Burns’ ‘Superdinner’ Raises $1.5 Million

United Jewish Fund’s “Superdinner” tribute to George Burns was attended by almost 2,000. The evening raised $1.5 million, $1 million of that a gift from Ted Mann. Benefiting were the United Jewish Fund, which provides support for human service programs in Los Angeles and Israel and 33 other countries, and Operation Exodus, a program to assist Russian Jews emigrating to Israel. The evening’s program was produced by Barry Mirkin and emceed by Alan King.

AIDS Project Los Angeles has added $1 million to its coffers, funds raised at the fourth annual AIDS Dance-a-Thon March 29 at the Sports Arena. Celebrity hosts included Kathy Bates, Kelly Coffield, Ellen Degeneres and Ricky Lake. Melissa Etheridge, Nona Hendryx and Ce Ce Peniston performed. Funds from the event will also provide assistance to Alta Med Health Services, Being Alive, Rue’s House, ACT UP/LA, Search Alliance and the Women and AIDS Risk Network.

Beverly Hills Education Foundation’s annual dinner-dance and auction March 26 at the Beverly Hilton raised more than $150,000 for the Beverly Hills public schools. Major donors included Aaron Spelling Productions, Guess? Inc., Sondra Lawlor, Glenn and Tony Thomas and William Morris Agency. Dianna and Victor Weiner chaired the gala.

Valley Master Chorale at Northridge held its “Cabaret and Silent Auction Evening” March 22 at the Cal State Northridge University Club. More than $12,000 was raised to benefit the chorale’s concert season and educational programs. Ginny Lande was event chair.

Stepping Stone, which provides temporary refuge and counseling for abused, throwaway and runaway children netted $30,000 at its Saks Fifth Avenue-St. John Knits fashion show, luncheon and silent auction held Feb. 2 at the Regent Beverly Wilshire.

LA’s BEST After School Enrichment Program received an $88,000 challenge grant March 26 from Kaiser Permanente, matching funds that were raised by LA’s BEST. Proceeds will be used to continue education, recreation and cultural enrichment activities for more than 3,000 elementary school children.

MEND (Meet Each Need With Dignity) on March 31 received a $50,000 donation from the Fritz B. Burns Foundation to support the charity’s services to needy families.