Academy Award-winning actor Anthony Hopkins and retired TRW, Inc. CEO, Dr. Ruben F. Mettler, were honored at the 2004 Caritas Award Gala in Beverly Hills May 21 for personal legacies of philanthropic and humanitarian contributions, including their mutually shared commitment to Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica.

Hosted by Saint John's Health Center Foundation and the Irene Dunne Guild of Saint John's, the 11th annual Caritas ball held at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel marked the debut of "The Spirit of Saint John's Award," given to Dr. Mettler for his leadership in heading the $125 million capital campaign to rebuild Saint John's after the 1994 Northridge Earthquake.

Hopkins, the 2004 Caritas Award honoree, was introduced by Saint John's CEO Bruce Lamoureux to the 670 guests in attendance as a person who "remembers the importance and essence of Caritas: love." In his acceptance speech, Hopkins expressed his "deep gratitude and appreciation" to Saint John's for the award. He praised the hospital staff for the attentive care given to his late mother who had been a patient at Saint John's. "The extraordinary care given to her was just overwhelming," said Hopkins.

The event raised $700,000 for Saint John's Health Center Emergency Department.