Community Corner

Hollywood Chamber Community Foundation Names 2012 'Heroes of Hollywood'

The award ceremony honoring community leaders including Hugh Hefner is planned for June 7.

[The following news release was provided by the Hollywood Chamber Community Foundation.]

The community of Hollywood has a variety of esteemed heroes and The Hollywood Chamber Community Foundation will honor several of these demonstrated community leaders at the 2012 Heroes of Hollywood Luncheon on Thursday, June 7, 2012 at the Taglyan Cultural Complex, 1201 Vine St. in Hollywood, 12 noon. - 2:30 p.m.  

Foundation Chairman Marty Shelton and event co-chairs Sarah MacPherson of  Hollywood Property Owners Alliance and Carole Sarian of The CrisCom Company are pleased to announce the following outstanding honorees:  

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Dr. Kwang Yul Cha, Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center 

Dr. Kwang Yul Cha is the Founder and Chancellor of Cha Health Systems and Cha University in Seoul, Korea. He received his medical degree from the prestigious Yonsei University graduating summa cum laude, and performed his postdoctoral fellowship in endocrinology and infertility at the University of Southern California. Dr. Cha is an internationally renowned medical expert and one of the most recognized authorities on reproductive endocrinology and infertility.  Dr. Cha pioneered the world’s first successful pregnancy and birth through in vitro maturation. Six years ago, he purchased Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center making it the first Korean-owned general hospital in the United States. He has been instrumental in advancing research in the area of stem cell and regenerative medicine and continues to bring research and advanced technologies to the United States.

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Officer Kevin Cotter and Detective Craig Marquez with Los Angeles Police Department and Officers Michael Ayala, Michael Coogle, George Islas, Sgt. Dave McCall, Sgt. Solomon Patton and Officer Leonard Sterling with the Sunset & Vine Business Improvement District Security

This courageous team prevented a disturbed individual from continuing to shoot randomly at cars and pedestrians in the middle of the intersection at Sunset and Vine on December 9, 2011. By not allowing a disturbed individual from continuing to threaten and endanger the citizens and visitors to Hollywood, these law enforcement officers allowed transportation, commerce, and day to day activities to continue and reinforced the civil servant/citizen compact. These officers put themselves in harm’s way and responded quickly. Their swift actions saved lives and increased the trust and reliance that citizens expect from law enforcement.

Laurie Goldman, GO! Goldman Organization

For more than 35 years, Laurie Goldman has engaged in every aspect of business and community life in Hollywood.  From charitable non-profit work to her current mission as champion of the Hollywood Central Park, Ms. Goldman has exemplified community spirit and unselfish contribution in every corner of Hollywood. Countless organizations and community development projects have benefited from her boundless energy and dogged determination. Ms. Goldman’s support and commitment to community organizations include Central Hollywood Neighborhood Council, the Hollywood Arts Council, Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, Hollywood Heritage, The Getty House Foundation, The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Community Foundation, and many others. Not only has she served on their respective Boards of Directors, but she has also given of her time and talent to support their work in both fundraising and hands-on service. The Hollywood Central Park is her latest and most profound passion to date.

The Sundher Family, Hollywood Wax Museum

Since 1965, when Spoony Singh, patriarch of the Sundher Family, opened the Hollywood Wax Museum, the Sundher Family has stood as one of Hollywood’s staunchest and most generous supporters. The Hollywood Wax Museum brought energy to the Boulevard and helped spread the “brand” of Hollywood around the world. The Sundher Family continues to support the many community efforts that build the unique quality of Hollywood and continue to improve the security and marketability of Hollywood. Their strong belief in Hollywood is an inspiration to both business owners and community supporters.  

Albert Sweet, Occidental Entertainment Group Holdings, Inc. 

Mr. Albert Sweet was well ahead of the “Hollywood’s Renaissance” in the 1980s, when he started buying and remodeling aged buildings. These properties have now turned into over 4 dozen office buildings, a dozen sound stages, and five operation divisions that span over 1 million sq.ft. Staying true and dedicated to Hollywood, Mr. Sweet is committed to keeping the entertainment industry in Hollywood and has no entertainment investments outside of Los Angeles. Mr. Sweet is active in numerous civic, political and charitable endeavors, including: Technion, KCET, Junior Blind, St. Anne's, Hebrew University, Venice Family Clinic, United Negro College Fund and many more. Mr. Sweet is both a pioneer and visionary who has been honored by countless organizations for his professional and philanthropic efforts.

Hugh Hefner will be awarded with the Hollywood Distinguished Service Award in Memory of Johnny Grant. This special award is reserved for those outstanding individuals whose contribution and commitment to our community rises to a level that implies a lasting positive impact to the city, the people and the dream that is Hollywood.

Heroes of Hollywood Awards honor both male and female individuals, businesses and organizations, as well.   The awards ceremony serves as one of two major fundraisers for the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Community Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of Hollywood community members.  All funds raised from this luncheon will be awarded in the form of grants to local charitable organizations.  “Heroes of Hollywood” Awards Committee is comprised of members of the Hollywood Chamber who are volunteers and have proven to be community leaders themselves.

For sponsorship information contact Kaylee Kiecker, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development at kaylee@hollywoodchamber.net 

The Heroes of Hollywood Awards recognize exceptional leaders in the Hollywood community who have transformed the lives of others and/or have made a remarkable contribution to the physical environment.  Since 1993 the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Community Foundation has saluted more than 125 extraordinary leaders from Hollywood, through what was previously named the Women of Distinction Awards.  Since 2011, the awards have honored both male and female leaders, as well as families, businesses and organizations. The awards ceremony serves as one of two major fundraisers for the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Community Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to improving the lives of Hollywood community members. All funds raised from this luncheon will be awarded in the form of grants to local charitable organizations.  “Heroes of Hollywood” Awards Committee is comprised of members of the Hollywood Chamber who are volunteers and have proven to be community leaders themselves. For more information, visit http://www.hollywoodchamber.net/heroes

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