36th Annual Crystal Ball Gala Oct. 4 to Honor Longtime Physician Ken Wogensen, MD

The 36th Annual Crystal Ball benefitting USC Arcadia Hospital will be held Saturday, October 4 and for the first time the event will be staged at the brilliant Langham Huntington Hotel in Pasadena. The event will honor longtime hospital neurologist Ken Wogensen, MD, for his outstanding leadership as both a physician and philanthropist during his 37 years with the hospital.

“The USC Arcadia Hospital Foundation is so pleased to honor Dr. Wogensen at this year’s Crystal Ball celebration,” said Sandra Chen Lau, president of the Foundation. “He has done so much for so many over the years. In addition to doing a wonderful job caring for his patients, he’s always looking for ways to support our nursing and clinical staff, so they all are continuously improving their skills.”

Distinguished Guests include event co-chairs Elizabeth Lee, MD and Thomas Yamamoto, MD; as well as title sponsor Paul Rusnak, founder and owner of the Rusnak Auto Group, which is known for operating multiple car dealerships throughout the region.

The evening will feature a hosted reception, fine dining, a silent auction, a remarkable live auction, entertainment and plenty of dancing. The Gold Standard Dance Band, known as one of the top bands in Los Angeles, will be performing. The group features an exceptional lineup of session vocalists who have performed with artists such as Stevie Wonder, Maroon 5, and Pharrell Williams.

Dr. Wogensen said he was surprised and honored to be selected.

“I am certainly humbled and appreciate this wonderful recognition by the Crystal Ball committee. If this honor helps increase fundraising for the hospital, then I’m glad to participate,” Dr. Wogensen said.

Proceeds from Crystal Ball will support the advanced technology and innovative treatments our community needs. The hospital is embarking on a program to update technology, transform surgical services and take the next step forward in our constant journey toward unsurpassed quality care.

“For me, being a physician is not really a job, it’s a calling, a vocation, an adventure,” Dr. Wogensen said. Over the years, the native Angelino spent more than a decade as the medical director of the hospital’s Acute Rehabilitation Program. He then helped start the Comprehensive Stroke Program at the hospital and became the program’s first medical director; a position he held for 10 years. He also served in executive leadership with the medical staff, eventually becoming Chief of Staff for a year in 2023.

When it comes to fundraising, Dr. Wogensen does his best to lead by example and has donated significantly to the hospital over the years. He encourages others to give as well.

“At this stage of my life, my goal is to get as many people as possible to contribute to our outstanding hospital, whether it’s younger doctors, members of the community, or anyone who may have a stake in this great community asset,” Dr. Wogensen said.

To learn more about Crystal Ball event sponsorships or to purchase tickets, please go to uscarcadiahospital.org/crystalball. Questions? Contact Evan Saito, Manager of Donor Engagement and Special Events, at evan.saito@med.usc.edu or 626-821-2319.

Photo caption: Dr. Ken Wogensen and wife Elaine