Mrs. Seuss To Be Honored at UCSD's Heart of San Diego Gala

UC San Diego will host the Heart of San Diego Gala to honor local philanthropist Audrey Geisel on Feb. 9 at the Grand Hyatt Aviara Resort in Carlsbad. All proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit the UC San Diego Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center.

The facility, which opened in La Jolla, in 2011, provides cardiovascular research, services and programs in one location.

UCSD said Geisel is one of the many donors to make the cardiovascular center a reality. The facility was named for Richard Sulpizio, a longtime Qualcomm executive, and his wife, Gabby, after they donated $10 million for the project.

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The center is a four-story facility adjacent to the Thornton Hospital and has four operating rooms, 54 inpatient beds, four cardiac catheterization labs and outpatient clinics. It is the region’s first dedicated cardiovascular center.

“We are very pleased to honor Mrs. Geisel’s loyal and generous support of improving cardiovascular care in our community,” said Kirk Peterson, MD, director of the Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center in an announcement. “She recognized the Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center’s potential to change the way heart and stroke care are delivered—and save lives—throughout the San Diego region.”

Former San Diego Chargers Rolf Benirschke will serve as the emcee at the gala. The event includes dinner, dancing and a silent auction

Tickets are $500-$650 per person and attire is black-tie. To purchase tickets, visit heartcentergala.com or call 858-534-6223.