$3.6 Million Goes to City of Hope

The Southern California food industry celebrated its 19th year of major support for the City of Hope National Medical Center and Beckman Research Institute by raising a record $3.6 million at the American Harvest Ball on Nov. 20. The black-tie gala, held at the Century Plaza Hotel, was attended by more than 1,800 guests. Hosts included circle president William E. Yingling III, Paul Arndt, Robert P. Hermanns and Ralph Liebman. Since its founding in 1973, Food Industries Circle has raised $30 million in support of the medical center’s programs of patient care, research and education in leukemia and other forms of cancer.

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National Neurofibromatosis Foundation Inc., California chapter, raised $60,000 at the Nov. 14 “Night of Chance” benefit at MGM Filmland. More than 200 guests enjoyed casino games, dinner and dancing. In appreciation of the efforts of actor John Glover, a John Glover Research Grant was established to fund the work of a scientist to research the root cause of neurofibromatosis. Roddy McDowall, James Earl Jones and Lily Tomlin were among the celebrities attending the event.

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Westside Food Bank’s third annual hunger walk, “Stand Up for Hungry Children,” raised more than $50,000 on Oct. 25. About 700 volunteers participated in the Santa Monica event headed by Rafer Johnson. Westside Food Bank president Barry J. Glaser said 13,000 children benefit from food donations at 33 local social service agencies.

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Pacific Clinics Affiliates held its annual fund-raiser Oct. 4 at the Palomino Club in Hollywood. The “roundup” party raised $30,000 for the mental health clinics, which provide services to the elderly, children, adults and the homeless in the greater San Gabriel area.

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Benedictine Monks of St. Andrew’s Abbey in Antelope Valley raised $327,000 at the Valyermo Fall Festival Sept. 26 and 27. For each of the 32 years the event has been held, Sylvia Wu, owner of Madame Wu’s Garden in Santa Monica, has donated food. Proceeds will benefit the abbey’s nondenominational youth center and programs at the retreat center.

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Family Assistance Program received $100,000, raised Nov. 20 at “A Salute to the American Family” benefit gala. Honorees were Marianne Williamson and attorney Peter Dekom. Those attending the event, sponsored by Fox Inc. and Turner Broadcasting, included Sid Sheinberg, Valerie Harper, Martin Sheen, Susan Clark and other celebrities. Dionne Warwick entertained. Paul Reiser was emcee. Funds will provide assistance to homeless families with children.