A Sapphire Celebration event raised more than $74,000 for the hospital’s new pediatric unit, which will open this month.

Nearly 430 associates, physicians, community members and other partners came together at the J.W. Marriott Hotel in Chicago to celebrate the past, present and future of the hospital.

This was the 10th year that the hospital has hosted a gala celebration, with more than $1.78 million to support the programs and services it provides in pursuit of its healing mission. This year’s proceeds benefit Advocate South Suburban Hospital’s 10-bed inpatient pediatric unit, a collaboration with Advocate Hope Children’s Hospital. The pediatric unit is a dedicated child-centered space for providing the highest quality pediatric service in the area.

“We are partnering with Advocate Hope Children’s Hospital to bring expert, compassionate care to children and families in our community,” said Michael Englehart, president of Advocate South Suburban Hospital. “This unit, paired with our planned pediatric specialty clinic, will fill a large service gap in our area and help us deliver on our commitment to expand the ways we are able to care for all our patients.”

During the gala celebration on Nov. 5, K. Ramesh Adiga, M.D. and Ronald T. Shropshire were presented with inaugural Advocate South Suburban Hospital Founders Awards honoring their contributions as exceptional leaders, whose service to the hospital and the surrounding community have positive, lasting impacts.

Shropshire, currently president of Great Lakes Bank in Homewood, Ill., has enjoyed a 38-year banking
career in the area, and has been a longtime, dedicated and consistent supporter of the hospital and its mission. Adiga, a vascular surgeon, has been a well-respected leader within the hospital medical
staff for 40 years.