Community leaders gather for a night of hope and healing at the Giving New Hope Benefit Gala.
On March 4, Los Angeles hosted the Giving New Hope Benefit Gala, celebrating 30 years of support for child burn survivors. Honorees included Wallis Annenberg and the Pratt family, who showcased their commitment to philanthropy. The event featured a silent auction, a dinner led by Fritz Coleman, and community engagement efforts. With increased outreach, the Children’s Burn Foundation aims to benefit more children in the coming year.
On March 4, the fabulous city of Los Angeles played host to a heartwarming occasion as the Council of the Children’s Burn Foundation (CBF) gathered for the Giving New Hope Benefit at the renowned Beverly Hilton Hotel. This special evening marked a celebration of 30 years of giving new hope to child burn survivors and their families, bringing together community leaders, philanthropists, and supporters devoted to making a difference.
The gala was not just another fundraising event; it was a heartfelt celebration of compassion and dedication. Philanthropist Wallis Annenberg was honored with the prestigious Spirit of Humanity Award, recognizing her incredible contributions to children’s causes, particularly in burn prevention. Alongside her, the beloved Barbara and Charles Pratt, Jr. received the Giving New Hope Award, showcasing their unwavering support for the CBF.
Founded in 1985 by Dr. Richard Grossman and actor McLean Stevenson, who himself is a burn survivor, the CBF has been a pillar of hope for countless young burn survivors and their families. The organization provides comprehensive healing and psychological support for children up to age 18, all while working tirelessly to raise awareness and promote prevention. Remarkably, the CBF operates educational programs that reach over 400,000 children annually, such as the “Fire! Science & Safety” exhibit at the California Science Center.
The evening was further enhanced by reports from CBF Executive Director Kirstin Clink, who announced a 22% increase in outreach for the foundation as a result of dedicated fundraising and community efforts. This growth means that more than 164,000 children and families will benefit from CBF’s programs in 2024—a staggering achievement that highlights the impact of collective efforts.
The Giving New Hope Benefit featured an exciting silent auction followed by a delightful dinner, led by none other than Fritz Coleman, a cherished member of the CBF Board. Guests were treated to a lively atmosphere with a variety of auction items, including an exclusive VIP tour of the Beverly Hills Fire Station, which garnered intense bidding, with two lucky winners each walking away with a bid of $3,750.
One of the highlights of the evening was a collaborative artwork created by Los Angeles artist Man One in conjunction with CBF’s Teen Support Group. This unique piece was generously donated back to the foundation and further exemplified the spirit of giving that permeated the evening.
In a heartfelt celebration, Wallis Annenberg’s granddaughter, Lily Annenberg, graciously accepted the Spirit of Humanity Award on her behalf. The night was also marked by Annenberg’s generous pledge of $500,000 towards the foundation, underscoring her steadfast commitment to the mission of supporting child burn survivors and their families.
The benefit gala was attended by an array of notable figures, including Beverly Hills Fire Chief Gregory Barton and esteemed past honorees of the Giving New Hope award. Community leaders, such as Rick Caruso and members of the Beverly Hills Fire Department, enjoyed the opportunity to connect, share stories, and champion the cause.
As the evening drew to a close, the spirit of community and support illuminated the ballroom, reminding everyone present of the profound impact one organization can make in the lives of many. With the success of this year’s fundraising gala, the CBF looks forward to continuing its mission of providing hope and healing to children and families who need it most.
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