L.A. Childrens Hospital at 100

Asingle twist of a lightbulb launched last weekend’s centennial celebration gala that netted more than $750,000 for Childrens Hospital Los Angeles.

The festivities began just after sunset when CNN’s Larry King joined gala co-chairs Joni and Clark Smith and hospital trustee Patty Brown to illuminate the hospital’s new “100 Years” sign--which signaled a shower of fireworks. Following the brief ceremony, the Hamilton High School Band led more than 600 guests across Sunset Boulevard to an enormous tent, where trapeze artists and acrobats performed for the black-tie crowd.

Earlier Friday, dedication ceremonies were held for the new $65 million Marion and John E. Anderson Building, which includes the Burtie Green Bettingen Surgery Center.

At the gala, veteran benefit maven Joni Smith decreed, “The speeches will be 60 seconds long because the most important thing tonight is to have a wonderful time.” All complied, including Walt Rose and Marion Anderson, who co-chair the hospital’s board of trustees.

Rose devoted his moment in the spotlight to a remembrance of past supporters such as the late Kate Crutcher, board chairwoman for 40 years; Mary Duque, who raised millions; George Page, another longtime benefactor, and Fern and Harold McAlister, whose planned gift recently matured to yield $38 million.

Gala guests paid $1,000 for the “Once-in-a-Hundred Years” event, which featured dinner by Patina, dancing to the J. Sterling Orchestra and crooning by James Darren.

Partiers included Nancy and Hizzoner Dick Riordan, who had to be up early the next day to lead the mayor’s annual Hollywood bike ride for children’s health.

And, the rest of the weekend, the hospital celebration site was open to the public with free music, food, carnival rides and a doll fair.