setting the standard in cancer support since 1982

The mission of The Wellness Community-West Los Angeles is to ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and sustained by community.  All programs and services are provided free of charge. 

previous special events

June 2010

Dirty Bingo, June 26, 2010

All proceeds from Dirty Bingo help The Wellness Community-West Los Angeles to continue its mission. We could not have raised this money without the help of many individuals who gave of their time, talents & monetary support. With many thanks, we'd like to especially acknowledge those who made this year's Dirty Bingo a hit:

• Our sponsor, Scripps Networks, as well as Nicole DeSonier and her amazing staff. Our hosts from Legendary Bingo, Jeffery Bowman and Belle Aire, drag queen extraordinaire!

• The volunteers who helped us acquire auction items, and the companies and individuals who generously donated to our silent auction

• All our fantastic volunteers: Trudy Armer, Anda Bewhite, Martha Bochensky, Alex Bologna, Melissa Callahan, Sean Chibnik, Eve Diamond, Audie Estrada, Ceil Greenberg, Holly Holstein, Maya Ito, Chris Jackson, Dwayne Jones, Patrick Martz, Isabelle Mathieu, Carl Rogers, Andrew Segovia, Julie Shepard, Courtney Sudbrink, Cheryl Talbott, Debrah Wiley, and Anazzee Zeleana.

• Everyone who bid on items in our silent auction!

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the evening's success! Hope to see you all next year! Click here to see photos!

May 2010

Revlon Run Walk, May 8, 2010

Thank You Team #110!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Revlon Run/Walk on May 8th! It was a fun day of fitness, community and fundraising, and we couldn't be happier with the results.

Special thanks to everyone who joined Team #110 and to the Entertainment Industry Foundation for their continued support of our programs.

12th Annual Tribute to the Human Spirit Awards Gala, May 6, 2010

We are so happy to share that the 12th Annual Tribute to the Human Spirit Awards on May 6th was a tremendous success and a very special evening for everyone present. The evening's program opened with a special tribute to TWC-WLA co-founder Harriet Benjamin and her amazing life that exemplified "believing in wellness."

Actress Pauley Perrette led the evening's program as Mistress of Ceremonies, highlighting the importance of TWC-WLA's free services, and reminding the audience that while others work on finding the elusive cure, we can believe in wellness. Each of our honorees - Claudia, Indy, Julie, Susan & Mark - touched the hearts of the audience with their inspiring stories of strength, gratitude, hope, courage, and love.

We are truly honored to count them as our friends, and we are so excited to welcome their friends into our community, as well. In addition to the honorees, we are so grateful to Alice Starr, Pamela Anderson, and Ron Recht for introducing Claudia, Indy & Julie, and Mark & Susan, respectively, and for joining us in supporting these wonderful people. We are especially grateful to special guest speaker Corey Jackson, TWC-WLA participant and supporter, who spoke of the soundtrack he composed for the film God's Ears, the proceeds of which he will be donating to TWC-WLA.

Overall, it was a truly unique evening of laughter, tears, joy, hope, and community. A very special thank you to each of our out-of-this-world volunteers, many of them TWC-WLA participants, without whom this event would not have been possible.

Thank you to all who supported the Tribute to the Human Spirit Awards Gala - we hope to see each of you next year! Click here to view photos from this event.

To see what you missed, click the links in red below to read more about the event:

• Text a donation to TWC-WLA

• Gala Award Presenters, Co-Chairs & Mistress of Ceremonies:  Pamela Anderson, Ron & Tracey Bregman Recht, Royce & Samantha Clayton, Ken & Alice Starr, and Pauley Perrette

• Gala Honorees: Susan & Mark Burger, Julie & Evan "Indy" Moore, Claudia Sangster

• Special Guest: Corey Jackson  - God's Ears

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GALA AWARD PRESENTERS, CO-CHAIRS & MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES

PAMELA ANDERSON

To say hat Pamela Anderson is enjoying a full life would clearly be an understatement; the most recognizable icon of the new millennium continues to hit her stride again and again in so many different fields. This model, actress, mother, entrepreneur, philanthropist and activist has appeared on more magazine covers than any other star of her generation and been named in the Guinness book of World Records as “most downloaded”.

Her unparalleled career in television extends from the extraordinary global phenomenon which was Baywatch to her recent global documentary series “Pam – Girl on the Loose”. Pamela’s favorite movie moment so far is, of course, “Borat”. Though she does not think of herself as “an actress” her performance convinced a lot of people that she had no idea she was about to be kidnapped!

