Elizabeth LeCompte with REDCAT Circle members Leonard Nimoy and Susan Bay Nimoy at a brunch celebrating REDCAT's four-year partnership with The Wooster Group

REDCAT Circle

The REDCAT Circle is the patron group at the Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater (REDCAT). It brings together people who share a passion for contemporary performing and visual arts, and who are committed to ensuring the financial health of this artistic endeavor. Annual gifts made through the REDCAT Circle support the dynamic artists we present and help maintain our state-of-the-art facility in downtown Los Angeles.

All REDCAT Circle members are invited to attend REDCAT Salons throughout the year. REDCAT Salons are often held at private residences, providing members the opportunity to meet and mingle with performing and visual artists, and to engage in lively discussions with fellow patrons, the REDCAT Council, CalArts trustees and community leaders.

The Griffith Observatory is an icon of Los Angeles, a national leader in public astronomy, a beloved civic gathering place, and one of southern California's most popular attractions. Here is your chance to see it with the one and only Leonard Nimoy! The Observatory is located on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park, just above the Los Feliz neighborhood. It is 1,134 feet above sea level and is visible from many parts of the Los Angeles basin.

Enjoy an exclusive tour of this iconic observatory with the one and only Leonard Nimoy!

Mr. Nimoy needs no introduction but for all of you who may not know, he is widely known as an actor, gaining international recognition for his Emmy-nominated role as Mr. Spock on the Star Trek television series and films, and has been featured in many other television, stage, and screen productions. He is also a highly regarded director, poet, and photographer.

Donated by: Leonard Nimoy

Terms: Includes: a private tour of Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, California. Valid for two people, for one year, based on a mutually agreeable time.

Event recap on the Santa Monica Museum of Art page and slideshow :

At dusk on October 31, Halloween night, SMMoA and hosts Susan and Leonard Nimoy welcomed hundreds of fantastically-attired party-goers to The Halla Gala. SMMoA Trustees, donors, artists and featured designers, dressed as their secret selves, enjoyed a delectable feast in a magical setting and were treated to complimentary photographs in a surrealist photobooth. Costume contest winners Miriam Wosk, Olga Garay and Kerry English (i.e., the two Fridas and Trotsky) walked away with the grand prize—a private photo portrait session by Leonard Nimoy, who generously took photographs that evening of high-level package buyers. The Halla Gala raised over $400,000, thanks in part to a generous matching grant from Chora* - a direct charitable activity of The Annenberg Foundation.

TICKETS & PACKAGES

The Secret Self $5,000
2 gala tickets
1 limited-edition portrait print by Barkley L. Hendricks or Mickalene Thomas
1 photographic portrait of your secret self taken that evening by Leonard Nimoy (no more than 2 people in portrait; final print delivered following event)
Print, online, and onsite recognition
1 priority parking pass
Invitation to SMMoA`s Vintage Clothing Cache on Sunday, October 4, noon to 4 p.m. RESCHEDULED: Sunday, October 18, noon to 4 p.m. (costume cost not included in ticket price)

La Dolce Vita $10,000
4 gala tickets
2 limited-edition portrait prints, one each by Barkley L. Hendricks and Mickalene Thomas
1 photographic portrait of your secret self taken that evening by Leonard Nimoy (no more than 2 people in portrait; final print delivered following event)
Costume concept, design, and creation for 1 with a noted fashion designer; see list below
Prominent print, online, and onsite recognition
2 priority parking passes
Invitation to SMMoA`s Vintage Clothing Cache on Sunday, October 4, noon to 4 p.m. RESCHEDULED: Sunday, October 18, noon to 4 p.m. (costume cost not included in ticket price)

The Gardeners of Eden $25,000
10 gala tickets
2 limited-edition portrait prints, one each by Barkley L. Hendricks and Mickalene Thomas
1 photographic portrait of your secret self taken that evening by Leonard Nimoy (no more than 2 people in portrait; final print delivered following event)
Costume concept, design, and creation for 2 with two noted fashion designers; see list below
Luxury Halloween night accommodations at Viceroy Santa Monica (1 ocean view room)
Sponsorship recognition on 1 upcoming museum program

"I can get him" when asked if he can convince Leonard Nimoy to appear on The Big Bang Theory (which airs right before Shatner’s $#*! My Dad Says) on CBS on Thursdays.

