15.4 Million Pounds of Produce Distributed

Thanks to the foresight and generosity of Edna and Mickey Weiss, founders of the Charitable Distribution Facility at the Los Angeles Wholesale Produce Market, about 15.4 million pounds of fresh produce were distributed to more than 400 charitable and hunger-relief organizations throughout Los Angeles in 1991.

Founded in 1987, it was the first such produce program in the nation. Any nonprofit, tax-exempt organization that feeds the needy or homeless can become eligible for food. USC’s Annenberg School for Communication has produced a manual to assist cities wishing to launch similar programs.

Los Angeles Pops Orchestra’s season-opener was a joint benefit with the American Heart Assn., Greater Los Angeles Affiliate. The gala, held Jan. 29 at Royce Hall and the Regency Club, netted $200,000. Co-chairmen were James J. Foster, chairman and CEO of Pacific Rim Holdings, and John C. Argue, of Argue, Pearson, Harbison & Meyers.

People Assisting the Homeless has announced donations of $170,850 from its seventh annual Imaginary Feast mail campaign from November, 1991, through January. Proceeds will support PATH’s day center, emergency shelter and transitional residence programs for the needy on the Westside.

Museum of Contemporary Art’s “MOCA on Tour,” featuring tours of Los Angeles homes, raised more than $45,000 for the museum. The Projects Council hosted the Nov. 12 fund-raiser.

Motion Picture & Television Fund received a $20,000 check from Motion Picture Mothers at “A Merrie Olde Christmas Feast” at the Regent Beverly Wilshire. The Dec. 14 luncheon honored Debbie Reynolds with the Allen Ludden Humanitarian Award.

Vistas for Blind Children Inc. netted $40,000 from two events, its Nov. 24 fashion show and silent auction and its Dec. 9 donor appreciation dinner, both held at the Torrance Marriott Hotel. Proceeds will benefit the Institute for Families of Blind Children at Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles.

Child Rest in Peace provides funerals and graves for babies who died abandoned or unidentified. It has received a donation of 43 infant plots, as well as caskets and undertaking services, totaling almost $50,000, from Rose Hills Mortuary co-owners Sandy Durko, Dennis Poulsen and Ken Nungesser.

Variety--The Children’s Charity of Southern California announced awards of more than $750,000 to 20 Southland medical programs and facilities supporting disabled, underprivileged and abused children. Among the recipients were the Sherrill C. Corwin Limb Bank at UCLA and Variety Boys & Girls Club in Boyle Heights.