The
Wellness Community-West Los Angeles celebrated its ninth annual
Tribute to the Human Spirit Awards Dinner on May 31, 2007 at The
Beverly Hills Hotel.This
year’s event was particularly significant since 2007 is
TWC-WLA’s 25th anniversary of service to the
community.Santa
Monica is where it all began when Harriet and Harold Benjamin,
Ph.D. founded The Wellness Community in 1983.To celebrate this milestone, we honored our founding
family, Harriet, Ann and Lauren Benjamin; actor/producer, Steve
Guttenberg; cancer survivors, Barbara and Jerry Federman, M.D.;
and producer and cancer survivor, Laura Ziskin.The room was beautiful -- yellow and silver, to celebrate our
“silver” anniversary -- and the auction items were exclusive
-- everything from Spider Man memorabilia to diamond jewelry to
trips to Costa Rico and Hawaii.
Laura
Owens presented – with her usual articulate grace –
TWC-WLA’s first-ever Founder’s Award to the Benjamins.Harriet thanked friends, Board members, and donors who
have supported TWC throughout the years.Special guests, Paolo Costanzo, Topher Grace, Holly Goldberg
Sloan, and Gary Rosen all turned out to present Human Spirit
Awards to their colleagues and friends.It was a moving evening beginning with Steve
Guttenberg’s reminiscences of his friendship with Harold
Benjamin; Barbara and Jerry Federman’s honest accounts of
their emotional and physical struggles with cancer; past
participant, Bill Kenny’s heartfelt appreciation of TWC-WLA
for its support during his cancer experience; and ending with
Laura Ziskin’s passionate call to action against the
complacency that allows “1,500 people (to) die every day from
cancer”.
A
special thank you to Joely Fisher for emceeing the evening with
charm and humor, Daisy Tormé for speaking from her heart about
the value of TWC-WLA, and Board member, Chuck Hershson for his
speech reminding us that as more people survive cancer, more
TWC-WLA support programs will be necessary.
This
year’s event netted $215,000, and we thank everyone who helped
– either by donating, volunteering, bidding on silent auction
items, or attending.Proceeds
will go towards TWC-WLA’s free programs of emotional support
for cancer patients and their families.
TWC-WLA
Celebrates TWC-National’s 25th Anniversary on May
20, 2007
On
Sunday, May 20, The Wellness Community-National hosted a party
in Pasadena, California to celebrate its 25th
Anniversary.Elegant
hors d’oeurvres were passed while a string quartet played, and
docent tours of the historic Tournament of Roses House were
available throughout the afternoon.“It was a beautiful day that was made even more
beautiful by seeing so many old friends,” said Ellen Silver,
Executive Director, TWC-WLA.Longtime supporter, Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer gave a moving
speech introducing Harriet Benjamin, the original inspiration
for TWC.Harriet,
Ann and Lauren Benjamin presented awards to the founders of all
five of the Southern California TWCs, including our own Flo
Porter, Sangeeta Levy, Ph.D., Malcolm Schultz, M.F.T, J.D., and
Lynne Silbert, M.F.T.Flo,
as a 32-year breast cancer survivor and TWC-WLA’s now-retired
Community Coordinator, has welcomed thousands of newly-diagnosed
cancer patients and their loved ones through its doors.Sangeeta, Malcolm, and Lynne are all dedicated to the
mission of TWC-WLA as licensed psychotherapists and have many
years of experience in facilitating its support groups.
TWC-WLA
was where it all began 25 years ago, co-founded by Harriet and
Harold Benjamin, Ph.D., in a little yellow house in Santa
Monica. This house may be gone but its spirit remains, as
evidenced by the 300+ staff, board, and cancer participants in
attendance at this event.TWC-WLA
would like to thank our participants in particular –- not only
from TWC-WLA’s main site in Santa Monica, but from its
outreach sites in the Downtown Corridor –- who came to
celebrate with us on this sunny California day.
Thank
you also to Kim Thiboldeaux, CEO of TWC-National and her staff
for their graciousness in hosting such a wonderful event.
