What's on my Mind

10/20/09

The Mann Foundation has done it again! This past weekend's "Forbidden City" Gala (a Night of Inspiration and Innovation) to benefit the Alfred Mann Foundation was a stunning success.

Debbie Allen was the evening's host, Michael Bolton our entertainment director and we were dazzled with non-stop performances from Cirque du Soleil 's "KA" show! The dinner, catered by Crustacean, was absoulutely delicious!

It was a thrill for me to accept the Alfred Mann Foundation Artistic Visionary Award presented by the Foundation's CEO, David Hankin, who honored me greatly with his intro. Thank you David…you were elegant, eloquent and very generous with your remarks!

The evening's other honorees were Professor Thomas Lenarz, M.D. & Dr. Minoo Lenarz. Being in their company was humbling for sure.

Alfred, Claude & Cassandra Mann have never failed to answer the call to help those who are suffering from medical conditions with their technologies and innovation.

It is mind blowing work which brought us the pacemaker, cochlear implant, a bionic arm and more.

For every patient who will be transformed because of their inventions and science, there is a husband or wife, son or daughter who is that patient's caregiver.

That is our work at the LGMF and through our signature program Leeza's Place. We educate, empower and energize caregivers with our free services. We are so grateful to the Mann's for their leadership and support.

Congratulations on another beautiful night proving that philanthropy is alive and well even in this challenging economy.

10/19/09

The Gay and Lesbian Elder Housing Foundation hosted quite the event at my friend Dayna Devon's house recently! (Thank you Dayna and her wonderful husband Dr. Brent Moelleken...your house is spectacular!)

All of us at the Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation were so proud to be recognized with the Ron Gelb Community Service Award, which I accepted.

Ron died in 2004, but he lived a life of purpose and passion which resulted in the GLEH at Triangle Square in Hollywood answering the need for affordable, accessible housing for the community's elderly offered with dignity and grace.

It all started with an idea and his close friends gathered around his kitchen table. I love that…it's similar to how we started Leeza's Place. Dr. Jamie Huysman and I founded the LGMF in much the same way.

I was introduced by board member, Mike Mueller, whom I have known for years (he is a brilliant designer who did the interiors at the GLEH) and he made me blush with his glowing comments. Thanks so much for that, Mike!

We are very excited about having our first Leeza's Place designed for Gay and Lesbian Caregivers at Triangle Square. Mark Supper, GLEH Executive Director, has been such a leader to make that happen, along with the wonderful Sheila Moore (our angel) and Dr. John Calderone from Olympia Medical Center.

Our care advocate, Julie Kliska, will be heading things up for us at GLEH so we know it will quickly become a model for the nation! Special thanks also to Rafael Cosio who organized such a beautiful event.

On a final note, Sharon Gless was honored at the same event. Sharon is an iconic hero of mine and so many others for her brave portrayals of so many strong women. She certainly demonstrated that on the day of the event when despite a family emergency, she still came, much to the delight of all the attendees. No wonder everyone loves her!

To everyone at the GLEH, thanks for such an amazing event!