LA BioMed Celebrates 60 Years of Medical Achievements at the Gift of Tomorrow Gala

H. Frederick Christie, the Ryan Foundation, and Susan Scott Foundation to be Honored

LOS ANGELES (Nov. 9, 2012) – The Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center (LA BioMed) will celebrate six decades of achievements in turning innovative science into breakthrough medicine for patients in need at its Gift of Tomorrow Gala, on Thursday, Dec. 6, at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif.

During the evening, three champions of LA BioMed whose contributions have helped fuel discoveries that hold promise for patients around the globe, will be honored with the LA BioMed Spirit of Excellence Award:

H. Frederick Christie, former President of Southern California Edison, Chairman Emeritus of the LA County Museum of Natural History, and longtime friend of LA BioMed
The Susan Scott Foundation, a major LA BioMed supporter and donor to causes ranging from advanced pediatric care to services for veterans
The Ryan Foundation, whose generous support enabled former LA BioMed investigator Emil Kakkis, M.D., to develop the first-ever treatment for mucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS I), a deadly genetic disorder that affects children
 
“This year’s Gala commemorates 60 years of innovation, as LA BioMed spotlights new advances in our laboratories and clinics that have the potential to benefit millions worldwide,” said LA BioMed President and CEO, David I. Meyer, Ph.D.  “We are also proud to recognize three longtime LA BioMed advocates, all of whom have continuously supported not only our cause, but also the communities in which they have served for so many years.”

Los Angeles County Supervisors Mark Ridley-Thomas and Don Knabe have been longtime supporters of LA BioMed’s annual Gala, along with some of the most prominent names in philanthropy, health care, and the corporate community who also are lending financial support to the cause.

In addition to Supervisors Ridley-Thomas and Knabe, other prominent supporters of the Gala include philanthropists Steve Bing, Melanie and Richard Lundquist, and Mary Ann and Kip Hagopian, Sarah Meeker Jensen of Jensen + Partners, and representatives from Creative Artists Agency, NBC Universal, Toyota, BNY Mellon, UCLA Health Administration, Chapman & Associates, The Capital Group Companies, Staples, and Verizon.

Proceeds from the event will contribute crucial support to the fight against antibiotic-resistant infectious diseases, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, metastatic melanoma, HIV/AIDS transmission, depression, pulmonary hypertension, and many other life-threatening conditions.  The proceeds will also help to support LA BioMed’s master plan to  create a 10.25-acre research park located within the 72-acre Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Torrance, California.

For more information about the Gala and how to obtain tickets, please contact Lisa Bosnich at (310) 222-4240 or lbosnich@LABioMed.org.