$15,000 Donated for Eye Research

Retinitis Pigmentosa International received a $15,000 check Aug. 12 from Mark Stevens, owner of The Gym in Brentwood. The money, to be used for research toward finding a cure for the degenerative eye disease, was raised at a raffle and celebrity auction at The Gym.

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Volunteers of America Senior Nutrition Program has raised $8,000 over the past eight months through its car donation program. People help by giving unused or disabled cars to the organization. Proceeds from the sale of the cars helps pay for meals for the disabled.

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Academy of Comedy & Art Foundation, a nonprofit group founded by Laugh Factory owner Jamie Masada, raised $10,000 at a July 21 benefit. The foundation assists comedians in times of crisis. Martin Lawrence, Damon Wayans, Charles Fleischer, Dave Chappel and others performed.

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American Cinematheque netted $17,000 at its Aug. 23 premiere screening of “Kalifornia” at the Directors Guild. Proceeds will benefit Cinematheque’s programming fund.

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Celiac Disease Foundation received a $15,000 grant July 26 from the Herman Goldman foundation to promote greater awareness of the disease by providing continuing education in the medical community and the community at large.

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Heal The Bay will receive $12,000 raised at the Aug. 29 benefit grand opening of Spectrum Club fitness training center in Santa Monica. Heal The Bay is dedicated to stopping coastal and beach pollution through education, research, public outreach and environmental policy programs. Benefit hosts included Barry Melrose, Kelly Emberg, Shari Belafonte, Jack Scalia, Rafer Johnson, Terry Schroeder and other celebrities.

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Aid for AIDS raised $26,000 at its 10th anniversary reception on Aug. 18. The event, held at a private home, paid tribute to the group’s founders, board of directors, major donors and volunteers. Proceeds will be used to pay rent, utilities and medical insurance for people living with AIDS.

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Great Beginnings for Black Babies received a $10,000 check Aug. 24 from Dow Chemical. The money is for a program that encourages expectant mothers to seek early, continuous prenatal care.

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Torrance Medical Center Health Care Foundation netted $50,000 at its seventh annual golf tournament Aug. 13 at the Rolling Hills Country Club. Proceeds will benefit the nonprofit hospital.