The Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children (LuskinOIC) celebrated a spectacular night at the Stand for Kids Gala, supporting its mission to advance health equity for every child in Los Angeles and beyond, ensuring no child is turned away for lack of insurance.
“This is the largest donation in the nation this year for an organization of our size, and it will ensure long-term sustainability for LuskinOIC.”
An Exclusive Night of Excitement and Goodwill
Supporters enjoyed an exclusive night of excitement and goodwill on the 50-yard line of SoFi Stadium. The state-of-the-art facility, which holds over 70,000 people, was transformed into an incredible evening of family fun for nearly 1,000 guests, including 100 volunteers.
Red Carpet and Star-Studded Guests
The gala kicked off in the ultra-exclusive SoFi Social Club, where guests like Chris and Anel Lopez Gorham, AnnaLynne McCord and Danny Cipriani, J. August Richards and Joshua Gbor, Miss India Pooja Batra, and Mario Lopez, who hosted the gala, walked the red carpet with LuskinOIC donors, community partners, and patient ambassadors.
Parade of Champions and Ceremonial Highlights
DJ Asha kept the crowd dancing until the Parade of Champions, led by LuskinOIC Ambassador and 2024 Paralympian Ezra Frech, and LuskinOIC Ambassador and archery champion Aria Easter, who lit Olympic torches to open the ceremony. Dignitaries, including Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CD 37) and Councilmember Curren D. Price Jr. (CD 9), highlighted LuskinOIC’s exceptional work over its 113-year history.
Mario Lopez and the Unique Mission of LuskinOIC
Two-time Emmy winner Mario Lopez shared, “LuskinOIC is the largest pediatric orthopaedic program in LA County. What makes LuskinOIC unique is their focus on caring for underserved kids; 85% of their children are underinsured and 75% are children of color. With UCLA doctors at the helm, LuskinOIC levels the playing field so ALL kids have access to quality healthcare.”
Awards and Recognitions
Football legend and CBS sportscaster Jim Hill accepted the Community Inspiration Award on behalf of the Los Angeles Chargers, presented by UCLA Health President Johnese Spisso and Dr. Nick Bernthal, chair of UCLA Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. Gabriela Arvizu, President of Students Runs LA, accepted the 2024 Power of Partnership Award on behalf of the youth empowerment organization.
Historic $50 Million Estate Gift Announcement
LuskinOIC Vice President Michael Sullivan and surprise guest, legendary ring announcer Michael Buffer, made the organization’s largest and most consequential announcement in its history – a $50 million estate gift from long-time benefactors and philanthropists Meyer and Renee Luskin. The stadium exploded into applause as yellow and blue streamers fell from the sky. Meyer Luskin stated, “Renee and I wish to thank all of you for your kind and loving support and for this great endeavor and wonderful institution.” Michael Sullivan added, “This is the largest donation in the nation this year for an organization of our size, and it will ensure long-term sustainability for LuskinOIC.”
Theme: ‘Sports Medicine: Heal Champions, Fuel Athletes’
“This year’s theme, ‘Sports Medicine: Heal Champions, Fuel Athletes,’ raised funds to help children while honoring the many champions of the LuskinOIC community, including our donors, dedicated community partners, patients, pediatric specialists, and staff,” stated LuskinOIC President and CEO Dr. Anthony Scaduto. “This could not be done without our generous sponsors, including the Chadha Jonovic Family, Las Amigas de Las Lomas, La Cañada Flintridge Orthopaedic Guild, the Han Family, Charitable Children’s Guild, Las Madrecitas, Clear Channel, the Zytko Family, the Ehrlich Family, the Burcham Family, and UCLA Health.”
Concert by World Classic Rockers
To cap off the unforgettable evening, guests enjoyed a one-hour concert by World Classic Rockers, featuring former members of Journey, Santana, Steppenwolf, and Lynyrd Skynyrd. The band performed rock classics such as “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Black Magic Woman,” “Oye Como Va,” and more.
Event Production and Partners
The event was produced by Amy Shomer Associates and Billy Butchkavitz Design. Top Shelf Concierge served as the Transportation Partner.
About LuskinOIC
The Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children (LuskinOIC) was founded in 1911 as Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital and today is the largest pediatric orthopaedic facility on the West Coast focused solely on musculoskeletal conditions in children, with 85% of our patients underinsured. We receive more than 60,000 patient visits annually and extend our pro-bono services to patients in Calexico and Mexicali, among other cities worldwide. In alliance with UCLA Health and with the support of the LuskinOIC Foundation, we advance pediatric orthopaedics worldwide through outstanding patient care, medical education, and research. Our locations in downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Westwood, and Calexico treat the full spectrum of pediatric orthopaedic disorders and injuries. For more information, visit us at LuskinOIC.org.
