In her art studio, impressionist painter, philanthropist and Hoag volunteer leader Ilona Martin paints many of Newport Beach's most iconic locations. Born in East Germany, Ilona appreciates the wonderful life she's built for herself and her family. She shows her love of her community through her art and her work as a passionate Hoag advocate and friend.
"Hoag saved my life from ovarian cancer and was the place where my grandson was born," she said. "I've been so fortunate in my life that it feels natural giving back to the hospital that has given so much to me and my family."
Part of the family
For many years, Ilona has worked tirelessly behind the scenes, serving on Hoag's Choose Nursing, Choose Hoag committee as well as recruiting restaurants and underwriters for Hoag Summer Fest. During her tenure as president of the 552 Club, she established the annual 552 Club Presidents' Circle breakfast. She made a charitable bequest to nursing scholarships to ensure the advancement of Hoag nurses. The rewards of Ilona's generosity are the close relationships she shares with her fellow donors as well as Hoag clinicians, leaders and staff.
"When you give to Hoag, whether through a financial commitment or service, you are part of a big family that cares about each other and their neighbors," she said.
Ilona has invited countless community members and grateful patients to become a meaningful part of the Hoag family, including best-selling author Dean Koontz. "It meant so much to me when Dean Koontz spoke at the Hoag Heritage Society," she said. "He shared many personal stories because he called us family. Inviting people in is at the heart of what I do."
A life of service
Ilona began her volunteer leadership with Hoag in 1999 by donating hats to cancer patients from her manufacturing company. She noticed an unused balcony space at the Hoag Family Cancer Institute and decided to create a meditation garden. With the help of her adult children, she planted trees and flowers and brought in seating for patients, families and clinicians. Shortly thereafter, one of her employees was diagnosed with breast cancer. Ilona contacted Hoag, and her employee received immediate care that saved her life.
"Thanks to Hoag, my employee and friend was able to meet her first grandchild," she said. "I'll never forget how everyone I spoke to was willing to help."
Ilona has also served on the Hoag Hospital Foundation and Hoag Hospital board of directors and was president of the 552 Club from 2010-2012. She chaired the Hoag Summer Fest in 2010 and helped to organize past Christmas Carol Ball galas. In 2009, she received the Vin Jorgensen Award in appreciation for her many years of dedication and service.
When not volunteering for Hoag, the Laguna Playhouse and Laguna College of Art + Design, Ilona organizes a monthly art walk in the Cannery Village and travels annually to Hungary to visit her sisters. Ilona hopes that her charitable bequest inspires current and future generations of donors to make a lasting impact on Hoag.