She has collaborated with some of the most esteemed artists and photographers of the age and is a collector in her own right, numbering Richard Prince, Ruscha, Koons, Marilyn Minter, Mel Ramos, Santé, Terry Richardson, Marc Quinn and LaChapelle among her friends and her favorite works. Current projects include her role as the “face” of the current campaign for the work of a beloved friend, the legendary and revolutionary designer, Vivienne Westwood.

Pamela was thrilled to launch her own fragrance “Malibu by Pamela Anderson” at the end of 2009 (already a best seller), shortly to be followed this year by an extensive collection of related products. These will all be available in drug stores nationwide. She is also partnered with her great friend and brilliant designer, Richie Rich in the global launch of the A*Muse brand at Fashion Weeks worldwide — a line of clothing inspired by Pam and created by Richie. Her work for PETA is more intensive and consuming than ever — a percentage of the profits from Malibu by Pamela goes straight to PETA. Negotiations are ongoing for the launch of several international spa/hotels based around Pamela’s name and her principles. At forty one years old this powerful woman, devoted mother, sex symbol and style icon continues to live life on her own terms and give meaning to everything she does.

Pamela’s newest adventure is as a participant and competitor on Dancing With the Stars. She has never danced before but has thrown herself into it with her usual determination and sense of fun. She practices all morning right after she drops her kids off at school every day and is enjoying (yet again) trying something completely new.

RON & TRACEY BREGMAN RECHT

Ronald A. Recht is the co-founder of PACIFIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS, LLC (PDP) since its formation in 1985. Ron has over 38 years of Real Estate experience and is responsible with his partner, Mark T. Burger for PDP’s business development, investment policies and the negotiation of specific transactions, including equity and debt instruments. He is also responsible for PDP’s and several of its affiliates’ day-to-day operations including property management, asset management and construction management. PDP has been self funding and co-investing with the entertainment community for over 23 years to purchase and develop high quality Real Estate in the Western United States.

Prior to co-founding PDP, Ron served as a Managing General Partner of several investment partnerships in which he was responsible for the implementation of the acquisition and management of multi-tenant industrial centers located in Southern California, several apartment complexes in Los Angeles and Seattle, Washington, as well as the acquisition of several office buildings and retail buildings in the Los Angeles area. Previously, Ron has been on the Board of Cedars Sinai Grand Foundation and the Executive Committee of The Merchant of Tennis/Monty Hall/Cedars Sinai Medical Center Diabetes Tennis Tournament.

Emmy-Award winning actress Tracey E. Bregman joined the cast of “The Young and the Restless (Y&R)” in January 1983 as Lauren Fenmore. In 1985, Tracey received her first Emmy award for her work on “Y&R,” as Outstanding Younger Actress In A Daytime Drama Series” and was nominated again for the award in 1987. From September 1995-1999, Tracey starred as Lauren Fenmore on “The Bold and the Beautiful” before returning to “Y&R” in September of 2001. In 2006 and 2008, Tracey was nominated for an Emmy in the category of Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Daytime Drama Series for her role on “The Young And The Restless.”

Born in Munich, Germany, Tracey was raised in London, England until the age of ten. Her family settled in Southern California when she was eleven, and Tracey began studying acting with Francis Lederer A.N.T.A. and at the Lee Strasberg Theatre while continuing her regular college preparatory education at the Westlake School for Girls. Tracey’s first break came when she landed a three-day role on the daytime drama series “Days Of Our Lives.” It turned into a two and a half year stint with Tracey starring as one of the lead characters.

Tracey has numerous additional television and feature film credits to her name, as well as her Daytime Drama credits. She is also a songwriter and has written the theme songs for “The Funny Farm,” and “The Concrete Jungle.” She also appeared with the Muppets in a music video for MTV along with her son Austin. This last year, she has been working on a musical for Broadway based on the children’s book she and friend, Toni Bull Bua wrote called, “When I dream…the story of a boy who lost his once upon a time,” and she just finished shooting a music video for friend Reba McEntire’s new song, “I’ll keep on loving you.”

Ron and Tracey have been married for 22 years and have two boys, Austin and Landon. Ron also has two daughters, Emily and Lindsay. The family resides in Malibu, California.

ROYCE & SAMANTHA CLAYTON

Royce Clayton was selected in the first round (15th pick overall) of the 1988 professional baseball draft by the San Francisco Giants, and made his major league debut for the
Giants on September 9, 1991. In 1997, the shortstop was selected to represent the St. Louis Cardinals at the Major League Baseball All-Star Game.

