About 850 guests convened at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Tuesday night for the Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors gala, which resulted in big dollars raised even in the face of the tough economic climate. “We’re looking to net $1 million,” said Cedars-Sinai's Laura Fuhrman before the event. But the final tally reflected even more: The event raised more than $1.2 million for the new Board of Governors Heart Stem Cell Center at Cedars-Sinai.
Larry King hosted the gala, which honored John Bendheim and Ryan Seacrest for their philanthropic efforts on behalf of the hospital; celebrity friends including Priscilla Presley and the Kardashians presented awards. Lexus sponsored the event, and a model of the new Lexus hybrid vehicle stood in the ballroom as decor that doubled as a raffle prize awarded during dinner.
Fuhrman oversaw the event, turning to BBDR Pacific for the stage set. “We tried to bring the look for the invitation and signage to life, using those colors on the stage so there’s continuity,” BBDR’s Deb Roges said. The look for the stage employed several green fabric strips that hung from ceiling to floor; gobos matching the event’s invitation lit the panels. Shades of green and brown dressed the ballroom, with tables done in dark linens.
Live entertainment included performances by American Idol runner-up David Archuleta and Lionel Richie, who closed the event.