Tumon, Guam — [Thursday, May 8th, 2025] — The Guam Memorial Hospital Volunteers Association (GMHVA) marked a historic milestone with its 60th Anniversary Charity Ball, themed Boots and Baubles, held on Saturday, April 26 at the Dusit Thani Guam Resort. The event drew more than 700 guests to celebrate and support Guam’s only public hospital. The evening featured stunning student artwork, live music from Joe Guam and The Frequency, and touching tributes—most notably honoring the late Margaret Ann Jones with the Legacy of a Lifetime acknowledgement.

The festivities culminated in a series of exciting raffle prize drawings, including the baby grand prize of $5,000 cash awarded to Lucas Akimoto, a bonus prize of round-trip United Airlines tickets awarded to Annie Diego and Gloria Cortez, and the grand prize—a brand-new Ford Ranger STX pickup truck, awarded to winner Taling Taitano, who received the keys during a presentation held at the Triple J Auto Group showroom on Monday, May 5th.

Thanks to the generosity of community sponsors, partners, and supporters, GMHVA reached its goal—raising over $300,000 from the event. These funds will directly support urgently needed equipment for Guam Memorial Hospital.

“This was more than a celebration—it was a statement of love for our hospital and our island,” said Charity Ball Co-Chair Jenny Cruz. “Seeing the community come together with such energy and compassion was deeply moving and speaks to the incredible legacy of GMHVA.”

Co-Chair Julie Jones Murrell, daughter of honoree Margaret Ann Jones, added, “It was an honor for my family and me to co-lead this event and witness the love and respect so many have for my mother’s service. This ball was a beautiful reflection of GMHVA’s history, and we are so proud to help carry that mission forward.”

As part of the ‘Colors of Compassion’ high school art contest—presented in collaboration with Artspace Guåhan—the Artspace Board carefully reviewed all 40 student submissions and selected the Top 10 finalists. Gala attendees then cast their votes during the event to determine the final Top 5 winners.

“Our youth brought color, heart, and creativity to this event,” said GMHVA President Terese Calvo. “Their work reminds us of the hope and talent that exists right here in our community.”

All 40 pieces were exhibited during the gala, drawing admiration from hundreds of attendees. The Top 5 student artists received cash prizes totaling $1,000 and their work will be framed on display at the Guam Memorial Hospital for public viewing very soon. The winners were, first place Luna Thomas, 10th grade from Southern High School, second place Hope Hutapea, 10th grade from St. John’s, third place Arianna Cruz 11th grade from George Washington High School, fourth place Connor Canos, 10th grade from Simon Sanchez High School and fifth place Gabriella Calvo, 11th grade from Notre Dame High School.

As part of the evening’s tribute, GMHVA debuted a short-form video chronicling the organization’s 60-year legacy of service. The extended, long-form version of this historic video tribute will air on KUAM from now through December 31, 2025 as follows:

TV8 - Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 5:00 p.m.

TV11 - Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 12:00 p.m.

GMHVA’s 60th Anniversary Charity Ball was not only a celebration of six decades of service—it was a call to action for the next. Through volunteerism, donations, and community partnership, GMHVA remains committed to advancing healthcare access and quality for the people of Guam.

To learn more about GMHVA and future opportunities to support, visit https://www.gmhvolunteers.org.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

Taling Taitano, winner of the Ford Ranger pickup, holds the key alongside Jenny Cruz and Julie Jones Murrell, co-chairs of the 60th Anniversary GMHVA Charity Ball, Jeff Jones, President & CEO of Triple J, Terese Calvo, President of GMHVA, and volunteers of the organization—fondly known as the Pink Ladies.

First place winner Luna Thomas (10th grade, Southern High School) and third place winner Arianna Cruz (11th grade, George Washington High School) proudly display their winning pieces. GMHVA Pink Ladies hold up the remaining Top 5 entries on behalf of students who were unable to attend the prize presentation:
Second place – Hope Hutapea (10th grade, St. John’s School)
Fourth place – Connor Canos (10th grade, Simon Sanchez High School)
Fifth place – Gabriella Calvo (11th grade, Notre Dame High School)