Clayton played for 11 teams — San Francisco, St. Louis, Texas, the Chicago White Sox, Milwaukee, Colorado, Arizona, Washington, Cincinnati, Toronto and Boston — tying the record for the most teams by a position player since 1900. An analyst for ESPN during the 1999 World Series, Clayton retired from baseball as a member of the 2007 World Series champion Red Sox.

Royce founded the Royce Clayton Family Foundation in 1997. The annual Royce Clayton Golf Classic has raised funds for sickle cell research in conjunction with the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America. Royce set a high standard for athlete philanthropy as the first major league player to endow a Jackie Robinson Foundation college scholarship. Royce was honored with the Texas Rangers’ Jim Sundberg Community Achievement Award in 1999. He was the Rangers’ nominee in 1999 and 2000 for the Roberto Clemente Award, given annually to a player who demonstrates the values of Clemente in his commitment to community and understanding the value of helping others.

Born in Burbank, California, Royce is a 1988 graduate of St. Bernard High School in Los Angeles. He and his wife Samantha have four children, Royce Jr., 6, and triplets, Elijah, Imani and Niya, 4. The couple has recently relocated from Scottsdale, Arizona to Malibu.

Samantha (Davies) Clayton represented England in the 2000 Sydney Olympics in both the 200m race and the 4x100 meter relay. Prior to the Olympics, she won two medals in the Olympics AAA trials — a silver medal for the 200m and a bronze for the 100m — as well as a silver medal in the 4x100m relay during the European Junior Championships. Her personal records include an 11.40 in the 100m and 23.02 in the 200m.

A 1998 graduate from the Matthew Boulton College of Higher Education, Samantha earned an academic scholarship and worked as a research assistant for Huntsman Surface Science. While training for the 2000 Olympics, she earned her graduate degree in applied chemistry from Wolverhampton University in England.

Samantha is a Certified Personal Trainer and Group Exercise Coach through AFAA, American Fitness and Aerobics Association. She is currently in her first season as a volunteer assistant coach for the Pepperdine men’s and women’s track and field teams.

KEN & ALICE STARR

The Honorable Kenneth W. Starr is currently Dean of the Pepperdine University School of Law. He will leave Southern California on June 1, 2010 to become the President of Baylor University in Waco, Texas.  

Dean Starr is admitted to law practice in California, Virginia, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Supreme Court. He has argued 34 cases in the U.S. Supreme Court, having served as Solicitor General of the United States, as Counselor and Chief of Staff to Attorney General William French Smith, as a Judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit and as Independent Counsel for Whitewater and four other investigations. He was a Partner at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP and Kirkland & Ellis LLP, where he still serves as Of Counsel and argues appellate cases around the country.  In the 1970’s, he clerked for The Honorable David W. Dyer of the U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit, and for Chief Justice Warren E. Burger at the U.S. Supreme Court.

Ken has taught as an adjunct professor at New York University School of Law and at Chapman Law School in Orange, California. He was also a distinguished visiting professor at George Mason University School of Law. He published First Among Equals: The Supreme Court in American Life in 2002, written to explain key decisions by the Justices of the Supreme Court to the American people.

Ken has served as president of the Institute of Judicial Administration as well as president of the Council on Court Excellence. Other Boards on which he serves or has served include Advocates International, American Law Institute, American Judicature Society, Supreme Court Historical Society, American Inns of Court Foundation, Institute for United States Studies, American University, Shenandoah University, American Bar Association Journal Board of Editors and The House, DC, a place of refuge for inner-city youth in Washington, DC.

Alice M. Starr is President and CEO of Starr Strategies which helps non-profit organizations and start-up companies strategize on public relations, marketing, event planning and fundraising goals.  Alice was Vice President for Marketing, Communications and Public Relations of WEST*GROUP, a commercial real estate firm and worked as Director of Consumer Affairs for NVR, a large national home builder. She was also Vice President for Business and Community Services at the Washington Airports Task Force.

She is a Director of Cardinal Financial Corporation and Walnut Springs, Inc. and is a former Director of EnviroSystems, Inc., a nano-technology start-up company. In addition, Alice serves on the Advisory Boards of Base Technologies, Inc., Childhelp USA, SongFest, The House, DC, The Fairfax County Public Library Foundation and Mount Vernon. She is presently Co-Chair of Women Corporate Directors for Southern California and serves on the President’s Campaign Cabinet for Pepperdine University.

