On the evening of April 30, beneath a twilight sky over Beverly Hills, philanthropy and refinement came together at The Wallis Delivers, a luminous benefit evening held at the iconic Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. Designed to support wildfire recovery in Los Angeles, the event was a masterclass in meaningful luxury—where intention, artistry, and impact were woven into every detail.
Hosted by the incomparable Jane Fonda—actress, activist, and lifelong humanitarian—the event brought together a curated circle of distinguished leaders, creatives, and philanthropists. Guests were welcomed into The Wallis’ majestic Jim and Eleanor Randall Grand Hall, where historic frescoes and contemporary design formed a perfect metaphor for the evening’s mission: honoring the past while forging a hopeful future.
The centerpiece of the night was the presentation of the Wallis Icon Award—a new honor recognizing visionary corporate philanthropy. The inaugural recipient, Dominic Ng, Chairman and CEO of East West Bank, was celebrated for his transformative leadership and enduring commitment to cultural and community causes. Under his stewardship, East West Bank evolved from a local savings institution into a $76 billion global banking leader, while also building bridges between East and West through the arts, education, and civic engagement.
As guests sipped handcrafted cocktails and nibbled on artisanal hors d’oeuvres, the energy in the air was undeniable. Notables including Jim Courier, Michael Govan, Willow Bay & Robert A. Iger, Sherry Lansing, Lyn Lear, Lori and Michael Milken, and Debbie Allen and Norm Nixon mingled alongside Annenberg family members, Wallis benefactors, and cultural visionaries. The evening was as much about legacy as it was about action.
The Inspiration Behind the Benefit
The event was born from tragedy. The 2025 Eaton and Palisades wildfires devastated neighborhoods, displaced families, and left a lasting emotional imprint on the city. But in the aftermath, they also revealed the enduring strength of Los Angeles’ community spirit. As Wallis Annenberg, Chairman, President, and CEO of the Annenberg Foundation, eloquently stated:
“The deadly wildfires ravaged our beloved communities… Still, more resources are needed. That’s why we dedicate this special evening to help Los Angeles continue to recover.”
The benefit’s timing also marked a poignant milestone: the fifteenth anniversary of The Wallis’ groundbreaking. Originally a 1934 post office, the building was reimagined as a performing arts center thanks to a $25 million gift from Annenberg in 1994—an act of civic imagination that turned a historic relic into a living, breathing cultural destination.
Today, The Wallis stands not only as an architectural marvel designed by Zoltan E. Pali, but also as a creative incubator. Since opening in 2013, it has presented nearly 500 diverse performances and garnered dozens of Ovation and L.A. Drama Critics Circle Awards. It’s where history meets innovation, and where Angelenos gather to experience the transformative power of the arts.
Dominic Ng: A Visionary for Culture and Community
Dominic Ng’s recognition at The Wallis Delivers was both timely and richly deserved. A champion of inclusive leadership, Ng has made it his mission to align financial growth with cultural investment. His leadership at East West Bank has fostered strategic partnerships with major arts institutions including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, MOCA, The Broad, and The Huntington Library—helping to amplify diverse voices and expand access to cultural experiences.
His philanthropic contributions extend far beyond the arts. As a former board member of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco and United Way of Greater Los Angeles, Ng has shaped policy, raised record-breaking funds (including a $66 million campaign in 2000), and championed programs aimed at economic equity and education. In 2024, The Los Angeles Times named him one of the city’s most influential Angelenos—a testament to his reach and integrity.
As Jane Fonda presented Ng with the award, she spoke passionately about the intersection of wealth and responsibility.
“When you’re in a position to shape lives and elevate communities, it’s not just an opportunity—it’s a mandate. Dominic embodies that.”
A Celebration of Community and Culture
The event’s design was a masterstroke of subtle luxury. Guests flowed from the Grand Hall to The Wallis’ open-air plaza, enjoying moments of connection and conversation under string lights and spring skies. Floral installations mimicked native California landscapes—a quiet nod to the nature that had been lost and the resilience blooming in its place.
The entertainment was understated but powerful. Music and theatrical performances paid homage to the city’s cultural tapestry, while speakers reflected on how art can be a vehicle for healing in uncertain times. As Robert van Leer, Executive Director and CEO of The Wallis, noted:
“Our role as an arts institution isn’t just to entertain—it’s to inspire, to respond, and to serve. Through the arts, we offer not only hope, but a shared path forward.”
The New Standard of Luxury
What set The Wallis Delivers apart wasn’t just the guest list or the setting—it was the spirit. This was a new kind of luxury: deeply rooted in purpose, refined through community, and elevated by the act of giving. In a city known for spectacle, this was a night defined by substance.
And for David’s Guide readers—those who seek beauty not only in aesthetics but also in meaning—this benefit was a mirror to a new era. One where success is measured not just in influence or assets, but in how we show up for others when the spotlight fades.
As the final toasts were made and guests stepped back into the quiet streets of Beverly Hills, one message echoed clearly through the evening’s elegant finish: true luxury lies in our ability to make a difference.
For more information visit The Wallis.
