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Los
Angeles, CA, November 6, 2015
- More than $31 million was raised at last night's
annual Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) Western
Region Gala, which was held at the renowned Beverly Hilton
Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA. The sold-out Gala, which has
become one of Los Angeles' standout charitable events,
gathered more than 1,200 supporters from the United States
and Israel to support the brave men and women of Israel.
FIDF National Board Member and major
supporter, Haim
Saban, and his wife, Cheryl,
served as chairs of the Gala for the 9th consecutive
year. Those in attendance included prominent business,
philanthropic, and political leaders and leading names in
entertainment, fashion and high-tech, including Jason
Alexander, Antonio Banderas, Ari Emanuel, Liev Schreiber,
Jason Segel, Gene Simmons and Mark Wahlberg.
"For the past nine years I have watched this
gala grow into the preeminent charity event it is today, and
I am truly humbled by the funds raised yesterday, which are
a testament to the importance of the FIDF organization and
its mission. The overwhelming support from the Los Angeles
community continues to amaze me," said Haim
Saban.
"We're excited and proud to take part in this
noteworthy event, to join in celebrating the courageous
soldiers of Israel. The mission of FIDF providing
wellbeing and educational programs to IDF soldiers is
invaluable to us as a society that cares for its younger
generation and recognizes the soldiers? sacrifices," said Casey and Laura
Wasserman.
The evening kicked off with a cocktail
reception, followed by dinner and a program featuring
stellar performances by David
Foster & Friends, The Beach Boys and Asanda Jezile. Monica
Crowley, bestselling author, political analyst and
long-time supporter of the FIDF, returned as emcee, and FIDF
National Director and CEO Maj. Gen. (Res.) Meir
Klifi-Amir was
present at the event, along with other FIDF national and
local leadership. Other notable participants included Gabrielle
Giffords, former Arizona congresswoman and member of the
US House of Representatives; Serge
Azria, CEO of Dutch LLC, and his wife Florence;
Paul Marciano,
co-founder of GUESS; and film producer and businessman
Steve
Tisch.
The evening's program recognized the heroism
of the Lone Soldiers of the IDF, and included moving
testimonies from bereaved mothers of fallen Soldiers. The
program also featured an important presentation by a U.S.
Veteran who demonstrated how Israeli medical technology is
impacting the lives of Americans through the United States?
strong relationship with Israel.
About
Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF):
FIDF was established in 1981 by a group of
Holocaust survivors as a 501(C)(3) not-for-profit
organization with the mission of providing and supporting
educational, social, cultural, and recreational programs and
facilities for the heroic men and women of the IDF. Today,
FIDF has more than 150,000 loyal supporters, and 15 regional
offices throughout the U.S. and Panama. FIDF proudly offers
its support to IDF soldiers, families of fallen soldiers,
and wounded veterans through a variety of unique and
innovative programs. These opportunities reinforce the vital
bond between the communities in the United States, the
soldiers of the IDF, and the State of Israel. For more
information, please visit:
www.fidf.org |