General Hospital + Nurses Ball = The Gift Of Philanthropy #GH55

Twenty-five Disney bloggers, myself included, had an opportunity to meet and interview Joshua “Josh” Swickard who plays Detective Harrison Chase, and Frank Valentini the Executive Producer from ABC’s iconic show “General Hospital”.  “General Hospital” celebrated its 55th anniversary on April 1st.

“General Hospital” has won the prestigious Emmy® Award for Outstanding Daytime Drama a record 13 times. “General Hospital” was created by Frank and Doris Hursley. Frank Valentini is the executive producer. “General Hospital” airs weekdays on The ABC Television Network.

 

Growing up as a kid there were a few “normals” in my house.  It was normal for my grandmother to have a cup of Folgers coffee with plenty of cream and sugar, it was normal for me to play with my Barbies at least three times a day, and it was normal for my someone in my house to watch “General Hospital”.  So, when we were able to visit the set, it took me back to my childhood.  I could hardly believe that I was walking through the living room of the Quartermaine family.  I even sat at the desk and took a few calls. Epic!

 

For nearly twenty years I have been working as an advancement professional for nonprofit organizations.  I have raised millions of dollars for several organizations in the area of education, social service, health, and faith based.  When I heard that we were going to have a sneak peek of “General Hospital’s” Nurses Ball founded in 1994 by Port Charles resident Lucy Coe (Lynn Herring), is one of fictional Port Charles’ most glamorous charity events, dedicated to HIV/AIDS awareness and research – I was SUPER EXCITED!

“General Hospital’s” annual Nurses Ball, this year sponsored by Olay, returns WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, and airs through MONDAY MAY 21. This year, celebrity guest appearances include “The Chew’s Carla Hall and “The Bachelor’s Nick Viall. In her debut performance, Hall takes on an infamous role decade in the making; while Viall joins Aurora media maven Nina Clay (Michelle Stafford) on the red carpet, as they welcome viewers into what promises to be a memorable night.  Not to mention the top-secret performance by Detective Harrison Chase…it is HOT!

 

Photo Credit: ABC/Craig Sjodin

Immediately following our sneak peek, we had an opportunity to meet and chat with Executive Producer Frank Valentini and Joshua Swickard, who plays Detective Harrison Chase.  As we settled in and ate cupcakes (in honor of 55th anniversary), the conversation began.  When asked if he volunteered to perform at the “Nurses Ball”, Joshua replied “No I didn’t, I was asked one day if I sing. I said yes and next thing you know I was a performer.”  I’m so glad they made that call, you definitely want to tune in…this show is sure to be one of the best!

 

Photo Credit: Louise Bishop

I’ve said this before, I love television shows and films where I can learn, grow and/or be inspired.  I was inspired by “General Hospital’s” Nurses Ball episode.  Any show that produces a charity event incorporated in their show with live performances, well it is hard not to pay attention to that.  Tune in weekdays on ABC (check your local listings) or streaming or on the app. 

I suppose my grandmother, aunts and older cousins had it right.  They were faithful to General Hospital and now I know why.  It is both the longest-running American soap opera currently in production and the longest-running scripted television drama currently in production.  Philanthropy is a huge part of my life and what I hope to make up my legacy.  Touring the set of “General Hospital” has confirmed my love for giving back and made me rethink my efforts.

Are you familiar with “General Hospital” and/or the Nurses Ball episodes of the show?  If so, what are your thoughts about the past “Nurses Ball” and if not, please tune in and watch on Wednesday, May 16th through Monday, May 21st.  You can also follow along using hashtag #GeneralHospital #GH55.

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[latoyia]

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