Laura Lizer Word has assumed the role of Summa Children’s Foundation president, succeeding KC West, who remains on the SCF board. Word, a third generation Angeleno, is founder and president of Laura Lizer & Associates, one of the most respected business management firms in the entertainment industry. She brings with her a comprehensive resume of philanthropic service—which began when she signed on at age 11 as a Cedars-Sinai candy striper—and a reputation for tireless work on behalf of such organizations as Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, SHARE Inc. and Actors and Others for Animals. Honoree at the Summa Children’s Foundation’s inaugural gala in 2005, she is married to television executive Rob Word, with whom she has a son, Robby.
The most recent addition to the Summa Children’s Foundation board is Mitch Kirsch, who brings to the table a wealth of experience in the event planning industry. He is the founder of Planet Events, Inc., with a client list that runs the gamut from MTV to VISA International to Coca-Cola, and has produced functions at eight Olympic Games, six Super Bowls, three World Cups and three Rugby World Cups. Kirsch’s charitable involvement includes such organizations as the Rainforest Foundation, the Weingart Foundation and the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation; he also lent his talents to SCF’s inaugural gala in 2005 and will do the same for the upcoming event in April. He lives in Hermosa Beach.
SCF Founder Brian Werdesheim was among 38,000+ participants in the 2007 ING New York City Marathon, running as a member of Fred’s Team and raising $10,600 to support pediatric cancer research at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Werdesheim, a veteran of only one previous marathon, says the 26.2 miles through all five boroughs was more reward than ordeal, though he also acknowledges his legs said otherwise for a few post-race days. Fred’s Team is named in memory of Fred Lebow, running legend and founder of the NYC Marathon. Werdesheim is a founding member of the Summa Group, a division of Oppenheimer & Co., providing asset management, financial and estate planning services to affluent individuals and families from around the country, including owners and executives of public and private companies, family estates, charitable entities and the fiduciaries that serve on the client-advisor team.
Guests at the Summa Children’s Foundation’s inaugural gala may remember young Arlill Rodriguez, who spoke that night on behalf of Richstone Family Center, one of the event’s beneficiaries. The then-sixth-grader’s poise and presence so impressed Elizabeth Gregory, director of admissions at Harvard-Westlake, that she offered him admission— and a scholarship—on the spot. Now in his second year at the prestigious college preparatory school, Arlill has flourished, developing his artistic side and discovering a flair for animation; he recently met with James L. Brooks, executive producer of The Simpsons, and visited the studio as Brooks’s guest. Says SCF’s KC West of Arlill, “we look forward some day to saying, ‘we knew him when!’”
“Your generous contribution has helped us to create and sustain unique programs that improve the quality of life for indigent children in Los Angeles.”
Robin Segal, Executive Director
United in Harmony