Staff Reports | Happenings & Events
HonorHealth Foundation has announced that Kelly LaPorte and Todd LaPorte will be honored at the 2027 Honor Ball, which will mark the event’s 50th anniversary.
The gala, themed “A Golden Legacy, A Royal Celebration,” is scheduled from 6 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, 2027, at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa. The event will recognize five decades of philanthropy while celebrating the community leaders, volunteers and donors who have supported Honor Ball initiatives over the years, according to a press release.
Mr. LaPorte’s 25-year career with HonorHealth, including his tenure as chief executive officer, has coincided with the organization’s growth and expansion of health care services. “Kelly and I are deeply grateful to be recognized as part of The Honor Ball’s golden anniversary,” Mr. LaPorte said.
“HonorHealth has been central to our lives for 25 years, and we have seen firsthand what is possible when dedicated healthcare professionals and generous community partners come together. This honor belongs to the many people who strengthen healthcare across our community every day, and we look forward to celebrating this extraordinary legacy with them.”
The foundation also cited Mrs. LaPorte’s longtime involvement in philanthropy and community service as reasons for the recognition.
“For more than two decades, Kelly and Todd have been steadfast champions for HonorHealth and the health and wellness of the community we serve,” Jared A. Langkilde, president and chief executive officer of HonorHealth Foundation, said. “Todd has helped shape HonorHealth into one of Arizona’s leading healthcare systems, always focused on what matters most: improving the lives of patients and families. Alongside him, Kelly has generously dedicated herself to helping others and strengthening our community. Together, they represent the very best of what The Honor Ball celebrates, and it is a privilege to honor them as we mark this milestone anniversary.”
Five decades of fundraising
For 50 years, the Honor Ball has brought together philanthropists, community leaders and health care advocates to support patient care, programs and services across HonorHealth.
The event traces its roots to 1976, when philanthropist Virginia Piper, inspired by a hospital fundraising gala in Illinois, envisioned a similar event for Scottsdale Memorial Hospital. Working with community leaders Ruth Kaspar and Joan Potter, Mrs. Piper helped launch the inaugural Honor Ball. She served as honorary chair, underwrote the event and named it in memory of her late husband, Ken Piper.
Held Jan. 15, 1977, at the Camelback Inn, the first Honor Ball drew 475 attendees and raised $90,000 to help complete the East Tower at Scottsdale Memorial Hospital’s Osborn campus.
Since then, the event has generated more than $33 million to support health care initiatives across the Valley. The Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust has continued its support of the event and its mission.
As the Honor Ball celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2027, organizers say the event will honor past chairs and honorees while encouraging continued community support for health care programs throughout Arizona.