TWC-WLA celebrated our 14th year of participation in the 2007 Entertainment
Industry Foundation Revlon Run/Walk For Women at
the Los
Angeles Memorial Coliseum at Exposition Park on May 12,
2007. The Wellness Community had a impressive team of
about 600 people! Our Team #110 helped to raise
awareness and vital funds for women's cancers research,
counseling and outreach programs
by participating in this 5K run/walk. We would like to
extend special thanks to our Corporate Sponsors for this event,
who each brought 25 or more people to our Team #110. Thank you
to everyone who participated - we look forward to seeing you
next year!
Twenty
members of Team Wellness, The Wellness Community-West Los
Angeles’ marathon training team, walked and ran various race
lengths in the Big Sur International Marathon on April 29, 2007.
The team consisted of first time walkers like Liz Hogan who
completed the 10.6-mile race to experienced veterans like Eric
Spears who ran his 25th marathon in memory of his
mom. Each team member raised funds to sustain the free services
of support, education and hope provided by TWC-WLA as well as to
cover the costs to send them to the Monterey/Carmel area for the
weekend. The team raised over $60,000.00 collectively. Kudos to
Sally Anderson, our top fundraiser, who raised over $5,500.00
for TWC-WLA! We even had two team members who trained virtually
from Alabama and Utah, Scott George and Tim Waz. With coach
Robert Mills’s guidance, Scott carried nine loved ones who
were touched by cancer on his arms for 26.2 miles (see photo),
and at 31 years old, Tim was our youngest member and fastest
full marathon runner! Way to go guys! Team Wellness was
delighted that four cancer survivors; Shirley Shinohara, Lynda
Levy, Joan Waldman and Aurora Avila were on the team. Aurora
finished treatment in November for breast cancer and began the
17-week training program in January! Bravo ladies!
Team
Wellness begins training September 2007 for a 20-week program to
prepare for the ING Miami Marathon on January 27, 2008. Please
join us for a fun and healthy way to create community for
you…while providing a needed community for people affected by
cancer. For more information, please contact Erin Morrison at
310/314-2555 or emorrison@twc-wla.org
or check back soon on our Special Events
page for details.
The
AMGEN Tour of California was an exciting week long cycling event
benefiting The Wellness Community. The race commenced in
San Francisco with the final stage taking place in Long Beach,
California. TWC-WLA staff, board members and co-founder,
Harriet Benjamin all had a wonderful time cheering on the
winning team. The concept for this event was the
brain-child of TWC-WLA Board members Jim Passantino and Tim
Walsh. We thank them for bringing this fabulous event to
us.
December
2006
An
Evening of Wine Tasting, Networking and Charity,December
5, 2006
Thanks
to Tom Weary of Diamond
Portfolio Advisors, LLC for hosting a wonderful evening of
wine tasting on December 5th. Twenty-five
people participated in this evening of wine and networking held
at The
Wine House
in West-LA. Resident sommelier, BJ
Severin, taught TWC-WLA supporters the fine art of wine tasting.
By evening's end, everyone was an expert and able to determine
what taste sensations were more appealing to their 'now
sophisticated' palates. One highlight of the evening was
provided by Ms. Karen Sabatini, TWC-WLA participant, who spoke
eloquently of the impact of our programs and services on
cancer patients and their families. The event raised
awareness and funds for TWC-WLA.
November
2006
2006
Friends of Wellness Membership Luncheon, November 15, 2006
The
Wellness Community – West Los Angeles (TWC-WLA) honored three
outstanding women of valor, Judy
Bernstein, Shirley Blitz and Lynda Levy, at
our annual Friends of Wellness luncheon on Wednesday, November
15, 2006 at the Skirball
Cultural Center.
For
years, these women have given of their time, their hearts, and
their spirit to helping fulfill the mission of TWC-WLA.“Judy, Shirley and Lynda have each demonstrated a
long-standing commitment to The Wellness Community,” said
Ellen Silver, TWC-WLA Executive Director, “and their efforts
have helped bring hope and support to countless people with
cancer.”
The
Friends of Wellness luncheon was attended by over 265
people, featured a heartwarming presentation from cancer
survivor and TWC-WLA participant Karen Sabatini, and a
wonderful luncheon presentation with authors Carolyn and
Lisa See.In addition, Harriet
Benjamin discussed plans for the 25th
Anniversary of The Wellness Community.
TWC-WLA
was thrilled to participate in the Taste of Santa Monica with a
sponsor booth. We passed out delicious cookies (generously
donated by The Art Institute's Culinary School) and information
about TWC to our local community. Volunteers and staff enjoyed
spreading the word about our free services for people with
cancer and their loved ones.
