July 2, 2025 #1 Local News, Information and Event Source for the Century City/Westwood areas.

Social City News: Women Of Excellence & Israeli American Council Gala 

Madeline Gussman and Nancy Epstein were the honorees at the Women of Excellence luncheon. Photos courtesy of Chynna Photography.
Madeline Gussman and Nancy Epstein were the honorees at the Women of Excellence luncheon. Photos courtesy of Chynna Photography.

More than 400 beautiful women (and a few lucky lads) were on hand at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel to honor two “Women of Excellence,” Madeline Gussman and Nancy Epstein on March 10. These fabulous ladies were lauded for their humanitarian services and commitment to Vista Del Mar Child & Family Services. The philanthropic women are a voice for exceptional children and help deliver programs that are healing, nurturing, and provide life saving support.

KTLA Entertainment Anchor Sam Rubin served as emcee and introduced the Vista Players, comprised of young and talented Arts Enrichment students, who received a standing ovation from the delighted audience. Some of these supporters included Beverly and Bob Cohen (Four Seasons Hotel), Laurie Konheim (Luncheon Chair), Stanley Black and his entire philanthropic family, Philip Stein (Vista del Mar chairman and board of directors), and the overflowing assortment of sisters, children, grandkids, and friends of the two Women of Excellence. A fitting tribute indeed!

In other events, comedian and TV star Howie Mandel hosted the 8th annual Israeli American Council gala at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, which raised approximately $17 million for its numerous programs.

Howie Mandel hosted the Israeli American Council L.A. 8th annual gala.
Howie Mandel hosted the Israeli American Council L.A. 8th annual gala.

More than 1,100 L.A. community leaders, elected officials, and major civic figures were in attendance to honor Shawn Evenhaim, CEO and founder of California Home Builders. He is also co-founder of IAC. Evenhaim was recognized as one of the 50 most influential Jewish Americans and was the driving force behind the Council’s expansion from a local organization to a nationwide movement.

David D’Or, one of Israel’s most acclaimed singers and composers entertained, along with renowned flamenco guitarist, Chico Castillo. Via video-message, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke to the crowd: “You stand for the unbreakable bond between Israel and the United States. Israel is the only bastion of democracy in the middle-east, and IAC is communicating this truth to the world.”

The theme of the event was “More than a community – Family.” Focus was on the IAC Shepher Community Center – the first Israeli-American Community Center in the US. The IAC is committed to unite the Israeli-American community and the State of Israel.

For information how you can become involved, check out their website at www.israeliamerican.org.      

Related Posts

Elephants Take Over Beverly Hills: Global Art Exhibit Makes Final Stop at Beverly Gardens Park

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

Traveling Installation of Life-Size Sculptures Crafted by Indigenous Artisans Arrives in Beverly Hills Life-size sculptures of Indian elephants have arrived...

Pentagon Orders Troop Drawdown in LA: 150 National Guard Members Reassigned to Wildfire Duty

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

Federal Forces Begin Partial Withdrawal From Protest Response as California Leaders Push Back U.S. Northern Command announced Tuesday that 150...

California Highway Patrol Deploys for Independence Day Enforcement Surge

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

All Available Officers to Hit California Highways for Holiday Weekend As Californians gear up for Fourth of July festivities, the...

Court Postpones Arraignment for Driver in Malibu Crash That Killed Four Students

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

Fraser Michael Bohm Faces Murder Charges in Fatal PCH Wreck  The arraignment for Fraser Michael Bohm, the 23-year-old man accused...

(Video) Los Angeles County Supervisor from the 2nd district, Holly J. Mitchel, Gives a Powerful Speech

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

Supervisor Mitchell Called on Residents to take action at the rally for Ambrocio “Enrique” Lozano in Culver City.

Top Military Commander Urges Return of Troops Deployed to ICE Protest Response

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

General Requests 200 National Guard Soldiers Be Returned to California Wildfire Unit The senior U.S. military officer overseeing federal forces...

Second Victim Killed Alongside LAPD Sergeant in Brentwood 405 Crash Identified

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

Authorities Confirm Garcia, 34, Died at the Scene, GoFundMe Launched  Authorities have identified the civilian who was killed alongside a...

The Westside Lights Up for July 4: Fireworks, Drone Shows, and Parades Return Across West Los Angeles

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

From Marina Del Rey’s Fireworks to Culver City’s 1980s-Themed Drone Show, Get Ready to Celebrate From fireworks over Marina del...

Historic Sawtelle Nursery Site Could Become 40-Unit Townhome Complex

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

Sawtelle Continues to Change as Nursery Site Faces Redevelopment Plans have been submitted to redevelop a nursery site, F.K. Nursery,...

California Judge Rules FAIR Plan’s Smoke Damage Policy Unlawful

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

Court Says Wildfire Insurance Program Illegally Denied Claims Legal protections for California homeowners took a step forward this week after...

(Video) Culver City Residents and City and County Leaders Rally for Disappeared Ice Cream Man Ambrocio “Enrique” Lozano

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

US Representative for California’s 37th Congressional District, Sydney Kamlager-Dove Speaks About What is happening to the disappeared.

Drake Slashes Price on Beverly Hills Estate to $79 Million Amid Market Slowdown

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

Price Cut Adds to a Broader Retreat From His Los Angeles Real Estate Holdings. Musician Drake has reduced the price...

Iranian Pastor in West L.A. Speaks as Church Rocked by Immigration Raids 

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

Five Detained as Fear Spreads Through Persian Christian Faith Community  Fear has spread through a West Los Angeles congregation after...

Overdose Deaths Drop 22% in Los Angeles County, Marking Largest Decline on Record

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

Fentanyl Fatalities Fell 37% as County Ramps up Funding for Prevention, Treatment Drug overdose deaths in Los Angeles County declined...

Cinespia Brings Fireworks and Fan Favorites to Hollywood Forever This July

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Watch Top Gun, La La Land, and More Under the Stars at Hollywood Forever Cinespia, Los Angeles’ iconic outdoor movie...