HEROESof - Hollywood Chamber of Commerce

Hollywood Chamber of Commerce
Community Foundation
presents
HEROES of HOLLYWOOD
Awards Luncheon
Taglyan Cultural Complex
June 7, 2012
A TRUE HERO OF HOLLYWOOD
June 7, 2012
Dear Guest,
It is a great pleasure to welcome you to the 2012
HEROES of HOLLYWOOD awards luncheon.
We are here today, at the lovely Taglyan Cultural Complex, to honor
true heroes from our community who continue to make a difference
every day.
To our sponsors and guests, a heartfelt thanks for your generous
support. Also, thank you to our dedicated committee members and
to all the board members of the Hollywood Chamber Community
Foundation.
Congratulations to all of our honorees on this special day!
Sincerely,
Sarah MacPherson
Carole Sarian
2012 Heroes of Hollywood
Planning Committee
Event Co-chair
2012 Heroes of Hollywood
Planning Committee
Event Co-chair
Johnny Grant
1923 ~ 2008
Johnny Grant and Hollywood are synonymous. As Tinseltown’s Honorary Mayor,
appointed for life by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, he was one of the
community’s most enthusiastic supporters for more than 50 years.
He served as the Chairman of the Walk of Fame Selection Committee for nearly
28 years and was on hand to induct more than 600 stars. Johnny received his star
on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on his birthday, May 9, 1980, for his contributions
to Television and his involvement and support of the Hollywood community.
When Hollywood Chamber officials invited Johnny to become Chair of the Walk of
Fame. he embraced the chairmanship of with his famous energy and quickly turned
things around. He added the fifth category of “Live Theatre” to the Walk and solved
the problem of running out of space on the Walk by starting a second row of stars.
Over the next three decades, Johnny built the Walk into an iconic worldwide
attraction. While he will always be most closely identified with the Walk of Fame,
it is important to not lose sight of Johnny’s great love for his adopted home of
Hollywood. When almost everyone else had given up hope on Hollywood, Johnny
kept the lights burning. He believed Hollywood could be revitalized and its glamour
could be restored … and he worked to that end. He helped raise the funds to bring
the Community Redevelopment Agency to town, and he used his influence to see
that federal funding for the Hollywood extension to the subway was kept on track.
He lobbied for years to see that local letters could be cancelled with a Hollywood
mark. And he supported numerous Hollywood causes and charities. Johnny was
truly a Hero of Hollywood.
On behalf of the Hollywood Chamber
Community Foundation, we gratefully
acknowledge the following companies
for their sponsorship and thank them
for their continued support.
Presenting Sponsor
Congratulations to
The Heroes of Hollywood Co-chairs
HEROES
of HOLLYWOOD
Sarah MacPherson
and Carole Sarian
for an extraordinary event.
2012 PROGRAM
Thank you for your dedication and commitment
to our Hollywood Community!
Welcome
Remarks
Weand
proudly
salute
Mr. Leron Gubler
Hollywood Chamber of Commerce
President and CEO
HEROES of HOLLYWOOD
Gold Sponsors
Hollywood Museum
Hollywood Wax Museum
Occidental Entertainment Group
Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center
Silver Sponsors
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
Andrews International
Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center
Taglyan Cultural Complex
Hollywood
Chamber
Community
Foundation
Bronze Sponsors
The Aileen Getty Foundation
Author Services
Avison Young
Briggs Law
Capitol Records
IRIS from Cirque du Soleil®
The CrisCom Company
Crown Disposal
Famous Hollywood Dental Care
Genesis Financial
Hollywood Forever, Inc.
Hollywood Hotel - The Hotel of Hollywood
Hollywood Work Source Center
Original Farmers Market
Paramount Contractors & Developers
Sunset Gower and Sunset Bronson Studios
2012 Award Recipients
About the Foundation
KwangShelton
Yul Cha, M.D.
Mr. Marty
Goldman
Hollywood ChamberLaurie
Community
Foundation
Chairman of
the Board
Albert
Sweet
The Sundher Family
Introduction to
Awards
Ceremony
Officer
Mike
Ayala
Ms. Sarah MacPherson
and
Ms.
Carole
Sarian
Officer Michael Coogle
Heroes of Hollywood
Co-chairs
Officer Kevin
Cotter
Officer George Islas
Heroes
Presentation
Detective
Craig Marquez
Mr. Robert
Kovacik
Sgt. Dave McCall
Emcee, Co-anchor, NBC4
Sgt. Solomon Patton
Officer Leonard Sterling
The Distinguished Service Award
in Memory of Johnny Grant:
Ms. Hugh Hefner
The Distinguished Service Award
in Memory
of Johnny Grant
Special
Announcement
Mr. Marty
Shelton
Hugh
Hefner
Closing Remarks
Mr.
