This past weekend, LA’s BEST family honored Candy Spelling, Albertsons & The Vons Foundation, William S. White & the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, and So You Think You Can Dance (SYTYCD). The event featured a silent and live auction, as well as a Lexus Hybrid Car Raffle, and ultimately raised $670,000 for LA’s BEST After School Program and over 25,000 children served across Los Angeles. The event marked the first fundraising dinner under the leadership of new President & CEO Eric Gurna.
The after school program hosted its Family Dinner fundraising event on Saturday, June 27 at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. Friends, guests and honorees came together to celebrate the work of LA’s BEST and those who support the program.
For her years of support, LA’s BEST honored philanthropist Candy Spelling with the Children’s Champion Award. Her children, Tori and Randy, made the special presentation to their Mom. Also joining Candy for the evening were Tori’s husband Dean McDermott and two of their children, Liam and Stella.
During the presentation Tori and Randy spoke about their Mom, saying:
“Everything our mother has become, all that she has built, and all that she has done for the children of Los Angeles is because she always had a heart for the shy child,” Randy said. “The ones in the corner, behind the crowd, quiet and alone. She notices the one who needs someone to offer a hand.”
Sister Tori added, “Mom, I respect you. I am proud of you. I love you. And now that I am a mother of four, I see myself turning into you. And that makes me happy.”
