You might say that the Alta Bates Summit Foundation’s annual Heroes in Health Care Awards and gala dinner are our way of saying “thank you” to outstanding donors for their generous contributions.

This year’s recent event at the Claremont Resort & Spa — attended by more than 200 major benefactors, board members, medical center staff, physicians, and employees — set a precedent: Alta Bates Summit Medical Center chose the occasion to present its first Lifetime Achievement Award. The recipient, retired East Bay business executive Larry Fox, is “one of the stalwarts of Alta Bates Summit, and has assumed a number of leadership positions since 1984 — including past chair of the Medical Center board,” says Michael DiGiacomo, D.P.M., Foundation board chair. Honored on the same April 26 evening with the Foundation’s 2007 Heroes in Health Care Award was Barbara D’Anneo, who has served for more than 45 years in varying capacities, including as chair of the Foundation board and as president of The Volunteers.

“The sustained efforts of these two exceptional individuals represents a phenomenal record of service for the betterment of the Medical Center and this community,” says Dr. DiGiacomo. “Alta Bates Summit is deeply appreciative of their commitment, their dedication, and their good work.”