She has served as President of the Corporate Community Relations Council of Northern Virginia, Chairman of the Fairfax County Public Library Foundation, Inc., President of Volunteer Fairfax, President of McLean Project for the Arts, and as President of the McLean Chamber of Commerce.  She also served as a Director of the American Red Cross for the National Capital Region, Hospice of Northern Virginia and on the Virginia Commission for the Arts.

MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES

PAULEY PERRETTE

Pauley Perrette’s television credits include “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” on CBS, “Murder One,” “The Drew Carey Show,” “Jesse,” “Time of Your Life,” “Philly,” “Special Unit 2,” “Haunted” and “24.”

Her feature film credits include “The Price of Kissing,” “Almost Famous,” “Hungry Hearts,” “The Ring” and “Ash Tuesday.”

She tended bar in New York City while doing commercials, voice-overs, music videos and short films. She later moved to Los Angeles, and has since worked steadily in film, television and voice-overs.

Perrette is currently shooting and producing a documentary on legendary civil rights attorney Mark Lane.

Born in New Orleans and raised all over the South, Perrette now lives in Los Angeles. She is a poet, singer-songwriter, spoken-word artist, a music fanatic, a fervent civil rights activist, a published writer, documentary producer and photographer. Her birth date is March 27.

GALA HONOREES

SUSAN & MARK BURGER

While growing up in Indianapolis, Indiana, Evan “Indy” Moore spent every possible moment volunteering at the Hawthorne Community Center. His grandmother Marie ran the community center with help from his aunt Diane, who is now Executive Director. While in college, Indy took on the job of heading up all youth and sports programs at Hawthorne and quickly realized his calling was working with kids. Indy became a staple in the community as he mentored many area youths, ran after-school programs, basketball leagues and sports camps. Eventually, Indy won the “Volunteer of the Year” award for all of his work throughout the community.

Julie was born in Columbus, Indiana. Although her parents divorced, Julie felt like she had the best of both worlds. She spent much of the year with her mom and sister in Indianapolis, and was taught to love the arts and appreciate family. Summers were spent on her dad’s farm, where she learned the importance of hard work and determination. Always the ‘entertainer’ in her family, during college she found her passion for acting and began to study at the Indianapolis Repertory Theatre. After a year of college she conjured up the courage to tell her parents who are both  educators that she was going to drop out of school and follow her dreams of becoming an  actress. To her relief, they wished her well and told her they were proud of her no matter what.

Indy and Julie married in 2000. Focused on Julie’s dream of acting, the couple moved to San Francisco so she could study at the San Francisco Academy, and then to Los Angeles to begin her acting career. Julie continues to work on her TV and film career. She enjoys auditioning and has worked on independent films, commercials, and print ads. Indy followed his calling to work with children and is a P.E. teacher at Point Dume Marine Science School. The Moores started Kamp Indy in 2005, offering after school programs, beach camps, sports camps and personal training  programs. Coach Indy helps kids stay active and teaches them about hard work, respect, rules, boundaries, and how to be leaders while still having fun! The couple truly enjoys working  together on Kamp Indy…and it shows!

In February of 2009 the couple found out that they were pregnant. With the notion of having a child of their own in their lives, Julie thought it was important for Indy to get a physical. It was during this doctor’s appointment that they found out Indy had thyroid cancer. Instead of panicking, the Moores relied on their faith, family, and friends. Once Indy found out what he was facing, he let the kids in Malibu know that he would beat cancer. He wanted to be an example to them that you can overcome obstacles that get in your way. The day of his surgery, which was also Julie’s due date, Indy told everyone that he was about to have the greatest weekend of all time. On October 23, 2009 Indy’s cancer was removed — and three days later, in the same hospital, Julie gave birth to their beautiful daughter, Kenley Ames Moore!

Today Indy is back teaching P.E. at Point Dume Marine Science School in Malibu and Julie is enjoying being at home with Kenley and working on her acting career.

CLAUDIA SANGSTER

Claudia Sangster is Director of Philanthropy, Estate and Trust Services with Harris myCFO, Inc., a service within the Harris Private Bank, and President and Executive Director of the Harris my CFO Foundation, a public charity which sponsors donor advised funds. Ms. Sangster has more than 29 years of professional experience in delivering comprehensive family office solutions in estate, philanthropy and trust planning, and in counseling clients on sophisticated tax saving and wealth preservation strategies.

