$1 Million: Something to Build On

Assistance League of Southern California has announced a $1-million gift from member Dorothy Leavey for the organization’s “Building for the Future” campaign. A new $8-million facility, to be named the Dorothy E. Leavey Family Resource Center, will house several of the league’s community services. Leavey noted that the organization had always held a special place in her heart and “has done so much over the years to help families and children in need.”

Motion Picture & Television Fund has announced receipt of $75,000 for its Samuel Goldwyn Foundation Children’s Center: a $50,000 contribution from the Jules and Doris Stein Foundation and $25,000 from the Samuel Goldwyn Foundation. Proceeds will provide assistance to entertainment industry families who are unable to afford tuition fees.

Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles, which works to protect and document public art, will receive $8,000 raised at Artscenemagazine’s 10th anniversary party. The April 25 event was held at the Koplin and Sherry Frumkin galleries in Santa Monica. Twelve one-of-a-kind cups designed by Robbie Conal, Kent Twitchell and Frank Romero were auctioned. More than 500 guests also heard a panel of art writers discuss “A Decade of Development in L.A. Art.”

Venice Family Clinic’s recent “Sweet Chair-ity and More”--a live and silent auction of chairs and craft items created by such artists as Rod Baer, Candice Gawne and Therman Statom netted $55,000. The Latin-themed event was held at the Water Garden complex in Santa Monica. Proceeds will provide free health care for low-income and homeless people on the Westside.

American Diabetes Assn., California Affiliate Inc., raised $82,000 at its “Big Bands at the Biltmore” black-tie dinner dance March 6. Entertainment was provided by Les Brown and His Band of Renown and the Step Sisters. Proceeds will be used for the association’s programs and research. Co-chairs were Lucy Crumrine and Eloise Moran.

Rue’s House, a shelter for women and children with AIDS, has announced receipt of $7,500 raised at the “Paris Is Burning” party sponsored by Catch One Disco.

American Friends of the Israel Museum raised $30,000 at its second annual membership luncheon at the Regency Club March 24. Proceeds will be used for projects at the museum in Israel.

South Bay Free Clinic received $5,000 from GTE California, on behalf of employees and shareholders. The clinic, with facilities in Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach and Gardena, has provided free health care to people in need for 23 years. Services include general medical, prenatal and pediatric care, family planning, dental care and anonymous HIV testing and counseling.

Volunteer Center of Los Angeles has been awarded more than $300,000 for the Los Angeles-based Foster Grandparent Program through a one-year federal Action grant. Grandparent program members provide nurturing to abused and neglected children in Los Angeles.

Foundation on Employment & Disability Inc. has announced a gift of $40,000 from the Toyota USA Foundation. The gift will fund the Long Beach-South Bay High School/High Tech Project, an enrichment program to help students with disabilities prepare for professional-level careers in high technology fields.