Thursday evening, hundreds of leaders in entertainment, business, healthcare and philanthropy came together for the 2018 Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Gala.
The event raised nearly $1.6 million for the Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute (RMI), led by Clive Svendsen, PhD, internationally recognized for his use of stem cell technology in an effort to create new treatments for diseases such as ALS, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, macular degeneration, Crohn’s disease, and diabetes.
At the gala, Richard Sinaiko, a member of the Cedars-Sinai Board of Directors, announced that the Board of Governors has fulfilled their $30 million pledge to the Institute in just four years, which broke every fundraising record in the Board of Governors history. The completion of the Board of Governors fundraising goal will help the Regenerative Medicine Institute continue its vital mission of restoring function in diseased or aged tissues by revitalizing existing cells or transplanting new ones.
Founder, Chairman & CEO of Bel Air Investment Advisors Todd Morgan was honored with the Philanthropic Leadership Award, which was presented by his wife, actress and Honorary Gala Chair Rosanna Arquette.
During Morgan’s acceptance speech, he spoke movingly about his brother Tommy, who battled heart failure during a month-long hospital stay and surprised his family by recovering. “My brother was on the brink many times, but those Cedars doctors and nurses never gave up. I’ll remember them as long as I live.”
Head of Amazon Studios Jennifer Salke and President of Fox 21 Television Studios Bert Salke received the Hollywood Humanitarian Award, which was presented by actor Rob Lowe.
“Dr. Svendsen’s work with stem cell technology is mind blowing,” said Jennifer Salke. “They are ahead in treating some of the most common and debilitating diseases.”
Actor Sean Hayes served as master of ceremonies for the event. Additional guests included Roma Downey and Mark Burnett (Chairman, MGM Worldwide TV), Max Greenfield (The Neighborhood), Marin Hinkle (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), filmmaker Reggie Hudlin, music legend Smokey Robinson and Dina Shihabi (Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan).
The evening featured a heartfelt acoustic set by seven-time Grammy Award winner John Mayer, which included “New Light”, “Daughters” and “Waiting On The World To Change”.
Guests also enjoyed a spirited live auction, which featured a special getaway to an away game with the Los Angeles Rams, a spot to play in the 2019 Genesis Open with a PGA pro, and a five-course culinary experience with a talented group of celebrity chefs.
Gala Co-Chairs included Founder of Mother The Self Tammy Ratner, President of Bel Air Investment Advisors David Sadkin, Chairman & CEO of Fox Television Group Dana Walden and Partner at William Morris Endeavor Richard Weitz.
The Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors (BOG) is an energetic community of philanthropic leaders who are helping define the future of healthcare. Established by the Board of Directors in 1971, the BOG has become the primary fundraising and leadership group at Cedars-Sinai.
