, recovery is possible, and lives can be changed.” 

One of the evening’s highlights was the presentation of the Behavioral Health Champion Award given to long-time LLUH supporter, Alaina Mathews, who serves on the Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital Foundation Board and its Gala committee. The Mathews family also regularly supports Loma Linda University Behavioral Health, with their most recent contribution being the Mathews Bolden Family Therapeutic Courtyard, a therapeutic play area at the Loma Linda University Behavioral Medicine Center. 

The night concluded with a testimonial video of Terry, who opened up about his personal recovery journey. His story is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible and that, with the right support, lives can be transformed.  

This year’s event was a reminder of the importance of behavioral health services and how the dedication of the community, administration, physicians, staff, family, and loved ones expresses their dedication and expertise to see lives transformed.  

For more information on how to contribute to behavioral health services, visit Seeds of Hope.