Sip cocktails with Leonard Nimoy and visit his home and art collection. Dine on the Terrace of the Bel-Air Hotel and discuss your favorite objects of art at the Getty Center and the new Eli Broad Wing at the Los Angeles County Museum. Enjoy the exotic food selections at Mr. Chow’s while sharing the restaurant with Jay Leno. All of these fascinating experiences were enjoyed by NOMA’s Circle members on their recent trip to Los Angeles.

A surprise guest at the auction was Leonard Nimoy, better known as Mr Spock from Star Trek. Nimoy, who is reputed to have a huge personal collection of Star Trek memorabilia, donated several items to the auction signed by himself and William Shatner, including a plaque awarded from NASA for “inspiring a generation of scientists and explorers”.

Nimoy’s contributions made over $14,000 of the total $40,000 raised during the auction, with proceeds going to the American Cancer Society and the Nimoy Foundation, an initiative that gives grants to artists-in-residence programs in museums and galleries around the US." Seefor more.

He contributed some special one-of-a-kind items such as a plaque from NASA thanking him "for inspiring a generation of scientists and explorers." That sold for $3100. Another plaque presented to him by Paramount on the occasion of Star Trek's 25th anniversary in 1991 went for $1500. An original piece of artwork — a caricature of Nimoy tethered to the Enterprise — created by his hometown newspaper, the Boston Globe, to accompany an interview with him in the late '60s went to a lucky bidder for $1700.

Nimoy brought several items signed by both himself and William Shatner, such as books and rare photos. One was a copy of Nimoy's book "I Am Spock," and on the inside cover Shatner inscribed: "I thought he wrote 'I Am Not Spock' — wish he'd make up his mind!" In another, a collection of Nimoy's poetry titled "A Lifetime of Love," Shatner was less glib, writing, "And I've loved him for a lifetime - Wm. Shatner." Those books brought in about $600 each.

Nimoy transports to Ohio arts center (2006)

Leonard Nimoy and his wife beamed up for a visit to the contemporary arts center at Ohio State University, which will receive $40,000 from their charitable foundation.

The gift to the Wexner Center for the Arts is the largest share of the $425,000 being distributed to 21 U.S. art organizations.

The actor, best known for his role as Spock on "Star Trek," is also a movie director and art photographer. The Nimoy Foundation, founded in 2003, has given the Wexner Center $90,000 in grants for artist residencies.

Nimoy, 75, and his wife, Susan Bay-Nimoy, 63, who serves as vice chairwoman of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, toured the center Tuesday. In an interview with The Columbus Dispatch, Nimoy said contemporary art leads to the exploration and expansion of one's mind.

"And to go to that rather than run away from it is where the excitement is - to explore it, ask questions about it, research it, talk to people about it," he said.

Nimoy, who enjoys black- and-white photography, said it allows him to create an object.

"I love the idea that I can get up in the morning with an idea and by the end of the day have something that I can give to you, hang on the wall or give to a gallery," he said.

Kulture Klub Collaborative is an independent nonprofit arts organization that brings together artists and homeless teens at YouthLink/Project OffStreets, a crisis drop-in center- located in downtown Minneapolis. Through workshops, open mics, cultural presentations, and "art views," homeless teens develop their creative expression, receive exposure to artistic excellence, and enter into a group of peers, supportive adults, and diverse social communities.

The 80th birthday of actor, singer, Soviet Jewry champion and Yiddish language true believer Theodore Bikel was marked by more than 1,300 well-wishers with the June 6 concert, "Theo! The First 80 Years," at Brentwood's Wadsworth Theater.

The fluid 90-minute show was directed by Milken Community High School middle school drama director Rachel Leah Cohen, who expertly included collages of Bikel from his 2,000 stage performances as Tevye in "Fiddler on the Roof," plus memorable film roles in, "My Fair Lady," "The African Queen" and his Academy Award-nominated Southern sheriff performance in "The Defiant Ones."

With actors Leonard Nimoy, Larry Miller and Mare Winningham, plus the Stephen S. Wise Temple's elementary school chorus, the $50-$350 tickets filled the Wadsworth seats as "Theo!" raised funds for Jerusalem's Shaare Zedek Medical Center.

