It was more than $1 million night for the Venice Family Clinic as its 34th Annual Silver Circle Gala raised funds to help provide quality healthcare to 24,000 people in Southern California each year.
It was a very special evening from the very beginning, as guests packed the elegant ballroom at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel after perusing the silent auction items during the cocktail hour. Their generosity, along with a raffle for a trip to Paris brought in more than $100,000 to contribute to the evening’s take of $1.2 million.
Choreographer extraordinaire Debbie Allen hosted the evening and introduced a video, called “Our Family to Yours,” which showcased some of the work of the clinic before introducing Richard Atlas.
He presented the Irma Colen Leadership Award to Julie and Dr. Harley Liker, a couple whose lives were held up as an inspiration by one of their long-time friends, Grammy award-winning recording artist Seal.
The late Ms. Colen was a long-time benefactor of the Venice family clinic who created the Silver Circle, its major donor group, in 1983—and the Likers continue to carry on her tradition of philanthropy.
The gala’s other honoree was producer and screenwriter Jeff Nathanson, who was presented with the humanitarian award by his friend and colleague, producer/director Brett Ratner. The award recognizes individuals in the entertainment industry who have made a huge impact in advancing the clinic’s mission.
Allen then introduced the evening’s headliner, Seal. Before launching into a blistering 45 minute set that had the audience on its feet dancing and singing along to his hits, the London-born Seal spoke about the importance of good medical care, talking about the Lupus that left his face scarred.
His rousing performance—during which he jumped into the audience and on tables several times– included hits like “Crazy,” “Amazing,” “I’ll Be Around” and “Kiss From a Rose,” which prompted a guest to pull a pink rose out of a table centerpiece and present it to him.
The length of his private concert ran well over the stated end time of the gala—but no matter. The guests left on a high note.
