Food Industry Circle Marks 20 Years of Aid

The Southern California Food Industry Circle for the City of Hope National Medical Center celebrated its 20th anniversary by raising a record-breaking $4.1 million at its Harvest Ball on Nov. 19 at the Century Plaza. Ralph Leibman, executive vice president, Ralphs Grocery Co., chaired the gala. Paul Arndt, chairman and CEO of Crown Inc., is Circle president. The group has raised $35 million during its years of support for the hospital.

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Santa Monica Hospital Medical Center’s Oct. 30 gala at the Sheraton Los Angeles Airport Hotel was attended by 550 guests. Joel Grey was the featured entertainer. The event raised $302,000 for the hospital’s Emergency Center equipment fund.

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Center for Population Options raised $46,000 at the ninth annual Nancy Susan Reynolds Awards benefit on Nov. 10 at Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel. Twelve films were honored for portrayals of family planning, sexuality and reproductive health. The center is a national group dedicated to preventing risk-taking sexual behavior and teen pregnancy.

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Westside Center for Independent Living Inc. received more than $16,000 at its benefit clothing sale, held each weekend in October at a Beverly Hills residence. Proceeds will fund services and programs at the center, which serves people with disabilities.

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Make-a-Wish Foundation received $15,750 in proceeds from its Oct. 29 Ice Capades benefit at the Forum in Inglewood. The event was sponsored by Fedco and Smith Kline Beechum. Proceeds will grant special wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses.

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American Ireland Fund raised $350,000 at a gala Nov. 4 at the Beverly Hilton. Angela Lansbury was the honoree. Katherine and Frank Price were dinner chairs. Proceeds will be used to fund efforts of people working for peace in Ireland, promote Irish culture and support Irish charities.

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American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California netted $5,000 at a Nov. 10 fund-raiser at the Laugh Factory. The owner, Jamie Masada, hosted the benefit. Proceeds will be used for funding ACLU programs.

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Life Steps Foundation has announced receipt of a $54,000 grant from Westside Regional Center-Program Development Fund to open an adult health center to serve the elderly and developmentally disabled.