NRMC gala raises nearly $13,000

Former President George W. Bush (Brent Mendenhall) waves to the crowd on his way to the podium, where his assertion that he was glad to be here in "Ne-vah-da" brought a raucous reaction from the crowd.

The fifth annual Nevada Regional Medical Center Foundation Gala, held Saturday at the Nevada Elks Lodge, enjoyed the highest attendance in its history. More than 200 attended the event, which raised nearly $13,000 to be put toward the purchase of an infant security system for the maternity department at the hospital. Foundation board chairman Bob Beaver said the system will cost about $50,000.

The event featured appearances by celebrity look-alikes, a flipbook attraction, an awards ceremony, and dinner and dancing.

The awards ceremony included traditional Awards of Excellence for a physician and employee, plus Oscar-themed honors for individuals and departments. The "Oscar" portion was presented by Dr. Glenn Rogers, Ph.D., who chairs the NRMC Board of Directors.

Terry Messer as MiMi from "The Drew Carey Show" and Holly Bush as Mae West take the stage in the Best Celebrity Costume contest.

Award winners are:

Physician Award of Excellence, Dr. John Torontow;

Employee Award of Excellence, Mary Ann Mitchem;

Best Actor in a Clinical Role, Jama Bogart;

Best Actor in a Support Role, Mandi Jordan;

Mary Ann Mitchem accepts the Employee Award of Excellence from Nevada Regional Medical Center President and CEO Judith Feuquay, as 2009 Employee Award of Excellence winner Allison Fast looks on.

Best Actor in a Non-Leadership Role. Cindy Wagers;

Best Director in a Clinical Role, Tim Wilson;

Best Director in a Support Role, Susie Bernhardt;

Best Department: Comedy, Respiratory Therapy;

Dr. John Torontow accepts the Physician Award of Excellence from Nevada Regional Medical Center President and CEO Judith Feuquay.

Best Department: Sci Fi, Obstetrics;

Best Department: Live Action, Emergency;

Best Department: Drama, New Beginnings Behavioral Health;

Best Department in a Clinical Role, Diagnostic Imaging;

Best Department in a Support Role, Human Resources;

Best Celebrity Costume, Terry Messer as "MiMi" from "The Drew Carey Show..