‘Freedom of Choice’ Gala Nets $450,000

Planned Parenthood’s “Freedom of Choice, Freedom of Speech” awards gala on Nov. 6 at the Century Plaza honored Ted Turner, chairman and president of Turner Broadcasting, actress Candice Bergen and Susie Russell Tompkins, co-founder and creative director of Esprit. The event netted almost $450,000 to support Campaign ‘91, a $1.75-million drive to fund four new family-planning clinics. The campaign is headed by Mary Jane Wagle and Suzanne R. Campi.

* Union Rescue Mission’s second annual gala, held Nov. 7 at the Beverly Hilton, celebrated receipt of $15 million raised by Los Angeles businessmen and political leaders for construction of a new building to serve the homeless and needy. The gala was hosted by Mayor Tom Bradley and John P. Singleton, vice chairman, Security Pacific Corp.

* John Wayne Cancer Institute Auxiliary held its membership luncheon Nov. 5 at the Regent Beverly Wilshire and presented a check for $465,000 to the institute. The 600-member auxiliary raised the money this year with a series of activities that included the Odyssey Ball and the Kevin Dobson Celebrity Golf Classic.

* Holy Cross Medical Center Foundation held its 10th annual fund-raising gala Oct. 12 at the Universal City Hilton and Towers. The medical facility will receive $328,000, net proceeds of the event that included a silent auction, dining, dancing and awards.

* Westside Food Bank held its annual Hunger Walk Oct. 27 in Santa Monica with the support of more than 500 walkers and their sponsors. The walk was underwritten by First Federal Bank and hosted by Daniel J. Travanti. The $35,000 raised will go to food assistance in the Los Angeles area.

* Opera Guild of Southern California announced receipt of a $5,300 check from Century Cable Co.’s Century Cares community division. The check will enable the guild to continue staged opera performances for elementary schoolchildren.

* The Serra Project Residential Centers for Persons With AIDS has received $85,000, net proceeds of the “A Faire of the Heart” dinner and dance Sept. 15 at the Immaculate Heart Retreat House. The event was sponsored by the Serra Project, Rosemary Clooney, Sister Jane Frances Power, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and seven local Catholic hospitals. The project provides housing for people with AIDS, including men, women and mothers with their babies.

* The Arthritis Foundation will receive more than $61,000 raised at the Jane Wyman Humanitarian Award Dinner Sept. 14 at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Proceeds will support research and community service programs. Dinner chair was Peter Ratican, chairman, CEO and president of Maxicare Health Plans.