Ms. Sangster is responsible for managing the philanthropy services division for Harris myCFO which includes negotiation of gifts on behalf of clients, the structuring and implementation of the clients’ charitable vehicles for giving and in working with families to create its legacy of giving through multiple generations. Additionally, Ms. Sangster assists families in identifying and establishing appropriate governance structures for multi-generational families in order to enhance family unity and to help preserve all aspects of the family’s capital — financial, intellectual, human and social.

Ms. Sangster helped establish the Harris myCFO Foundation, a public charity that sponsors a donor advised fund program with an aggregate asset value of over $70 Million and currently serves as its Executive Director and President.

Ms. Sangster regularly gives seminars and speeches on philanthropy and estate planning. She is former President and current member of the Board of the Associated Women for Pepperdine University, a Life Associate for Pepperdine University, current Board member of the Prostate Cancer Research Institute, Trustee and Board Chair of the Nicholas Endowment, and Co-Founding Partner and current Board Chair for Los Angeles Social Venture Partners and a member of the Advisory Board for the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke University Medical Center. Ms. Sangster is former President and current member of the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning of Greater Los Angeles.

Claudia was married to Chris Sangster for almost 32 years losing him to brain cancer in February, 2008. Chris fought his valiant fight for 18 months and demonstrated a dignity and faith that has impacted so many people who watched the way he handled his cancer with incredible grace and faith. Claudia says, “Chris taught me how to live and how to die. Ours was a love affair steeped in friendship and deep faith as well as respect and laughter— I was blessed to have this man in my life for 36 years and his legacy will continue because of the lessons he taught and modeled for so many.

SPECIAL GUEST

COREY JACKSON

Corey Allen Jackson is a versatile composer whose work to date spans the gamut from animation to the thriller/horror genre. He has composed music for numerous projects for film and television. Although Jackson entered the musical world playing guitar in his native Oklahoma, he was formally trained as a classical composer, earning bachelor and master degrees from the University of Oklahoma, where he was awarded top honors. He then went to Paris for additional training at the renowned La Schola Cantorum where he studied the Boulanger Method, as did American heavyweight composers, Aaron Copland, Philip Glass, and Roy Harris. He earned his certificates there with distinction.

After writing exclusively concert music for a number of years, Jackson left that world in 2002 to attend the University of Southern California's prestigious Scoring for Motion Pictures and Television program, earning a one-year post-graduate degree. His teachers there included Oscar-winning David Raksin and Christopher Young. By his second semester in that program, he was working in the field. Again, Jackson was awarded the top award upon graduation. His first TV project was NBC's Emmy-nominated Starting Over.

Jackson's training as a classical composer is evident in his work. His mastery of the orchestra lends itself to dramatic sensibility in which a score can be utterly terrifying in one moment and lighter than air in another. His skill is unmistakable in his scores for Left in Darkness starring Monica Keena and Tim Thomerson and It Waits with Cerina Vincent. Jackson is perhaps best-known for his frequent collaborations with Oscar nominated animator Bill Plympton. Their projects together include Tribeca selections Shut-Eye Hotel and Idiots and Angels, as well as Hair High, Guide Dog and The Fan and the Flower. He has contributed to Spider-Man 2, Meet the Spartans, The Deal and Cats and Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore. Video game work includes James Bond: From Russia with Love, The Punisher and The Simpsons. He was an orchestrator for the Grammy-Award winning Ozomatli album, Street Signs. Television films that he has scored include The Lifetime Channel's Storm Cell and Sci-Fi Channel's Devil on the Mountain. (aka Sasquatch Mountain)

Corey is a member of BMI Publishing, the California Copyright Conference and the Recording Academy’s Education Committee LA Chapter. Corey is also a participant at The Wellness Community – West Los Angeles.

GOD'S EARS

TWC-WLA participant and supporter, Corey Jackson, recently completed the score for a film entitled “God’s Ears” with his friend, producer and actor, Michael Worth.

Corey and Michael are generously donating 10% of CD sales of the film score to The Wellness Community-West Los Angeles! To learn more and to purchase your CD visit www.godsears.com

Support your well being by listening to beautiful music.

Support TWC-WLA by purchasing the "God’s Ears" score.

March 2010

LA Marathon 5K and Marathon, March 20th and 21st, 2010

Congratulations to all who participated in the LA Marathon & 5K this weekend! Thank you for all your support!! All funds raised go directly to supporting the people affected by cancer whom we serve. Check out photos from the 5K race here!

