News Summary
The Beverly Hills Police Department held its annual gala at the Waldorf Astoria, successfully raising over $1 million for the Police Officers Benevolent Fund. The event featured a performance by a young singer, awards for outstanding officers, and gourmet cuisine. The gala’s fundraising efforts will support community initiatives, highlighting the importance of public service and community relations.
Beverly Hills
The Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) hosted its annual gala on September 17, 2023, at Espelette in the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, raising over $1 million for the Beverly Hills Police Officers Benevolent Fund. The event was a sold-out success with 350 attendees, including Mayor Sharona Nazarian and City Council members Craig Corman, Mary Wells, and Lester Friedman, alongside several board members from the Beverly Hills Unified School District.
The gala started with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” by 10-year-old Isabella D’Amore Alt, who comes from a family of police officers. A moment of silence was held by BHPD Officers Association (BHPOA) President Christian Bond in honor of the late political activist Charlie Kirk. Mayor Nazarian praised the officers’ dedication and bravery, while highlighting ongoing contract negotiations between the BHPOA and the city.
Guests were treated to gourmet cuisine from Espelette, including sushi, arancini, Wagyu beef, and lobster sliders, before the awards ceremony, which was led by BHPD Captains Renato Moreno and Max Subin, as Police Chief Mark Stainbrook was unable to attend due to illness.
Awards Presented
During the awards presentation, Officer Ara Mani was honored with the Clinton H. Anderson Award for his community policing efforts. Officer Maraya Contreras received the Allen H. Carlin Award for becoming the department’s first female motorcycle officer and her proactive service. Additionally, Vanessa Rivas earned the Marvin Iannone Award for her exceptional customer service contributions to the Records Bureau. Nine officers were also recognized with lifesaving awards for their actions in various incidents over the past year.
Funds Raised
The gala successfully raised $52,000 through a silent auction. This event set the stage for another gala hosted by the Beverly Hills Police Officers Benevolent Fund at the Waldorf Astoria several days later, on September 26, 2023. This subsequent event, which also featured an open bar, hors-d’oeuvres, and a performance from local singer and actor Malea Emma, raised over $1 million for the third consecutive year. The live auction will continue until October 20, 2023, aiming to gather even more support for the Benevolent Fund.
Awards from the Second Gala
During the recent gala, the Sergeant of the Year award was presented to Sergeant Billy Fair, who achieved this honor for the second consecutive year. BHPD Chief Mark Stainbrook acknowledged advancements in technology implemented under his leadership during the event. Officer Arda Guvlekjian received the Clinton H. Anderson Award for her outstanding community engagement. The Alan H. Carlin Award was awarded to Officer Tristan Lyga for maintaining an impressive arrest record and dedicated service to crime prevention. Lastly, the Marvin Iannone Award was presented to management assistant Rocio Kershenbaum for her impactful behind-the-scenes work.
Background Information
The Beverly Hills Police Department has marked the significance of community relations and public service through its annual events. These gatherings not only provide an opportunity to celebrate the dedication of its officers but also serve as a crucial means for raising funds that support various initiatives within the community.
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- Google Search: Beverly Hills Police Department
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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.
