A beautiful online evening in honor of the Seacrest Heroes

Seacrest Foundation held its 43rd Annual Women’s Auxiliary Hearts of Gold Gala, Preserving Hope During the Pandemic, online on Sunday, February 21, 2021, with Cindy Bloch and Jean Gaylis serving as Co-Chairs, along with 48 dedicated committee members. It was a spectacular evening “attended” virtually by nearly 600 guests. All proceeds raised will support Seacrest Village Retirement Communities’ Resident Assistance Fund as well as the COVID-19 Emergency Fund. The number of seniors requiring help to cover the cost of food, shelter, and physical care continues to grow, and this year alone, Seacrest Village will provide almost $2.5 million in charitable care. Additionally, the funds required to manage through the pandemic are already over $1 million.

The evening was in honor of the Seacrest Heroes—the Seacrest staff who are providing love and care to the residents during this difficult time. This past year the Seacrest staff have held the physical space with the residents where their families would have been had they been able to come to the campus. Beautiful bonds were formed which has truly been a silver lining. As the residents get closer and closer to being able to see and touch their loved ones, there is a renewed sense of hope.

We are so grateful to everyone who joined us, albeit virtually, to raise critical funds. The outpouring of love for the residents and gratitude for the Seacrest Heroes was incredible. One thing is for certain…not even a pandemic can stop our Jewish Community from taking care of one another.

Catering was delivered prior to the online event to sponsors who chose to have appetizers or meals as part of their contribution. They enjoyed beautiful artisan cheese boards, wine, dessert, and entrees lovingly prepared by Continental Catering; cocktail kits were prepared by Snake Oil Cocktail Company, featuring a special drink called “The Hero’s Heart.”

Many sponsors and underwriters joined a Zoom cocktail reception before the event began, hosted by Snake Oil Cocktail Company’s mixologist. Sharon and David Wax offered a beautiful toast and thanked all for supporting the event.

The program began with a greeting by Mary Epsten, Women’s Auxiliary President, along with co-chairs Cindy Bloch and Jean Gaylis. They were joined by Seacrest Foundation’s Chief Foundation Officer, Robin Israel. The four women welcomed guests and shared special words about the Seacrest staff and the need to support the Foundation.

Following the welcome was a personalized recording of a comedic horse race prepared by the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, as well as a beautiful presentation of staff and residents sharing loving words of support and hope. Messages of gratitude from around the world came from families who cannot see their loved ones due to the pandemic. Mariah Carey’s Heroes was sung by “live” entertainers as the Seacrest Heroes were honored. Over 360 employees were recognized for their dedication and strength.

Live auction items included: four (4) VIP tickets to a live taping of THE VOICE along with a 1-night stay for each couple at The West Hollywood EDITION, and dining at Ronan; a collection of 56 bottles of wine, hand-selected by the Gala Steering Committee, valued at over $3,700 and an Allavino FlexCount II Series Single Zone Wine Refrigerator; and a private gourmet dinner at Pamplemousse grille for 10, including wine pairings.

A lively silent auction was offered as well with items such as: four (4) VIP tickets to live tapings of each THE BACHELOR and THE BACHELORETTE; jewelry from ALOR and Diamond Boutique; a table for 10 with a roundtrip service by Masterpiece Limousine for the next Seacrest Gala; an online cooking class for eight with Debbie Kornberg from Spice it Up with Deb; Montblanc pen and notebook ensemble; and a private styling session with Celebrity Stylist Regina Cherepinsky.

The evening became very exciting as it was announced that the $500,000 matching gift made by Sharon and David Wax had already been met! What followed was an announcement of another generous, lifesaving $500,000 matching gift opportunity presented by Joan and Irwin Jacobs. As this gift was announced, the fundraising thermometer quickly began rising. Seacrest Foundation is honored to be on its way to meeting this second generous match and greatly appreciates additional contributions towards this Hearts of Gold Campaign. A gift to the COVID-19 Emergency Fund provides support and protection for Seacrest Village residents, Seacrest at Home clients, and staff during this very challenging time. Tremendous gratitude to Sharon and David Wax and Joan and Irwin Jacobs, along with all of our contributors for making this event a reality.

An incredibly dedicated Steering Committee helped to make this evening a success. Many thanks to the Hearts of Gold Gala Committee: Fundraising Chair, Anne Nagorner. Sponsorship & Underwriting Co-Chairs, Jessica Chodorow and Esther Fischer. Steering Committee: Ellen Addleson, Susan Arenson, Rusti Bartell, Shelle Orlansky Belenzon, Judy Belinsky, Nancy Browar, Suzi Cohen, Dalia Cohen, Rebecca Collopy , Avrille Copans, Marisa Davis, Lauren Dolinka, Norma Dreifuss, Claire Ellman, Mary Epsten, Nancy Gordon, Merrill Haimsohn, Marge Katleman, Alyse Kirschen, Jackie Kirschen, Renée Levine, Lisa Levine, Carol Levy, Roxi Link, Sheila Lipinsky, Esther Michan, Linda Otchis, Roselyn Pappelbaum, Monica Perlman, Shirley Pidgeon, Mona Platt, Linda Platt, Julee Press, Barbara Rozansky, Shari Schenk, Elana Schiff, Denise Selati, Stephanie Smith, Angela Steinberg, Isabel Wasserman, Marcia Wolochow, Alana Ziman, Helene Ziman.

Plans are now underway to be reunited as a community in support of our seniors at the 44th Annual Seacrest Foundation Women’s Auxiliary Gala in 2022.