Donor Appreciation Reception, March 18, 2010

On Thursday, March 18, 2010 TWC-WLA recognized the organization's top donors and toasted new friends at the Malibu home of Susan and Mark Burger for the annual Appreciation Reception. Guests enjoyed Italian hors d' oeuvres and tasted wines generously donated by Hoyt Family Vineyards, Kelham Vineyards, and Malibu Vineyards. Following the event, guests had the option to dine at Sage Room, Guido's or Tra di Noi, three restaurants who agreed to donate a percentage of meal costs back to The Wellness Community-West Los Angeles. Thank you to all who contributed to the evening's success! We look forward to seeing you at next year's event! View photos from this event here.

January 2010

Gold Party, January 12, 2010

TWC-WLA hosted a Gold Party and helped guests turn their old, unwanted gold jewelry into instant CASH!
 

November 2009

Friends of Wellness Annual Luncheon, November 18, 2009

October 2009

Corey Jackson's Race for TWC-WLA

The Wellness Community-West Los Angeles applauds the efforts of Corey Jackson as he embarked on a triathlon which was held on October 4th to raise funds to support our programs! In his own words:
 

A gift to The Wellness Community - West Los Angeles is an investment in people. Thanks to caring individuals like you, The Wellness Community - West Los Angeles provides a home-like safe place where people and their families fighting for recovery from cancer can gain access to knowledge and support resources, and an essential sense of community. The Wellness Community-West Los Angeles provides a positive approach to cancer . . . a unique, free program of support, education and hope.

Thank you to everyone who supported his efforts. For anyone who would like to make a gift in his honor click here. 

June 2009

Dirty Bingo, June 27, 2009    

Dirty Bingo was a tremendous success!! In a rousing game of bingo led by “Bingo Boy” Jeffery Bowman and celebrated drag queen Belle Aire, several of Hollywood’s up-and-coming stars came out to call balls in support of The Wellness Community-West Los Angeles (TWC-WLA). Held at Busby’s East and sponsored by Scripps Networks and 100.3 The Sound, the 5^th annual event raised considerable funds for TWC-WLA’s free programs of cancer support and proved to be a night to remember! 

Special guest ball callers included Italia Ricci (“Aaron Stone”), Chris Owen (“American Pie”), Fred Stoller (“Dumb & Dumber”), Daisy Torme (“Syriana”) and Adam Taki. On stage with Bowman and Belle Aire, the ball callers led the audience through 11 rounds of bingo, peppering each round with comic banter.

Nicole DeSonier, TWC-WLA Board Member and Vice President of hosting sponsor Scripps Networks, thanked attendees for their support and stressed the value of TWC-WLA in the community before commencing the night’s main event.

“Please keep in mind we are here to have a great time tonight as well as support The Wellness Community-West LA,” said DeSonier. “Those who know me know I have supported this organization for over 10 years and believe in their philosophy. So please keep in mind every item you bid at our silent auction and every raffle ticket you buy is helping another person in need. Thanks again for coming….now who is ready for some ‘Dirty Bingo’!”

The evening began with a VIP wine tasting reception during which guests mingled and bid on silent auction items and vied for a chance to win a free hair session with celebrated colorist Kim Vo. Guests were invited to stay after the event for live music and dancing. All proceeds from the event benefitted TWC-WLA’s free programs of cancer support. Interested in attending next year, volunteering or sponsoring Dirty Bingo? Call 310/314-2555 or visit email our development staff.

See you next year for the 6^th Annual DIRTY BINGO!!!

Check out more photos from the event on Facebook!

SPECIAL THANKS

Thank you to all those who attended this event – we really appreciate your support and hope to see you again next year!

Thank you to Nicole DeSonier, Jessica Thomas and their wonderful staff at Scripps Networks for making this event a wild success! Special thanks to Scripps Networks and 100.3 The Sound for their support of this event, as well as Chris Anderson, Paul Boettcher and everyone at Busby’s East for providing such a fun venue! Thanks to our host and hostess Jeffery Bowman and Belle Aire for their inimitable style and their role in making Dirty Bingo a night to remember! Thanks to our special guest ball callers for showing their support for TWC-WLA – you all are stars: Daisy Torme, Chris Owen, Fred Stoller, Italia Ricci and Adam Taki. HUGE thanks and BIG hugs to all of our fabulous event volunteers!! We could not have done it without you: Cheryl Talbott, Patrick Martz, Tom Stilling, Isabelle Mathieu, Vanda Nagy, Carl Rogers, Cathy Fortuna, Therese Stover, Rose Merryman, Huy Tran, Tuyet Ho, Donna Young, Nicole Blackwell, Bryan Miranda, Jason Tedrow, and Chris Barryman. Thanks are also due to all those volunteers who helped us prepare for this event: David Barad, Carol Lansen, Martha Bochensky, Sofia Enggren, Mykola Smith, Leah Stang, Maureen Haines, and Jan Smith. Finally, last but not least – THANK YOU to all those who donated items to our silent auction!!