Robert Kovacik
Since 1921...
Promoting and enhancing the business, cultural and
civic well-being of the greater Hollywood community.
HOLLYWOOD
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
HEROES of HOLLYWOOD
June 7, 2012
Dear Guest,
Welcome to the 2nd Annual Heroes of Hollywood luncheon, benefitting the
Hollywood Chamber Community Foundation.
Today is a day of celebration! We celebrate the Foundation’s ongoing
commitment to keep Hollywood’s nonprofit community strong and vibrant. And,
we celebrate the accomplishments of outstanding leaders, whose dedication to
Hollywood has made it the best place to live work and play! The Heroes of
Hollywood luncheon is a salute to those who transform our community for the
better. We are proud to honor the “Heroes of Hollywood”:
History
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.
Laurie L. Goldman
Dr. Kwang Yul Cha
Ofcr. Michael Ayala, Ofcr. Michael Coogle, Ofcr. Kevin Cotter, Ofcr. George Islas,
Detective Craig Marquez, Sgt. Dave McCall, Sgt. Solomon Patton, Ofcr. Leonard Sterling
The Sundher Family
Albert Sweet
and
Hugh Hefner
Hollywood Distinguished Service Award
in memory of Johnny Grant
We thank you for your dedication and commitment to the Hollywood Chamber
Community Foundation.
Bon Appetite!
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.
Sincerely,
Phil Aarons ~ Mario Palumbo
Michael Gargano ~ John Luciano
“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, please visit:
http://www.hollywoodchamber.net/heroes.
Hollywood
Chamber
Community
Foundation
Past Women of Distinction Honorees
1993
Ovsanna Abrahamian
Susan Allen
Phyllis Caskey
Chris Essel
Beverly Garland
Gwynn Gustafson
Adele Klate
Ann Martin
Christy McAvoy
Mary Rainwater
Patricia Robertson
Marsha Toy
Serena Kay Williams
1994
Herimone K. Brown, Esq.
Mary-Ellis Bunim
Jean M. Cottingham
Elizabeth Gomez
Deborah Harter
Ann Martin
Sandra Bauer Moss
Sharyn Romano
Phyllis Solomon
Tammy Lee Tatreau
Pat Tobin
1995
Nyla Arslanian
Rae Ann Del Pozzo
Joanne Hale
Laurel Harvey
Aulana Peters
Patricia Ruiz
Nadia Sutton
Debbie Useldinger
Bertha Washington
Bonnie Werchan
1996
Martha Diaz Aszkenazy
Pat Crowe
Amelia Haygood
Dr. Jeanne E. Hon
Gabriella Karsch
Rodri J. Rodriguez
Christine Splichal
Chip Selby
Barbara Zicka-Smith
1997
Virginia Charon
Cpt. Constance M. Dial
Lorri L. Jean
Julie Kleinick
Corine Lorain
Karen Randall
1998
Madeleine Arnold
Abbe Land
Faustina Nevarez
Judith Savage
Merle M. Singer
Pompea Smith
1999
Nancy J. Brown
Sonia Lloveras-Verdier
Susan Mandel, MD
Kate Neill
Debra Pease Wehbe
BJ Peterson
2000
Kinder Hunt
Kerry Morrison
Lorraine Ross
Jackie Ruiz
Keitha Scott, M.D.
Dr. Virginia Uribe
2001
Loreen Arbus
Pamela Dean
Mary Lou Dudas
Phyllis Magee
Floria Trimble, Ed.D.
