On Valentine’s Day weekend, Team Lupus LA “kissed lupus goodbye!” and raised important funds for lupus research and Lupus LA’s local programs. There were many new participants on the team who walked and ran in both the LA Big 5K, the Skechers Performance Los Angeles Marathon, and in the Charity Relay. On the day of the marathon, volunteers, many from the Interact District 5280, helped us cheer on all of the amazing runners and walkers.
On May 7, 2016 Lupus LA hosted the second year of the Orange Ball: A Night of Superheroes at Fox Studios. Guests enjoyed performances by Howie Day and Ryan Cabrera. The evening was hosted by TV personality Terrence Jenkins. Lupus LA was proud to honor three lupus superheroes: philanthropist Meredith Davidow Pegula (Daniel J. Wallace Founder’s Award), Cedars-Sinai OB/GYN Dr. Paul Hackmeyer (Medical Visionary Award) and Actress Kristen Johnston (Loop Award). Sponsors: 20th Century Fox, LaCroix Sparkling Water, WE tv, SusieCakes, Carlsberg beer, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Essentia Water, California Fruit Wine, Wedbush Security, and Fenix Cosmetics.
In January, Lupus LA and Lifetime hosted a private premiere screening of the Toni Braxton biopic, “Unbreak My Heart.” The event was attended by Lupus LA donors, the Braxton Family, and cast members of the film, including Lex Scott Davis and Gavin Houston.
On September 21, 2016, Lupus LA was proud to celebrate the world of television and honor Band From TV with the Lupus LA Ace Award. Band From TV is made up of some of TV’s most recognizable faces, including Lupus LA Ambassadors Scott Grimes and Bob Guiney, as well as Greg Grunberg, Jesse Spencer, James Denton, Adrian Pasdar, and more. Guests enjoyed music by DJ Jake Gould and the evening was hosted by Lupus LA Ambassador Kellie Martin. Sponsors: Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Peroni Beer, Biddle Ranch Vineyards, Jottshot’s, and True Religion.
On November 18, 2016, fashion lovers joined us at The Beverly Hilton for the 14th Annual Hollywood Bag Ladies Luncheon, hosted by Jenni Pulos and Jon Kelley. Lupus LA was proud to honor four amazing women. Nicole Fogel and Sheila Milstein are a wonderful mother/daughter duo who both received the Woman of Achievement Award. We also honored Terri Seymour, one of Lupus LA’s Ambassadors, with the Woman of Achievement award. Longtime volunteer, Joan Robbins received the Adam Selkowitz Outstanding Volunteer Award. This year we were excited to partner with Salvatore Ferragamo. They provided a wonderful fashion presentation in the silent auction and an exclusive show during the luncheon. Nearly $400,000 was raised at this special event, including $31,000 in the live auction which included tickets to see Hamilton on Broadway.
