Festive celebrations honor members and their causes
LARCHMONT LOCALS Eric Haas and Chava Daniela are yearslong supporters of Children’s Institute.
Cape & Gown photos: Daria Taylor Photography
The Skirball Center played host to the Children’s Institute Inc. (CII) for its 7th annual Cape & Gown Gala Nov. 2. The evening raised over $650,000 in support of life-changing programs that ensure the education, health and well-being for thousands of children and families across Los Angeles. Emmy-winning actress and comedian Loni Love emceed the event, and supporters enjoyed a stand-out performance by the Watts-Willowbrook Music Academy. The hall was filled with good news as CII President and CEO Martine Singer announced a partnership between CII and Saban Community Clinic, which will be opening a new medical facility providing primary care services at CII’s Echo Park campus.
Three community heroes were recognized during the event. The Children’s Champion Award went to motion picture talent agent Lorrie Bartlett for her commitment to children and increasing diversity in entertainment. John Clarke Mills, cofounder and CEO of fire-tracking app Watch Duty, received the Community Champion Award for his contribution to public safety. You may know Watch Duty from the Los Angeles wildfires in January.
HONOREE, COFOUNDER, and CEO of Watch Duty (left) was introduced by Orange County Fire Division Chief Kevin Fetterman (right).
CHUCK DIAMOND received the Lifetime Achievement Award after serving on CII’s Board for 25 years.
Chuck Diamond, a criminal defense attorney and former partner at O’Melveny & Myers, received the Lifetime Achievement Award for serving 25 years on the CII Board.
“We meet people
HONOREE and board member at Creative Artists Agency (CAA) Lorrie Bartlett (left) was introduced by award-winning actress Ruth Negga (right).
where they are and walk with them toward stability, dignity, and hope,” Singer told the crowd. “The safety net is fraying, but we’re sewing like crazy.”
Bales of hay, a photo booth, beer, whiskey, and high-spirited live music greeted guests Oct. 28 at Chevalier’s Books, Los Angeles’ oldest independent bookstore. They welcomed author Mark Z. Danielewski, plus a couple hundred of his biggest fans, to celebrate the release of his newest novel, “Tom’s Crossing.” The book is a thrilling, bloody western taking place over several days that involves two teenagers, two horses, and an epic metaphysical quest to get the two horses to safety.
DANIELEWSKI wears a cowboy hat along with many others in attendance.
Photos by Alex Welsh
Danielewski read a passage from the book to the standing-room only crowd, selling out 150 copies within the first hour. Notables in attendance included composer Danny Elfman and Eric Erlandson from rock band Hole. The evening also included a presentation of artwork from “Tom’s Crossing,” live music trio The Rose Valley Thorns, food from Village Pizzeria, and the added bonus of the Larchmont Chronicle’s own, columnist Jim Kalin and his wife, Heidi, singing one of the songs from the novel. Kalin and Danielewski go waaaayyyy back, so maybe it’s no coincidence that one of the novel’s main characters is named Kalin? Hmmmm. “Tom’s Crossing” is an instant New York Times bestseller, as was his previous classic, “House of Leaves.”
The backdrop was sun and sailboats at the Junior League of Los Angeles (JLLA) centennial luncheon and fundraiser at the California Yacht Club in Marina del Rey. The Nov. 9, 80-something-degree day created the perfect setting to celebrate the massive achievement of this 100-year-old community stalwart. Guests wandered the dockside setting, drinking margaritas, noshing on an elegant cheese and charcuterie spread, and bidding on silent auction items to raise money for the impactful women’s charity. Auction items included a signed Shaquille O’Neal Los Angeles Lakers jersey, an escape to Mykonos Greek for four people, a Raising Cane’s gift basket, and an Enzo Ferrari plate display.
Supporters then enjoyed an outdoor luncheon as they honored two women who have made a huge impact on charity and fundraising in Los Angeles.
PAST, CURRENT, AND FUTURE JLLA presidents gather for a centennial photo shoot to celebrate 100 years of Junior League Los Angeles.
Heather Ogilvie Shuemaker received the Spirit of Volunteerism award for her service as Junior League President (1991-1992) as well as on the boards of more than 30 medical, arts, cultural, and civic nonprofits.
Nichol Whiteman, CEO of the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation, received a boisterous welcome after the Dodgers’ World Series victory. Whiteman received the Community Achievement Award for generating $204 million in funds and investing $74 million in community programs.
AWARD HONOREES Heather Ogilvie Shuemaker (l), Nichol Whiteman (r), JLLA President Dawn Eash Wazzan (center).
She was most excited to work with JLLA on its vision for L.A.’s public park spaces. Through the Dodgers Foundation’s Dreamfield project, Whiteman revealed, “We have turned 68 local parks into safe havens where youth can learn, play, and belong, and that’s why your centennial campaign to renovate parks across L.A. resonated so deeply with me. Because when we create beautiful public spaces and turn a simple park into a place of pride, we are doing more than building fields.”
And now you’re in the Larchmont know!
Category: People
