On Sunday, November 15, 2015 guests arrived at the second annual West Coast Save A Child’s Heart celebration and honorary ceremony at The Commissary at Sony Pictures Studios in Los Angeles, California. Guests dined at beautifully arranged tables on food catered by Wolfgang Puck, and wine sponsored by Niven Family Wine Estates. Before the awards were given, the even coordinators and Rabbi asked the attendees for a moment of silence and prayer for Paris. Immediately after, comedian and host for the evening, Jeff Dye, began the evening’s festivities by opening with some information about the organization and introducing Season 6 Finalist of The Voice, Christina Grimmie, who performed “Heroes”, along with her original song “With Love”.
Before we could begin the awards portion of the evening, Jeff Dye returned to the stage with David Shore to show a compelling video based on the work SACH does in over 50 countries worldwide for underprivileged children with heart diseases. Together, they began the appeal for donations directly after, raising over $27,000 within minutes.
Jeff Dye continued his hosting duties, bringing our first presenter of the evening on stage, actress Lucy Walsh (daughter of The Eagles’ Joe Walsh and niece of The Beatles’ Ringo Starr and starring in Gary Marshall’s Mother’s Day May 2016), who presented the International Leadership Award to Rabbi Spike and Marita Anderson. Following, actress Annika Marks (ABC Family’s The Fosters), presented the International Humanitarian Award to Mare Smooke and Suzanna Adler. Next, Jeff brought to the stage Scandal actor, George Newbern, who spoke about his father’s work as a surgeon in the Honduras doing similar surgeries before presenting the International Ambassador Award to Pam and George Douglas. The following award was given by SACH members Gary and Cole Winkler who awarded Pegah Natanzi with the Lauren Winkler Young Leadership Award. The awards portion of the evening was rounded out by actress Mayim Bialik (The Big Bang Theory) presenting Jennie Garth with the Compassionate Heart Award for her continued voice and work in speaking out against the silent killer – heart disease. Jennie graciously accepted the award, thanking SACH for the work they do for children and mentioning the loss of her father, who passed from heart disease several years prior.
Following, members of “The Band From TV” performed on stage rocking out crowd favorites like Bruno Mars, The Beatles and The Who. Band members consisted of Jesse Spencer, Adrian Pasdar, Scott Grimes, Bob Guiney, Greg Grunberg, and Eddie Mattos. Guests danced the night away to the band, snapped photos with the honorees and presenters, and enjoyed delectable desserts from Wolfgang Puck before retiring for the evening.
About SACH:
Save A Child’s Heart (SACH) is an Israeli-based International, non-profit organization located at the Wolfson Medical Center in Holon, Israel. Save A Child’s Heart provides life-saving cardiac surgery to children from developing countries. To date, we have saved the lives of over 3,600 children from Africa, South America, Europe, Asia, and throughout the Middle East.
By mending hearts, regardless of race, religion, gender, nationality, or financial status, we contribute to a more peaceful and productive world; a happier, healthier world, and a better world for all children and their families. For more information please visit their website at: http://saveachildsheartus.org/
Celebrities that were in attendance include: Jennie Garth (90210), Mayim Bialik (The Big Bang Theory), Jesse Spencer (Chicago Fire/House), George Newbern (Scandal), Annika Marks (The Fosters), Jeff Dye(Money From Strangers), Greg Grunberg (Masters of Sex), Lucy Walsh (Mother’s Day), Scott Grimes (American Dad), Adrian Pasdar (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), Bob Guiney (The Bachelorette), Chloe Lukasiak(Center Stage 3), Luna Blaise (Fresh Off the Boat), Liam Attridge, Emery Kelly and Ricky Garcia (Hollywood Records’ Forever In Your Mind ), Christina Grimmie (The Voice), Courtney Sixx (Wife of Nikki Sixx/How2Girl Blogger), Stassi Schroeder (Vanderpump Rules), Bryce Vine (Recording Artist).
Anecdotes:
- Mayim Bialik and Jennie Garth enjoying their delicious dinner from Wolfgang Puck together and discussing the great work SACH does.
- Annika Marks and George Newbern bidding on the silent auction.
- The Band From TV performing on stage while guests, Bryce Vine and Stassi Schroeder danced the night away.
- Mayim Bialik sends her electronic donation towards SACH, lighting up the screen & encouraging more donations.
- Luna Blaise, Chloe Lukasiak and Forever In Your Mind dining, laughing & dancing together.
- Courtney Sixx enjoying a delicious, mini burger appetizer provided by Wolfgang Puck.
- Lucy Walsh chatting with Bryce Vine about their music and touring nationally.
Honorees:
Rabbi Spike & Marita Anderson – International Leadership Award
Mare Smooke & Suzanna Adler – International Humanitarian Award
Pam and George Douglas – International Ambassador Award
Pegah Natanzi – Lauren Winkler National Young Leadership Award
Jennie Garth – Compassionate Heart Award
Vendors:
Wolfgang Puck Catering
Sony Pictures Studios
The Commissary