Roxana Tynan
2003
Donelle Dadigan
Srgnt Beatrice Girmala
Helmi Hisserich
Carol Massie
Dr. Mary Spangler
Dr. Suzanne Wenzlaff
2004
Wendy Bernat
Hollace Davids
Marianne Kaneko
Linda LoRe
Judith Nelson
Lynne Segall
Dr. Maureen Spell
2005
Tracey Angeles
Susan Fuentes
Billie Greer
Analia Sarno Riggle
Sharon Stricker
2006
Mary Ann Barnes
Diana Derycz-Kessler
Marian Gibbons
Anastasia Mann
Kim Sudhalter
Baydsar Thomasian
Dorothy Thompson
2007
Gay Blackstone
Gail Koretz
Christi Van Cleve
Renee Weitzer
2008
Laura Dodson
Carolyn Dye
Hilary Royce
Amy Elaine Wakeland
2009
Judy Kloner
Leslie Lambert
Sarah MacPherson
Chanell O’Farrill
2010
Norma Foster
Aileen Getty
Wendy Greuel
Brigid LaBonge
Margaret Martin
Cynthia Ruiz
2 0 1 1 HEROES of HOLLYWOOD
Folb Family Trust
Homer Alba
Kaneisha Northern
Mitch O’Farrell
Maureen Schultz
Thaddeus Hunter Smith
Hollywood
Chamber
Community
Foundation
HEROES of HOLLYWOOD
2012 PROGRAM
Welcome and Remarks
Leron Gubler
Hollywood Chamber of Commerce
President and CEO
About the Foundation
Marty Shelton
Hollywood Chamber Community Foundation
Chairman of the Board
Introduction to Awards Ceremony
Sarah MacPherson and Carole Sarian
Heroes of Hollywood Co-chairs
Heroes Presentation
Robert Kovacik
Emcee, Co-anchor, NBC4
Hollywood
Chamber
Community
Foundation
The Distinguished Service Award
in Memory of Johnny Grant
Hugh Hefner
Special Announcement
Marty Shelton
Closing Remarks
Robert Kovacik
Robert Kovacik is co-anchor of NBC4’s weekend newscasts at
6PM and 11PM. He also serves as a general assignment
reporter. Kovacik joined the station in July, 2004.
Robert Kovacik
Kovacik is an award-winning journalist, known for in-depth and
comprehensive reporting. For six years he was the lead morning
reporter on “Today in LA.” Some of his more notable live shots
included a heated exchange between the Los Angeles Chief of Police
and a local Councilman regarding paparazzi following celebrities.
The confrontation between the two led to headlines worldwide.
Also, while explaining to viewers about an extensive manhunt to find an
alleged murderer, the suspect suddenly appeared and surrendered to
Kovacik while live on the air. His coverage of the event was recognized
in 2007 with a regional Edward R. Murrow Award, a Golden Mike and
a Los Angeles Press Club Award for breaking and spot news reporting.
Before joining NBC4, Robert was the West Coast correspondent and
a fill-in anchor for “National Geographic Today,” that aired on the
National Geographic Channel.
Prior to that, Kovacik was a weekend anchor and general assignment
reporter for KCOP-TV in Los Angeles for six years. Recognized for his
versatility, he received a local area Emmy Award for hosting an
entertainment special and was nominated for serious news reporting and
live sports coverage all in a single year. His investigative reporting
surrounding President Clinton’s impeachment earned Kovacik a place in
the Kenneth Starr Report, and his groundbreaking investigation into the
overcrowded Los Angeles animal shelters forced the city to change its laws.
Born and raised in the suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio, Kovacik is an
honors graduate of Brown University. After receiving a prestigious
fellowship with the International Radio and Television Society, he
attended Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism,
where he also graduated with honors
After graduating from Columbia, Kovacik became the youngest anchor
Hollywood
in the nation’s largest television market, New York City, when he was
Chamber
named anchor of KCET’s overnight venture, “Nightworld.” At the PBS
Community
flagship, he anchored hourly news updates and hosted the network’s
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first-ever live coverage of Manhattan’s famous Halloween Parade.
Kovacik has been the recipient of numerous honors, including Edward
R. Murrow, Golden Mike, Emmy, Associated Press, Los Angeles Press
Club, Best of the West and International Genesis Awards.
He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Los Angeles
Press Club.
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 in 1982 graduating summa cum laude. Dr. Cha
began his research in Gynecology and Obstetrics at
Severance Hospital of the Yonsei University College of Dr. Kwang Yul Cha
Medicine in 1983.
After over two years of extensive researching in Gynecology and
Obstetrics, Dr. Cha decided to perform his postdoctoral fellowship in
endocrinology and infertility at the University of Southern California.
He began his career as the Vice Director at CHA Gangnam Medical
Center where he simultaneously taught as a professor in the
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics.
In 1992, he became the Director of Fertility at CHA Gangnam Medical
Center. CHA Bundang Medical Center was established by Dr. Cha in
1995 and two years later he became the first president of CHA
University.
In 1998, he became the Exchange Professor at the Department of
Gynecology and Obstetrics at Columbia University College of
Medicine. CHA Gumi Medical Center was established in 1999, which
was the third medical facility he opened. He then became the first
Director of the C.C. Fertility Center in New York City and three years
later he established LA Fertility Center. He then brought his expertise
to Hollywood acquiring Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center in
2004, making it the first Korean-owned general hospital in the United
States.
Some of his most recent remarkable achievements include creating
CHA Stem Cell institute and Chaum Life Center, which is the world’s
first anti-aging life center.
