News Summary
The Beverly Hills Police Officers Benevolent Fund raised over $1 million at its annual gala, honoring first responders and fostering community support. Attended by city representatives and police officers, the event featured a live auction and awards to recognize exemplary service within the Beverly Hills Police Department. Mayor Lester Friedman and Chief Mark Stainbrook acknowledged the impactful leadership and collaboration focused on public safety. The gala’s success reinforces the community’s commitment to enhancing public safety through continued support for local heroes.
Beverly Hills Gala Celebrates First Responders and Raises Over $1 Million
Beverly Hills, CA – The Beverly Hills Police Officers Benevolent Fund raised more than $1 million during its annual gala held on September 26, 2023, at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, continuing the tradition of honoring the heroic efforts of first responders in the community. The event, which took place from 6-9 p.m., featured cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a live auction, and an awards ceremony to recognize the exceptional contributions of officers within the Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD).
This year’s gala, which saw participation from community members, city council representatives, and hundreds of police officers, exemplifies the community’s support for its local heroes. Individual tickets for the gala were priced at $500, contributing to a total of $57,000 raised during the live auction portion of the evening. This marks the third consecutive year that the Benevolent Fund has raised over $1 million, a significant achievement that highlights the commitment of attendees to fostering a stronger, safer community.
The event commenced with a stirring performance of the National Anthem by 13-year-old singer and actor, Malea Emma. The awards ceremony was a key highlight, featuring numerous accolades presented to members of the BHPD for their exemplary service. Officer Christian Bond, serving as Board President, presented the coveted ‘Sergeant of the Year’ award to Sergeant Billy Fair for the second consecutive year, acknowledging his commitment to the department and community.
Mayor Lester Friedman spoke at the gala, recognizing the impactful leadership of Chief Mark Stainbrook and their collaborative efforts in enhancing public safety within Beverly Hills. Chief Stainbrook expressed his gratitude for his team, taking a moment to reflect on notable incidents from the past year and the department’s unwavering dedication to serving the community.
Awards Presented
Throughout the ceremony, several awards were presented to acknowledge outstanding officers and community volunteers:
- Clinton H. Anderson Award: Officer Arda Guvlekjian for her dedication to youth engagement through the police explorer program.
- Alan H. Carlin Award: Officer Tristan Lyga, recognized for reporting 77 arrests in 2023, demonstrating exceptional commitment to community safety.
- Marvin Iannone Award: Rocio Kershenbaum for her outstanding service as a management assistant, ensuring the smooth operation of the police department.
Exclusive Live Auction
The gala also featured a live auction that included exclusive experiences, such as a SWAT Experience and a Chef’s Experience at Steak48, providing attendees with the opportunity to bid on unique items while supporting the Benevolent Fund’s mission.
In a move to extend fundraising efforts, an online auction is scheduled to run from October 9 to October 20. Community members interested in donating auction items are encouraged to do so via email at auction@bhpoa.org. To participate in the bidding process for the online auction, individuals must register by visiting the dedicated auction site.
Supporting the Community
The proceeds raised from both the gala and the upcoming online auction directly support the Benevolent Fund, reinforcing the commitment to create a safer community through various programs aimed at enhancing public safety and community engagement. As the residents of Beverly Hills come together to honor their first responders, the event serves not only as a celebration but as a reminder of the ongoing need for community support in their efforts.
Located at 9850 Wilshire Blvd, the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills provided an elegant backdrop for this meaningful event, bringing together citizens and police officers to strengthen the bond between law enforcement and the community.
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Additional Resources
- Beverly Hills Courier: Police Gala Honors Outstanding Officers
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Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS WRITER
The Beverly Hills Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREBeverlyHills.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance, the Beverly Hills artSHOW, Concerts on Canon, and holiday celebrations throughout the city. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and Visit Beverly Hills, plus leading businesses in luxury fashion, hospitality, and entertainment that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERECostaMesa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
