The ECHO Foundation announced last week its headlining entertainment act for its eighth annual gala, scheduled for Feb. 5, 2011.

Dennis Quaid and the Sharks will be the featured performer for next year’s fundraiser, which benefits new projects and services at Tomball Regional Medical Center.

Quaid will bring his brand of “rock n’ roll and country-soul” to The Woodlands Waterway Marriot, which has been the host of the event since the gala’s inception.

Along with live music, the fundraiser will feature both silent and live auctions, which in the past have featured such exotic bidding opportunities as wild game hunts in Africa and a weeklong stay at a resort-style villa in Mexico.

Funds raised at this year’s event, which is expected to draw more than 1,000 guests, will be donated to Tomball Regional Medical Center in the hopes of improving patient safety.

According to the Institute of Medicine, 98,000 Americans die needlessly every year due to medical errors.

Executive Director of the ECHO Foundation Marilyn Kinyo explained that the money raised this year will fund upgrades and improvements to the hospital’s bar coding system in order to provide “electronic double-checks” in patient care.

“This is a critically important step demonstrating that patient safety is our top priority at Tomball Regional Medical Center,” Kinyo said.

Meanwhile, Quaid is the latest actor-turned-music-act the ECHO Foundation has signed up for its annual gala.

In 2004, Jim Belushi was the featured act, followed by Kevin Costner and Modern West in 2009. Both acts received high acclaim for their performances in the past. Last year’s entertainer remained somewhat in the movies and music genre, with 1980s movie soundtrack hit maker Kenny Loggins performing.

The ECHO Foundation is currently accepting donations for its live and silent auctions. All donors will have their name displayed alongside the auction item they donate and will be listed in the event’s program. All donations are tax-deductible.

Donations may be sent to: The ECHO Foundation, 605 Holderrieth St., Tomball, TX 77375. For more information, call 281-401-7928 or e-mail Kinyo at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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