Higgs’ business litigation and health care attorney, Susan Basinger, is currently in her second year as Chair for Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary Poway Unit.

Making a difference in the health and well-being of children since 1953, the Auxiliary works in partnership with Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego and supports its mission through advocating for the health and well-being of children, increasing community awareness of Rady Children’s and fundraising. There are 23 Units in San Diego and each is responsible for hosting an annual fundraiser with all proceeds benefiting the hospital.

For more than 12 years, the Poway Unit has hosted its yearly event, Tabletops & Tea. In 2016, the fundraiser secured more than $177,000.

First introduced to the organization by a friend who invited her to attend an informational meeting, Basinger was immediately impressed by the group’s energy and with how much money it raised.

“Our goal is to support and assist in keeping Rady Children’s Hospital at its excellent level of care. This group of women are amazing and always looking for impactful ways to help. Not only are we doing something positive, but there’s great camaraderie and fun while doing it,” said Basinger.

After joining the organization, it wasn’t long before Basinger took on leadership roles within the Poway Unit. In her second and third year, she was the group’s education representative. In this role, Basinger was responsible for visiting Rady Children’s Hospital and listening to presentations given by doctors or health care professionals. She would then report back to the group on what she learned. In her fourth and fifth year, she served as Co-Chair. Basinger has served as Chair since 2015.

There was one particular moment when Basinger realized she was involved with something great.

“We were given a tour of the neonatal intensive care unit, and I saw a heart/lung machine for newborns. Our Poway Unit provided the money to buy that specific machine!” explained Basinger. “We not only raise money for an overall department within the hospital, but we’re getting them the items they need. To know you raised that dollar that pays for that one thing that saves one little child is really amazing.”

In addition, the Unit also makes “Comfort and Care” bags which contain items for parents who unexpectedly find themselves staying at the hospital. 

To receive information on the Tabletops & Tea fundraiser scheduled for May 21, 2017 at The Grand Del Mar, visit http://www.tabletopsandtea.org