"The Nimoys were the honorees at the MOCA's gala opening of a retrospective exhibition of British artist Lucian Freud's work Friday night. According to the Los Angeles Times, the memorable event boasted fan-dancing women in python costumes and an impressive multimedia display. Painter David Hockney, who served as one of Freud's portrait subjects, played host. The Nimoys' arrival was greeted by "a small storm of flashes," according to the Times, as the pair was honored for their commitment to the museum and for contributing $1 million to a new fund for emerging artists."

It took awhile, but William Shatner has finally convinced Leonard Nimoy to get on a horse and join him for his annual Hollywood Charity Horse Show (HCHS), which is convening for the 13th time this month.

The HCHS is being held at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center from April 24-27, with the main attractions taking place Saturday the 26th. The event, like in past years, is a fundraiser for two charities: Ahead With Horses, a therapeutic riding program for severely handicapped children; and LA's BEST, an acclaimed after-school enrichment program in the Los Angeles area.

Nimoy will participate in the 'celebrity team penning' competition, which tests participants' ability to round up cattle or other animals. Teams in the contest will be made up of three riders, one celebrity (besides Nimoy and Shatner, several radio personalities and other actors will take part), one professional rider, and one amateur who gains the privilege with a $500 charitable donation.

The Art of the Palate fundraising dinners will occur all over Los Angeles on Sept. 26 -28 and over five nights in October. This year's dinners will focus will be on architecture.

Among the featured homes: The Bilgers, Joyce and Saul Brandman, Linda and Maynard Brittan with special guest Frank Ghery, The Corwins, The Davidsons, The Beckmens, The Greenbergs, Michael Bay, Annie Kelly and Tim Streetporter with Diane Keaton, The Lainers, Mark Selwyn with special guest Leonard Nimoy and The Simons.

"We have a lot of architectural gems that we're featuring and a lot of wonderful beautiful art collections," Rothenberg said. "What's special about this year it the gathering at people's homes. The kick-off was really fabulous. It's going to be a real intelligent evening." (more)

Proceeds from Art of the Palate, which is mounted every two years, benefits the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). (more)

About Young Advocates

Young Advocates is a young professionals organization focused on developing awareness and interest in the Boys & Girls Clubs serving Wake County.

In 2002, Young Advocates began its mission to bring awareness for the Boys & Girls Clubs through fundraising and social events. Eight years later, YA has become a premier young professionals organization hosting large scale events, corporate socials, and Club-based events to support the mission and vision of the Boys & Girls Clubs. This year, YA has set the bar high with creative, innovative ideas to bring more awareness to the Triangle about the Boys & Girls Clubs and Young Advocates.

About Boys & Girls Clubs

The Boys & Girls Clubs is a place, an actual neighborhood-based building, designed solely for youth development purposes. The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

The Boys & Girls Clubs are open every day after school and on Saturdays; whenever kids have free time and need positive, productive outlets. Research has shown that the most critical time in a child’s life is between 3 and 8 p.m. – this is where the Boys & Girls Clubs fill the void with structured, enriching, and exciting after school programs.

Since 1967, volunteers have made it possible for the Boys & Girls Clubs to serve more than 4,200 youth 6 to 18 years of age in seven Clubs and a Summer Day Camp in Wake County. The Boys & Girls Clubs is a nonprofit privately funded 501(c)3 organization and depends on investments and volunteers to accomplish its mission.

Source (2011): http://app4art.org/about/

A grand time, a grand cause
Social Climes
December 15, 2002|Ann Conway | Times Staff Writer

Out went the family piano and the living room furniture. In came the Steinway concert grand and dozens of velvet-cushioned chairs. And there was even more heavy lifting to do at the Beverly Hills estate of director-producer Irwin Winkler and his wife, Margo, before the couple could welcome American Friends of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra to a benefit gala starring Chinese pianist Lang Lang. The den furniture also had to be whisked away, making room for a dozen tables for the formal post-performance supper. The home's "denuding," as Margo Winkler playfully dubbed it, was unsettling, she said, only minutes before the couple welcomed about 70 guests, including Israel Philharmonic Orchestra music director Zubin Mehta and Nancy Mehta, and philanthropists Eli Broad and Edye Broad. But worth it: "What could be better than having Lang Lang appear in your home?" the Winklers chimed.