Gladstone's
End of Summer Extravaganza, September 3, 2006
What
a perfect evening this was...a fantastic spread of Gladstone's
famous fare set out on the beach for 170 of TWC's loyal and
new friends. We ate, we drank, we danced, we laughed...and
then we watched the beautiful sunset together. The
fireworks show was amazing...lighting the sky and reflecting off
the calm ocean. It was a lovely way to spend the Labor day
holiday and we look forward to seeing you and your family there
again next year!
Here
are a few pictures from the evening:
August
2006
An
Evening of Wine Tasting, Networking and Charity,August
15, 2006
Thank
you to board member Alyssa Padia Walles and her husband Bill
Walles of Amplitude
Consulting for hosting the successful, fun and
educational "Evening of Wine Tasting, Networking and
Charity" at The
Wine House.
Average people, like you and me, left that event feeling like
expert oenophiles! A special thank you to our Magnum Sponsor, Monica
Bowers of Independent
Writing Solutions. Don't miss your chance to
learn about wines from around the globe at our next "Evening
of Wine Tasting, Networking and Charity", December 5, 2006,
hosted by board member, Tom Weary of Diamond
Portfolio Advisors.
July
2006
TWC
participants, donors, and staff enjoyed an evening at The
Hollywood Bowl with a lively performance by Tom Jones July 22,
2006.
It
was a hot and still evening...it almost felt as if we were
inside an oven...we were hopeless that it would never cool off.
But just as we thought we could take no more of the heat, Tom
Jones came on stage. And as if they cued up the wind machines in
time for his first song, the wind started to blow! Tom's amazing
voice sounded as sweet as the new breeze! He looked fantastic
and put on an outstanding show. Talk about hot! A very special
thank you to our very own pussycat, Lynne Silbert, for
sponsoring the event.
May
2006
8th
Annual Tribute to the Human Spirit Awards Dinner,
May 25, 2006
The
Wellness Community-West Los Angeles held its 8th
Annual Tribute to the Human Spirit Awards Dinner on May 25, 2006
at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Honorary Dinner Co-Chairs were
the creator and executive producer of ABC’s award winning
series “Lost,” JJ Abrams, and his wife, Katie McGrath; chef
extraordinaire and restaurant mogul Wolfgang Puck; and Academy
Award Winner, Diane Keaton. Jorge Garcia and Terry O’Quinn,
stars of “Lost,” were our hosts as we presented the “Human
Spirit” awards to actress Katherine Heigl and to two
remarkable and deserving couples: Laura Owens & Jack Bender
and Ruth & Donald Salk.
Katie
Heigl, who stars as Izzie on the ABC series “Grey’s
Anatomy”, knows that the struggle with a cancer diagnosis
affects the whole family. Her mother is a survivor and a true
inspiration to her. Katie joined us via video, as she was
filming a movie the evening of our event. Nancy Heigl, Katie’s
mom, accepted the award on behalf of her daughter with a moving
speech about her cancer experience and the support she received.
Diagnosed
with breast cancer 18 years ago, Laura has served as a
spokesperson for TWC, reassuring cancer patients and their
families that they are not alone. Her husband, Jack Bender,
co-executive producer of “Lost,” whole-heartedly supports
her efforts and reached out to his colleagues in the
entertainment industry to join with them in support of this
important event.Laura,
a former participant at TWC, gave a beautiful speech about
TWC’s influence on her and her family during her struggle with
cancer. Click here
to watch and listen to an excerpt of Laura's acceptance speech.
For
close to two decades, Ruth and Donald Salk have supported The
Wellness Community by raising money and awareness. Ruth was the
founding Program Director of TWC-South Bay Cities, co-founder of
the “Friends of TWC,” served as Board Member, and has been
facilitating support groups at TWC for 18 years.Don has always supported Ruth’s commitment to TWC with
generous donations to our auctions and by reaching out to the
food and wine community.
Award
presenters included actor, Jason Ritter and VP of Research &
Development for TWC – National, Mitch Golant.Singer and actress, Daisy Torme also delivered a moving
testimonial about her personal experience with TWC. This event
was TWC’s most successful ever.Thank you to everyone who contributed to this monumental
accomplishment.
