In our work to find and support programs that directly improve the health and well being of children, The Summa Children's Foundation is making an impact on children’s lives. Won’t you join us?

Looking Back, Looking Ahead

Though two years have passed since the Summa Children’s Foundation’s inaugural gala, the aftereffects of that night still linger. For one thing, the evening’s honoree—Hollywood business manager and philanthropist Laura Lizer Word—has now joined our ranks, assuming the role of SCF president. For another, we continue to hear about the many ways in which grant funds have met critical needs of so many worthy causes.

Even as plans proceed for the next gala, A Night of Inspiration in April, we take a moment to remember that night in November 2005 that changed so many lives—including our own.

The Beverly Hills Hotel’s Crystal Ballroom was filled to capacity with 400-plus guests who mingled with benefactors and beneficiaries alike and thrilled to performances by Debbie Allen Dance Academy dancers. At the live auction, emcee Paul Reiser and Fred Willard cheerfully ran riffs and coaxed bids to the tune of $45,000, bringing the evening’s proceeds to $450,000. Special guests Sidney Poitier, Shirley MacLaine, Jackie Collins and Leonard Maltin added still more star power.

But the best was still to come. Three months later, we wrote the checks, distributing nearly $300,000 to 10 area nonprofit organizations serving at-risk, underprivileged and disadvantaged children. We can’t wait to do it again.