He was the first in the world to discover genes responsible for habitual
miscarriage and developing Slush-Nitrogen Oocyte Cryopreservation
technology. Dr. Cha pioneered the world’s first successful pregnancy
and birth through In Vitro Maturation.
Hollywood
His contributions to the medical field have been immense and lifeChamber
changing to so many people around the world.
Community
He has published 225 medical journals and has been invited to speak
Foundation
at prestigious international conferences over 67 times.
Dr. Cha is an internationally renowned medical expert and one of the
most recognized authorities on reproductive endocrinology and
infertility. 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.
A native Angelino, Laurie Goldman’s Hollywood journey began
at age 6 months when her parents first took her to Musso and
Frank’s Grill.
Many family milestones and special occasions were celebrated Laurie Goldman
at Musso’s or the Brown Derby. Movies continue to be an
obsession in the Goldman family. Laurie eagerly awaited the family
outings to see a movie at Grauman’s Chinese or the Egyptian Theatre.
In those days, Hollywood Boulevard had more than 9 theatres from
which to choose.
As a child growing up on Orange Grove Avenue, Laurie and her
friends spent their Saturdays taking the 84 bus up to the Boulevard.
There was so much to do and to see -- the Boulevard provided an
unparalleled adventure. A day in Hollywood ended with an ice cream
sundae at CC Brown’s.
She remembers eagerly awaiting Easter vacation when Laurie and
her friends could attend the “Teen Age Fair” held at the Palladium
where she first heard Sonny and Cher.
Ask Laurie about her favorite Hollywood memory and immediately
she will respond with, 1964 – Hollywood Bowl – The Beatles! Laurie’s
heart and soul is inextricably linked with Hollywood.
For more than 35 years Laurie, has worked tirelessly as a volunteer
in Hollywood, to effect positive change.
From her community advocacy to her charitable nonprofit work to
her current passion to build the Hollywood Central Park, Laurie is a
life force, epitomizing community spirit through her selfless
contributions to the community.
Throughout Hollywood there are organizations and community
development projects that have been touched by her tireless
enthusiasm and dogged determination.
Laurie expresses her devotion to community by serving on the Board
of Directors of many Hollywood organizations including, Central
Hollywood Neighborhood Council, Friends of the Hollywood Central
Hollywood
Park, Hollywood Arts Council, Hollywood Chamber of Commerce,
Chamber
Hollywood Heritage and Hollywood Chamber Community
Community
Foundation to name a few.
Foundation
When the community is in need, she is the first to volunteer, offering
her immeasurable fundraising skills and organizational talents to
support the cause.
Laurie achieves all this while maintaining a small business as a
community relations consultant in Hollywood -- just one more aspect
of her dedication to civic engagement and philanthropy.
Albert Sweet
Albert Sweet is a prominent executive, entrepreneur, and commercial
real estate developer who has been investing in Hollywood
neighborhoods for the past four decades. His formula is simple -acquire classic older buildings and restore them with high quality
creative improvements.
Following his days building a national food service and heating & air
conditioning company, which was later acquired by Hyatt
Corporation, Mr. Sweet had a different kind of vision of “glitz and
glamour” in Hollywood. At a time when others were thinking about
“Showbiz,” he was thinking about the revitalization of classic buildings
which have since become home to countless studios, networks, and
production companies doing business in the entertainment industry.
Under what has now become Occidental Entertainment Group
Holdings, Inc., Mr. Sweet has acquired more than four dozen
commercial properties in and around the Hollywood area, which are
comprised of five operating divisions, a dozen sound stages, and
nearly a million square feet of creative, production, and postproduction facilities.
In June of last year, Mr. Sweet and his business partner, Craig Darian,
unveiled Hollywood’s newest sound stage and production center – a
four-story, 20,000 sq.ft. addition to Occidental’s historic main studio
lot. This multi-million dollar investment came at a time when other
studio owners and production companies were running to other
states, and it was heralded by the California Film Commission,
FilmL.A., the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, and many others as
a great showing of faith in Hollywood and the need to keep
production in the Entertainment Capital of the world.
As a philanthropist, Mr. Sweet is active in numerous civic, political,
and charitable endeavors such as Technion – Israel Institute of
Technology, KCET, Hebrew University, Planned Parenthood, Hadassah
Medical Center, Junior Blind of America, Birthright Israel, St. Anne’s
Home for Unwed Mothers, Venice Family Clinic, Southern Poverty Law
Center, and many more. Mr. Sweet’s dedication has always been to
humanitarian causes that affect people of all backgrounds and faiths.
