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LOS ANGELES
(December 3, 2014) – Distinguished philanthropists
Janet and David Polak were honored at the Cedars-Sinai Board
of Governors 2014 Annual Gala on December 2 at the Beverly
Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills. Proceeds from the 2014 Gala
will benefit the Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors
Regenerative Medicine Institute
under the leadership of Clive Svendsen PhD. Funds will
advance the field of regenerative medicine and translate
laboratory discoveries into effective stem cell therapies
and other treatments for neurological disorders, cancers and
metabolic, eye and skeletal diseases.
Gala go-chairs Harriet Nichols and Sally
Magaram welcomed guests, Nichols noted that “this isn’t a
dinner, it is an investment for a better, healthier
tomorrow.”
The evening’s host, actor, comedian, author
and lyricist Paul Reiser, encouraged guests to raise a glass
and toast Cedars-Sinai as they launch a new campaign to push
for new boundaries and explore new territories in the worlds
of stem cell and regenerative medicine. He then went on to
garner laughs noting that stem cell research used to be “the
stuff of science fiction, but you are making it science
fact. I’m thinking you guys have found the fountain of youth
and I want in. If you are looking for a guinea pig, I’m your
man!”
Board of Governors Chair Ruth Dunn announced
the group's new campaign for The Board of Governors
Regenerative Medicine Institute. The institute is led by Dr.
Clive Svendsen, one of the world’s most innovative stem cell
scientists. Dunn went on to praise the evening’s honorees,
David and Janet Polak, and their generous decision to name
and support the David and Janet Polak Foundation Stem Cell
Core Laboratory. Dr. Svendsen then joined Dunn on stage and
described some of the extraordinary innovations that are
underway in the Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine
Institute.
For the 10th consecutive year, Lexus was the gala sponsor,
donating the prize for the evening's raffle, a 2015 Lexus RC
F Performance Coupe. Michael Rouse, Vice President of
Diversity, Philanthropy and Community Affairs and a past
Board of Governors honoree, praised the enduring partnership
between Lexus and Cedars-Sinai.
In describing the evening’s honorees, David
and Janet Polak, Reiser described them as “hard workers who
turned hard work into privilege, privilege into
responsibility and responsibility into philanthropy.” Rob
and Jeff Polak, the honorees’ sons, presented
the Philanthropic Leadership Award to their parents,
describing them as having “lived their lives caring and
thinking of others…wonderful spouses to one another for 48
years…supportive parents and loving grandparents.” Their
gift to Cedars-Cedars to fund the research facility now
known as the David and Janet Polak Foundation Stem Cell Core
Laboratory “will contribute to medical discoveries that will
improve the health of many.”
Accepting their award, Janet Polak described
Cedars-Sinai as “a community, not just a hospital or
research center, serving multiple needs…immediate as well as
long term. David and I believe in long term,” noting
regenerative medicine and the work being done with
Parkinsons, Alzheimers and Macular Degeneration. “If we
can’t help directly, we can, at the very least give cause
for hope. From what we can see at Cedars-Sinai, ‘hope’ is
fast becoming a ‘can do’ reality.”
Seven-time Grammy winner and jazz great Al
Jarreau ended the evening with a crowd-pleasing performance
that brought guests to their collective feet.
About the Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors
The Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors is a diverse community
of donors and leaders who are committed to supporting the
Medical Center by providing financial resources, educational
experiences for its members, and volunteer opportunities.
For more information on how to get involved with the
Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors, please call (310) 423-7471 |