County Trauma Society Benefit Planned at Knott’s Berry Farm

Live country music, cocktails and fried chicken dinners make up a summer country party today at Knott’s Berry Farm that will benefit the Orange County Trauma Society. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. at Jeffries Barn in Ghost Town and include reserved seating at Knott’s new ice show starring Olympic gold medalist Robin Cousins.

The $150-per-couple affair is sponsored by the society’s new Associates group, headed by Virginia Knott Bender, general partner and daughter of park founder Walter Knott. The Associates, the fund-raising arm of the society, will sell raffle tickets that night for a trip for four to Epcot Center and Disney World. Proceeds from the evening will be used to develop programs in drowning prevention, child passenger safety, motorcycle helmet safety and preventing teen-age drinking and driving.

The society was formed nearly six years ago after the start of the county’s regional trauma system, which involves four hospitals.

“We realized that if we could save 20,000 lives in the United States through trauma centers, we could save 50,000 through trauma prevention,” said Dr. John West, architect of the system. “Trauma is the No. 1 health care issue facing the nation in terms of health care dollars and years of life lost. Half the people die before they get to the hospital. Prevention can have a tremendous impact.”

For reservations, call (714) 937-5030.