Dirty Bingo was a complete success.  We’ve heard tons of positive feedback and we met our budgeted goal for this event! Hooray! We are so very grateful for our volunteers' time, support and assistance - we could not do this event without you! Thank you to all of our donors and supporters who attended Dirty Bingo. Check out photos from event here. See you next year!

Culver City Run/Walk, June 21, 2009

The Culver City Run Walk was a HUGE success. Thanks for being a part of this fun-filled morning benefiting The Wellness Community-West Los Angeles.  Thanks to the volunteers who got up extra early on a Sunday morning and lifted, schlepped and handed out water to the more than 600 people who were in the race.
WOO HOO to first place runner (of her division) – Lynne Silbert. You go girl!   And thanks to our wonderful sponsors: Sporteve, LAC Board of Supervisors Mark Ridley Thomas, ValuFinders, Inc., Siena Healthcare Solutions, LLC, Fidelity Mortgage Lenders, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s and The Sound 100.3FM.
 

May 2009

Tribute to the Human Spirit Awards Dinner, May 7, 2009

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. We appreciate everyone’s participation in the Tribute to the Human Spirit Awards Gala. What a night it was. Chuck, Hella, Elyse, David and Nigel were such great honorees. It was one of our biggest attended events, and the online auction is doing well. If you missed the event, don’t worry, you can still place a bid on a great auction item until May 15, 2009 at noon PST. Click here see the gorgeous photos from a wonderful night.

February 2009

Huntington Beach "Surf City" Marathon, February 1, 2009

Congratulations to Team Wellness for for participating in the Huntington Beach "Surf City" Marathon! TWC-WLA sincerely appreciates your dedication and hard work in training for the marathon and fundraising to support our programs people affected by cancer.  Check out a few photos of the team!

Would you like to congratulate a member of Team Wellness by making a donation in their honor? Click here to make a secure online donation.

October 2008

Friends of Wellness Luncheon, October 20, 2008

The Wellness Community-West Los Angeles honored  three amazing women at this year's luncheon at the beautiful Ritz-Carlton in  Marina del Rey - Jo Kaplan Feldman, Elisabeth Kennedy-Lesser, and Jann Williams. Our shopping boutique featured a sophisticated and eclectic collection of jewelry, clothing, and home decor items. Rabbi Sherre Hirsch, author of We Plan, God Laughs, gave a inspiring presentation to a rapt audience to close the day's program. Guests each received a complimentary autographed copy of Rabbi Hirsch's book to take home.  Click here to view photos from this event!

June 2008

4th Annual Legendary Bingo Fundraising Event, June 28, 2008

Everyone had a blast at Legendary Bingo, and thanks to EA, and we had gorgeous venue!  

View Album

Play slideshow

Photos by Bucci Photos

TOTAL EVENT NET:  $18,784

We’d like to thank our sponsors:

Scripps Networks

Let’s Celebrate Productions

Maguire Properties

Dine to Thrive

Workplace Resource

Herman Miller

Thank you to Michael-David Wines and Young’s Market for making our wine garden so delicious and fun!

And, special thanks to our committee for all their hard work. We’ll begin planning for next year’s event in October. If you’re interested in working on this committee, please contact Allyn Cioban.

May 2008

Revlon Run Walk, May 10, 2008

Here are a few photos from another wonderful year at Revlon Run Walk!  Thank you to all of our amazing volunteers and supporters!

April 2008

10th Annual Tribute To The Human Spirit Awards Gala, April 3, 2008 

We celebrated four deserving honorees at this year's gala: Carl Terzian, Chairman of the Board of Carl Terzian Associates, Mitch and Susan Golant, and Paul Viviano. Click here to view photos from this beautiful gala. Thank you to all who participated and contributed to this event!

March 2008

Team Wellness, December 2, 2007, January 27, 2008, and March 2, 2008

Team Wellness participated in the City of Angeles Half Marathon on December 2, 2007, the ING Miami Marathon on January 27, 2008, and the Los Angeles Marathon on March 2, 2008. Team Wellness is a fun and healthy way to create community while providing a needed community for people affected by cancer. If you are interested in joining Team Wellness as we train for our next event, please contact Erin Morrison for more information. 