Nothing, it seemed. Dedicating his performance to the Mehtas, Lang, 20, thrilled the crowd with powerful renditions of Haydn's Sonata in E, Lecuona's Malaguena and Balakirev's Fantasie Orientale. Guests jumped to their feet to applaud the young artist, who would make his debut at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion the following evening. "He is a meteor, a rocket who has just taken off!" Zubin Mehta exclaimed. After the performance, guests retired to the den-turned-dining-room to feast on roasted chestnut soup, rack of lamb and chocolate truffle cake -- catered by Wolfgang Puck -- at tables topped with antique silver teapots filled with white peonies. The Dec. 4 "Evening of Musical Dreams" raised $300,000 for orchestra operations and education programs.

"I came back yesterday from Israel, after opening the orchestra's season," Mehta told guests, who also included Sidney and Joanna Poitier, Susan and Leonard Nimoy, Maurice and Nathalie Marciano and Peter and Annette O'Malley. "Life is going on, unusually so. Just this past March, when the orchestra was playing with Japanese pianist Mitsuko Uchida, a bomb just 15 blocks away exploded before the performance, and yet the hall was filled. People need this incredible 2 1/2 hours in a concert hall." The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra will return to Los Angeles on Dec. 10 of next year to appear at the new Walt Disney Concert Hall, Mehta said.

Source: Los Angeles Times

January 2, 2003
The Circuit

By Michael Aushenker

With Friends Like These...

The American Friends of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (AFIPO)'s Los Angeles benefit raised $300,000, via a benefit dinner/recital held at the Beverly Hills home of producer Irwin Winkler ("Goodfellas," the "Rocky" series) and his wife, Margo. Pianist Lang Lang, 20, performed the private recital. For an encore, he was joined by his father, Er-hu master Guo-Ren Lang. More than 70 guests caught the exclusive show, including Donna and Lalo Schifrin, Edyeand Eli Broad, Susan Bay and Leonard Nimoy, Joyce Eisenberg and Mel Keefer and Annette and Peter O'Malley.

Source: Jewish Journal

When we gave to the Griffith Observatory, I read a little blurb in the L.A. Times that said the observatory was reaching completion on a $63 million renovation and expansion. They had raised $43 million under our radar screen. After we gave our gift for the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater, their phones rang off the hook with all these "Star Trek" fans. They gave money like mad.

By observing the sky and pondering our place in the universe, people gain a new perspective on their daily lives," said Leonard Nimoy. "Griffith Observatory gives its visitors that opportunity. It is a Los Angeles icon, one which we need to ensure will be here for generations to come."

"Like so many people in this area, we recognize what a powerful resource the Observatory is for the community," added Susan Bay-Nimoy. "When we learned of the plans for renovation and expansion, Leonard and I agreed that we wanted to make a substantial commitment, both personally and financially, to the project. I hope that our participation will encourage others to become involved.

"We were putting our crew together, meanwhile a Chabad house burned down and three men were killed in the fire," Jeff Cutler said. "Rabbi Shlomo Cunin called my husband and asked if we could put something together across the street in a tent. We put together a one-act play, Arthur Hiller directed it, Ed Asner and Leonard Nimoy were in it, and it made a million dollars. We were rehearsing it during the day, and Rabbi Cunin asked us 'Have you ever produced a telethon?' We said 'no,' and he said, 'Well, you're going to!'" In six weeks we put together a four-hour telethon with Jan Murray as the host, and we made another million dollars. It was a very successful, amazing time, and we made it an annual show."

Love. It Comes in All Colors was a National Urban Coalition television commercial and print advertisement from 1970. It was part of a campaign to promote racial harmony. It featured political activists, and celebrities from sports, show business, government, and business.

The old television commercial showed an assembled group singing several repetitions for chorus to "Let The Sun Shine In" from the musical Hair. The refrain speeds up as does the editing, trying to give everyone equal time and ends with applause by everyone. The words "Love. It Comes in All Colors." are then superimposed upon the screen. It was broadcast as a public service announcement during shows such as the March 8, 1970 episode of The Ed Sullivan Show. Source: Wikipedia