Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas Presents La Costa Glen Resident Distinguished Achievement Award

The Circle of Life 100 of Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas has honored Elisabeth “Jinx” Ecke, a resident of the La Costa Glen retirement community in Carlsbad with this year’s Distinguished Achievement Award.

The 2012 award was presented to Ecke at a recent luncheon at the La Costa Resort and Spa. The Circle of Life 100 is a service organization that raises awareness and financial support for the hospital and honors women who demonstrate outstanding leadership and philanthropic spirit each year with its prestigious Distinguished Achievement Award.

According to Carl Etter, chief executive at Scripps Encinitas who presented the award to Ecke along with her son, Paul Ecke, III, Mrs. Ecke was honored for her entire body of philanthropic work. In addition to her involvement with Scripps Encinitas, she is a longtime supporter of women’s health issues and organizations. 

Mrs. Ecke was also accompanied at the luncheon by several other relatives, including her daughter, Lizbeth Ecke, as well as numerous friends and supporters of her other philanthropic organizations. Unable to attend was her brother, Dr. William Kenney, who was a physician at the Scripps Encinitas Emergency Department for many years.

“Jinx and her husband Paul Ecke, Jr., began their involvement with Scripps in 1982 and Jinx served as the benefit chair for the Scripps Gala in 1991 to raise funds for the emergency room expansion,” Etter said. “Over the years, the Eckes’ support of Scripps Encinitas and other Scripps campuses has made a huge difference in the quality of care we provide our patients. They have supported cancer programs at Scripps Encinitas and the Stevens Cancer Center at Scripps La Jolla, along with many other needs. Without their participation, Scripps Encinitas would not be the same medical facility.”

Carolyn McGurn, chair of the 2012 Circle of Life 100 event, said that “Jinx has always been an activist for women’s rights and opportunities within the community. She recognizes a need and then strives to make a difference. We are proud to be honoring her with this award.”

Scripps Encinitas is currently in the midst of a $38 million capital campaign to expand the emergency department again and to add a second floor with 36 private patient rooms. In addition to Jinx Ecke, numerous other La Costa Glen residents have supported the expansion by holding fundraisers, including one event earlier this year that raised $20,000 for the campaign. Many of the community’s residents also participated in the hospital’s groundbreaking for the new emergency room in April. 

La Costa Glen is a continuing care retirement community for people 60 years of age and older. The community is located at 1940 Levante St. in Carlsbad. For more information, please call La Costa Glen at 800-333-7550 or visit www.LaCostaGlen.com. To follow La Costa Glen on Facebook, go to www.facebook.com/LaCostaGlenRetirement.