February  2008

Friends of Wellness Lecture “Loving and Living Passionately”& Book Signing with Karinna Kittles-Karsten, February 28, 2008

Karinna Kittles-Karsten, The Love Educator, an internationally recognized speaker, author and the founder of Sacred Love, Inc. in Los Angeles, CA, spoke to TWC-WLA's Friends of Wellness Committee on February 28, 2008. She inspired and motivated all who attended to love and live more passionately and spoke about how to enjoy greater health, wellbeing and success in the process. To learn more about Karinna, check out her website by clicking here www.sacredlove.com.

November 2007

Friends of Wellness Annual Membership Luncheon, November 14, 2007 

Click here to view photos from this event. Guests enjoyed an afternoon at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Marina del Rey with close friends shopping in our exclusive boutique, dining on scrumptious delights and being inspired by our deserving honorees, who included Shari Foos, Adrian Grant, and Michael States. 

September 2007

Whole Foods 5% Day, September 19, 2007

TWC-WLA would like to thank all of you who supported us by shopping at Whole Foods Market Beverly Hills on Wednesday, September 19th for the 5% day promotion. We are thrilled to announce that Whole Foods Market Beverly Hills donated 5% of their net sales from that day to TWC-WLA...a total of $4,268.00! We are grateful to our community partner, Whole Foods Market Beverly Hills, for this generous contribution. This gift will help TWC-WLA continue to provide programs of support, education and hope, free of charge, to people affected by cancer!

Gladstone’s End of Summer Fireworks Extravaganza, September 2, 2007                                          

What a perfect evening this was...a fantastic spread of Gladstone's famous fare set out on the beach for TWC-WLA's  guests. 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!

June 2007

Legendary Bingo June 26, 2007

TWC-WLA held it's 3rd Annual Legendary Bingo Fundraiser on June 26, 2007 at Rusty's Surf Ranch on the Santa Monica Pier. Complete with Drag Queen, Bridgette of Madison County, and Bingo Boy, Jeffery Bowman, the evening was truly one of our most fun events of the year. Eleven lucky winners won amazing bingo prizes....thanks to the hard work of this years committee. A big thank you to celebrity stylist, Billy Lowe, who donated a makeover fit for a star, and Amplitude Consulting, who donated a walk on role in a video game -- two of our fantastic raffle prizes! We had an awesome and eclectic silent auction with items from artist, Gayle Etcheverry, Il Primo Passo...for the shoe addict, and tons of other cool stuff some of which was donated by the Scripps Networks. On that note, a big thank you to our Co-Hosts, Amplitude Consulting and the Scripps Networks, as well as to our Sponsors, Fidelity Mortgage Lenders, Fast Signs Culver City, Rusty's Surf Ranch, and those who wish to remain anonymous for making this event such a huge success! Save the date for the 4th Annual Legendary Bingo scheduled for June 2008. Check back with us as details will be announced soon!

Click here to view photos from Legendary Bingo

May 2007

TWC-WLA Tribute to the Human Spirit Awards Dinner, May 31, 2007

Click here to view photos from the event.

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 25^th 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. 

Click here to view photos from the event.

TWC-WLA Celebrates TWC-National’s 25^th Anniversary on May 20, 2007

On Sunday, May 20, The Wellness Community-National hosted a party in Pasadena, California to celebrate its 25^th 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. 

Below are a few photos from the May 20^{th th} event.

EIF Revlon Run Walk 2007, May 12, 2007

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!

Photos from TWC-WLA at the 2007 Revlon Run Walk 

Click a picture to see a larger view.

April 2007

Big Sur International Marathon, April 29, 2007

Team Wellness triumphs at Big Sur! Click here to see photos from the marathon.

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 25^th 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 for details. 

Click here to see photos from the marathon.

February 2007

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 5^th.  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 25^th Anniversary of The Wellness Community. 

Click here to see photos from the Luncheon

September 2006

Taste of Santa Monica, September 17, 2006

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

Click here to see other photos from this event.

The Wellness Community-West Los Angeles held its 8^th 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".

See photos from this event here.

January 2006

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 2^nd 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.

Click here to view photos from this event.

October 2005

TWC-WLA was one of ten benefiting charities of The Shopping Benefit at Bloomingdale's on October 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 Park  on 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. 

Photos from the Carnival

May 2005

PANCREATIC CANCER SURVIVOR TAKES 6,600 MILE CROSS-COUNTRY MOTORCYCLE JOURNEY TO RAISE AWARENESS OF THE WELLNESS COMMUNITY AND CANCER SURVIVORSHIP

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 7^th 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.