Daily Bulletin - May 19, 2007
Heart Association honors Dr. Lally
by Suzanne Sproul, Staff Writer
Dr. James Lally, is the 2007 medical honoree of the American Heart Association. Together, Lally, and others have raised more than $300,000 for the association. They will be feted during the nonprofit's upcoming Stars of the Heart Celebrity Gala in Ontario.
The lavish event is set for June 2, at the DoubleTree Hotel in Ontario. Proceeds from this evening of dancing, fine dining, celebrities and silent/live auctions will help in the continuing fight against heart disease and to help with services for patients and the public.
More than 400 leaders in entertainment, business and government are expected to attend. Some of the confirmed attendees include model Patricia Kara; actors Jack McGee, Rodney Van Johnson, Roland Kickinger, Christopher Maleki and Gloria Torres; KOLA radio disc jockey Vick Slick; and state Senator Bob Dutton. Serving as dinner chairmen are Gregory Brentano, Chino Valley Medical Center and Montclair Hospital, and retired Chino Police Chief Gene Hernandez.
Entertainment will include illusionist Christopher Gustin and 8 of Hearts, a classic rock band. Proceeds are earmarked to help fight cardiovascular disease, which is America's No. 1 killer, claiming more than 2.4 million lives each year. Pam Poliakoff, association business development director, said the gala also serves as public recognition for Inland Valley "champions" who work throughout the year in this important battle.
"The gala is an opportunity for medical leaders, company champions and dignitaries to come together to raise funds for research, education and community programs," Poliakoff said. "We choose the honorees for their commitment to their community and dedication to philanthropic projects, as well as leaders in their fields of expertise."
Lally grew up as an Army brat and later enlisted in the Army, training as an Airborne Ranger Special Forces infantryman. He later trained as a Special Forces Medic. In his 15 years in the military, he earned 20 separate badges, commendations and awards, including the Legion of Merit and the Army Commendation Medal for heroism. When he moved to the Inland Valley, he studied at and graduated from the College of Osteopathic Medicine at Western University in Pomona.
Dr. Lally and his family reside in Upland. In addition to his professional life, he has served as team physician for the U.S. Olympic Shooting Team in the last three Olympics, he is the medical director for Chino Youth Boxing and he oversees the Montclair Community Clinic and the Monte Vista Park Clinic, Chino. Dr. Lally was the recipient of the the City of Chino's Community Hero Award for 2007. He is also a long time member and instructor at Goltz Judo in Claremont where he holds a 2nd degree black belt.
O.J. Soler, Gary Goltz, Kyu Ha Kim, Dr. James Lally, & Nick Niakan