Good works: Hardy Diagnostics gives back to Santa Maria Hospital
Santa Maria-based Hardy Diagnostics was in a particularly giving mood during the holiday season, donating nearly $300,000 to the Marian Regional Medical Center Foundation in Santa Maria to support the purchase of advanced identification equipment in the hospital’s laboratory, the company announced on Jan. 9.
Microbiology device manufacturer Hardy Diagnostics donated $289,000 to allow the lab to purchase highly specialized bacteria and fungi identification equipment not previously available on the Central Coast of California, the company said in a press release.
“Due to Hardy Diagnostics’ generosity, the Marian Laboratory will now be able to purchase highly specialized equipment that will allow health care in our community to dramatically improve by creating faster results and more targeted, effective, and definitive patient treatments,” Kevin Ferguson, Marian’s Medical Director of Laboratory and Pathology Services said in a press release.
The equipment will play a vital role in the rapid diagnosis of disease, the company said in a press release.
“It gives us immense joy knowing that we can partner with Marian and other hospitals in their mission to provide superior health care to those in our community,” Jay Hardy, President and CEO of Hardy Diagnostics, said in a press release.
Hardy, which has been headquartered in the Central Coast of California since 1980, is a 100% employee-owned company and donates 1% of its earnings to non-profit organizations and supports a variety of local charities.
RUNNING FOR THE FIGHT
Moorpark-based RapidLash donated $68,000 to Project Purple, a national nonprofit dedicated to a world without pancreatic cancer on Jan. 4.
In 2023, the company celebrated a year-long “Paint it Purple” campaign as part of its 15th anniversary and set aside a portion of every sale of the company’s patented eyelash, brow, hair and skincare products.
It is the company’s largest philanthropic effort to date.
“This year, RapidLash has truly showcased the power of community and compassion,” Janet Carieri, Chairwoman of RapidLash, said in a press release.
“Teaming up with Project Purple to combat pancreatic cancer has been a deeply personal journey for all of us. We’re incredibly humbled that our employees and customers rallied behind this important mission. I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved together. To our cherished customers and the dedicated team at Project Purple, thank you for making 2023 truly remarkable.”
The $68,000 donation enables Project Purple to provide the equivalent of:
- 1,889 pancreatic cancer patients with a care blanket;
- 137 patients with mortgage or rent payments;
- 876 patients with funding to keep their utilities running; or
- 398 patients the money to pay for medical expenses.
“Fighting one of our country’s deadliest cancers takes a village and corporate partners like RapidLash are critical in our fight,” Dino Verrelli, founder and CEO of Project Purple, said in a press release.
“This gift and the public awareness raised through the Paint It Purple campaign are instrumental in our efforts to positively affect patient care and survival rates.”
NEW MEMBERS
Westlake Village-based The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation announced the election of four new members to its board of directors on Jan. 9.
The four board members are Matthew J. Hart, Beverly Hilton-Neapolitan, Caitlin Hilton and Louise Nelson, all of whom began their board service for the $7 billion private foundation on Jan. 1.
The announcement of the four directors also follows the recent announcement of Linda Hilton’s election as board chair and Justin McAuliffe as vice chair.
The majority of the board members are from the Hilton family. The new board members, two Hilton family members and two non-family members bring an array of personal interests and professional expertise to the Foundation’s board of directors, it said in a press release.
“I am delighted to welcome four new directors to the board, each of whom brings a wealth of knowledge, and unique contributions to the important governance role the board plays in the stewardship of our mission and supporting the intent of our donors,” Linda Hilton said.
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