March 10, 2025
LOS ANGELES, CA (March 7, 2025) – Lupus LA is excited to announce the return of its highly anticipated Cuisine for a Cause fundraising event, set to take place on Sunday, April 27, 2025, from 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM at Vibiana in downtown Los Angeles. This unforgettable evening of gourmet dining and philanthropy will bring together top culinary talent, dedicated supporters, and a shared commitment to advancing lupus research, patient services, and advocacy initiatives.
This year, Lupus LA is proud to honor three outstanding individuals whose dedication to the lupus community and beyond has made a lasting impact. Michael and Jay Ireland will receive Lupus LA’s Ellis Community Leadership Award for their unwavering support of Lupus LA’s mission since Jay’s lupus diagnosis in 2016, using their platforms to raise awareness and advocate for patients and their families. Cedric “The Entertainer”, a celebrated actor, comedian, and producer, will be honored with Lupus LA’s Loop Award, which recognizes prominent members of the entertainment community for their commitment to philanthropy and advocacy. Dr. Wesley Mizutani, a highly respected rheumatologist and Lupus LA Medical Advisory Board Member, will receive Lupus LA’s Medical Visionary Award for his lifelong dedication to advancing lupus care, supporting patient advocacy, and serving in leadership roles for major arthritis and autoimmune foundations.
About the Honorees:
Michael Ireland, Co-President of the Motion Picture Group at Paramount Pictures, has built an impressive career as a film executive, previously working at 20th Century Fox and Leonardo DiCaprio’s Appian Way. His wife, Jay Ireland; a former entertainment executive with experience at Bluegrass Films, MTV, and HBO; later founded Clover Travel, a luxury travel service curating global experiences. Together, they have been deeply involved with Lupus LA, bringing awareness to the disease and supporting initiatives that provide critical resources for patients.
“Jay and I are honored to be recognized by Lupus LA, an organization that has done so much to help people struggling with Lupus,” said Ireland. “It’s an invisible illness that has affected our family in ways both big and small and we want to make sure that it gets the attention and funding it deserves.”
For over three decades, Cedric “The Entertainer” has been a powerhouse in film and television. As the executive producer and star of CBS’s The Neighborhood, he continues to entertain audiences while advocating for causes close to his heart. His filmography includes hits like Barbershop, The Proud Family, The Original Kings of Comedy, and First Reformed. Beyond entertainment, Cedric is a published author, a successful entrepreneur, and the co-founder of Setta Wines and AC Barbeque with Anthony Anderson. His commitment to using his platform for positive change makes him a fitting honoree for this year’s event.
Dr. Wesley Mizutani has spent over 30 years in rheumatology, dedicated to improving care for lupus and autoimmune disease patients. Practicing at Optum Medical Group, he has served as Chairman of the Board and Medical Director at Talbert Medical Group, where he co-founded its clinical research department. He is a board member of the National Arthritis Foundation, The Alliance for Patient Access, and President of Gout Support Groups of America. A recipient of multiple advocacy awards, Dr. Mizutani is known for his unwavering dedication to patient-centered care and research, making his contributions invaluable to the lupus community.
About the Event:
Cuisine for a Cause, presented with the support of Paramount Pictures, will feature a one-of-a-kind dining experience prepared by some of Los Angeles’ most celebrated chefs. Throughout the Vibiana Courtyard, guests will explore a series of exquisitely curated tasting experiences, each showcasing a signature dish that reflects the artistry and innovation of its creator. As the evening unfolds, a decadent selection of desserts will be served indoors during the program, complemented by an open bar offering a thoughtfully curated selection of beverages.
This year’s all-star chef lineup includes:
All proceeds from Cuisine for a Cause will directly support Lupus LA’s programs dedicated to patient advocacy, community services, and funding groundbreaking research efforts. Since its founding, Lupus LA has raised over $13 million, reaching over 4.3 million people worldwide through digital education and patient programming. With over 60,000 individuals affected by lupus in Los Angeles County alone, the organization is committed to bridging the gap in awareness, access, and research funding for those impacted by this life-altering disease.
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities for Cuisine for a Cause are now available. To secure your spot at this unforgettable evening or to support Lupus LA’s mission, visit pp.events/lupusla.
For branded sponsorship opportunities, honoree tribute ads, or additional event information, please contact info@lupusla.org.
Lupus LA – an independent national nonprofit based in Los Angeles – is committed to finding the causes of and a cure for lupus while providing support, services, and hope to those living with this autoimmune disease. Through fundraising events, community outreach, and advocacy, Lupus LA strives to improve the lives of lupus patients both in Los Angeles and across the world.
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For media inquiries, interviews, or further information, please contact:
Carolyn Zweifel
Email: carolyn@pr-etc.com
Phone: 209-613-7740