April
2006
Click
the Play button below to watch The Wellness Community-West Los Angeles's Public Service
Announcement on Windows Media Player.
This
Public Service Announcement was produced courtesy of Trampas Film
Production. It is currently airing on Adelphia Cable throughout Southern California.
TWC-WLA
Thirty-second PSA
March
2006
TWC
Board Members Mark Chapman and
Reza Zamani hosted an "Evening of Wine Tasting,
Networking, and Charity"
at the Wine House in
West LA on March 28, 2006. It was a successful and lovely
evening where guests learned about and tasted six
different wines, had plenty of time to network with other
successful business people, and helped to support the
free programs we offer at TWC-WLA.
If
you missed the opportunity to attend this event, we will be
holding this event semi-quarterly. The next events will take
place in August 2006, December 2006, and June 2007.
Check back soon on our Special
Events Page for dates and times.
TWC-WLA
was featured on KCBS News March 7, 2006 in a story
called,"Cancer Survivors' Group Work To Heal Mind, Body."
February 2006
Amgen
Tour of California and Breakaway from Cancer
The
Wellness Community was honored to be the Charity Sponsor of the Amgen
Tour of California professional cycling race in it's
inaugural year.The race took place February
19-26, 2006 and covered more than 700-miles from San
Francisco to Redondo Beach, California. Harriet
Benjamin received a check from AMGEN for $1.1 million to
support the Southern California TWC's and TWC National. George
Hincapie, professional cyclist and former teammate of Lance
Armstrong, was the spokesperson for The National Educational
Initiative, "Break Away From Cancer".
Congratulations
to TWC-WLA's Strides for Hope Marathon Team for participating in
P.F. Chang's Rock-n-Roll Arizona Marathon January 15, 2006! Together, the team raised
$58,806 for TWC-WLA!
November
2005
The
Santa Monica Professionals hosted the 2nd
Annual Legendary Bingo event benefiting The Wellness Community-WLA
on November 17, 2005.
This
sold out event was held at Rusty's Surf Ranch on the Santa
Monica Pier and everyone left a winner! $12,200
was raised at what was possibly our most fun event of the year!
You don't want to miss out on the good times next
year! Details to be announced.
TWC-WLA
was one of ten benefiting charities of The Shopping Benefitat
Bloomingdale's onOctober
27, 2005 in
Century City, Beverly Center, and Sherman Oaks. Attendees enjoyed
a day filled with special events, live entertainment and great
savings. See
photos from this event here.
TWC-WLA
honored Susan Walpert and paid tribute to Lillian Moss at our 4th
annual "look good feel good brunch" on Saturday
October 22, 2005 at the Skirball Cultural Center, which also
included a fashion show courtesy
of Bloomingdale's.See
photos and read the article that appeared in the Santa Monica
Mirror.
September
2005
TWC-WLA
held its first "Celebration
of Life" Carnival
at Pacific Parkon
the SANTA MONICA PIER on September 15, 2005.
Thank
you for your support of our first Celebration of Life Carnival
held September 15, 2005 at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica
Pier.
The
Wellness Community serves as a reminder that quality of life,
joy, optimism and laughter may coexist with the diagnosis of
cancer.Your contribution helps bring all these benefits to people
with cancer and their families.
Tom
Cronan, a 62
year old, one-year pancreatic cancer survivor, crossed the country on a 6,600 mile motorcycle journey to raise
awareness of The Wellness Community (TWC) and cancer
survivorship.
On May 16, 2005,
Tom Cronan visited The Wellness Community-West Los Angeles along
his 6,600 mile journey. To read Tom's story, click
here, or to view photos from Tom's visit, click
here.
March 2005
The
Wellness Community-West Los Angeles celebrated our 7th Annual Tribute to the Human Spirit Awards
Dinner on March 11, 2005. Honorees
included Ruth Weil, Eric McCormack, Daisy Fuentes, Robert
Goulet, and in
memoriam, Rhio Weir. Click
here to see photos from the event.
February 2005
On February 27, 2005,
The Wellness Community-West Los Angeles celebrated the Grand Opening of our new Choose to Laugh Library!
Click
here to read the story.
TWC
participants, donors, and staff enjoyed an evening at The
Hollywood Bowl with a lively performance by Tom Jones July 22,
2006.
TWC-WLA
was one of ten benefiting charities of The Shopping Benefit