More information on Albert Sweet and Occidental Entertainment
Group holdings can be found at www.OccidentalEntertainment.com
Hollywood
Chamber
Community
Foundation
The Sundher Family
From left: Jay, Kabir, Tej, sitting Raubi.
The Sundher Family has been driven by hard work, creativity, integrity,
community stewardship and building relationships since patriarch
Spoony Singh opened the Hollywood Wax Museum at 6767 Hollywood
Boulevard on February 26, 1965. Due to his vision and efforts, it has
become the longest-running wax museum in the United States and a
Hollywood tribute that has remained current with the times.
Spoony possessed a rare combination of operations and marketing
savvy that made the attraction world-famous and made him a
popular presence at the Magic Castle, Foreign Press Association,
Hollywood Christmas Parade, and countless Hollywood events. All
the while, he and his wife, Chancil, passed on the qualities of
successful entrepreneurship, always with great stories and words of
wisdom that his children and grandchildren still quote today.
When Spoony retired in 1987, his son, Raubi Sundher, took the helm, joined
by his brothers, Kabir Sundher and Jay Sundher. In addition to being an
active member and serving on the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce
board, Raubi co-founded the Hollywood Business Improvement District
(BID) and saved the historic Hollywood Theater building by creating the
Hollywood Guinness World Records Museum in 1991.
Spoony’s grandson, Tej, came into the family business in 1999 and has
overseen numerous and continuing renovations at the Museum. He
has also provided leadership, funding and ongoing revenue
opportunities to the Chamber and BID. Over the last eight years, Tej
has served on the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Foundation
Board, Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee,
Hollywood Entertainment District (HED) Board, HED Nominating
Committee, and Road Closure Committee. He has also been Chair
of the Tourism Committee and the HED Marketing Committee.
As a family, and as a company, The Sundhers have been committed to
Hollywood as a landmark and a community for 48 years. Their
persistence and support through Hollywood’s rough times helped create
the thriving international tourist destination we all share today. Spoony’s
legacy is not only a successful Wax Museum where visitors enjoy “getting
close to their favorite stars” on Hollywood Boulevard. He created a
history and a future for Hollywood that his family proudly continues.
Hollywood
Chamber
Community
Foundation
Michael Ayala fulfilled a term in the Air Force as a Combat /
Surgical Medic and then enlisted into the Air National Guard
as a Flight Medic.
He first became involved in law enforcement as a Medical
Technical Assistant/Peace Officer at the California Medical
Facility (State Prison) in Vacaville California. In 1987 he
lateralled over to a Correctional Officer at the same facility.
While working the position of Correctional Officer, he also
worked at the California Rehabilitation Center in Norco and
opened the Maximum Security facility California State Prison
– Los Angeles County in Lancaster California in 1993. While
Michael Ayala employed at CSP-LAC he held several positions to include
Armory Officer, Rangemaster, Chemical Agents Instructor,
Institutional Evidence Officer, Detective in Investigations and
Institutional Gang Investigator.
In 1998 he was promoted to the rank of Correctional Sergeant and
worked several positions throughout the Institution. In 2002 he was
assigned his own Enhanced Out Patient (E.O.P.) Unit to supervise. He
was involved in a major riot in August of 2002 and because of the
severity of his injuries was forced to medically retire in 2005. He then
began working for the BID as a ‘green shirt’ and then for Andrews
International in January 2007.
Michael Coogle began his law enforcement career as a Police
Officer with the Los Angeles Police Department in June of 1996.
He was an active officer for approximately nine years and
continues to volunteer at LAPD sponsored events and functions.
During that time, he worked a variety of specialized
assignments. He worked CRASH (Community Resources
Against Street Hoodlums), SPU (Special Problems Unit), PED
Michael Coogle (Prostitution Enforcement Detail) and a number of narcotic
related details throughout the City.
After he left the LAPD, he was employed with FOX / NEWS CORP.
He was the company’s Associate Director of Threat Assessment. He
would represent the corporation in situations and cases involving
Hollywood
talent and employees dealing with threatening circumstances
Chamber
directed at the individual. His most common concerns involved
Community
stalkers, domestic violence and Executive Protection.
Foundation
In April of 2008 he began working for Andrews International and
currently a BID Officer. During that time he found an interest in
outreach and working with the homeless.
Not only it is self rewarding, but he believes it makes a difference in
the community.
Motor Officer Kevin Cotter has been a Los Angeles Police
officer for nearly 17 years.
He came to the department as a second career. Officer Cotter
spent three years active duty in the U.S. Army and 20 years in
high rise steel frame commercial construction in Los Angeles.
Kevin Cotter
Officer Cotter is presently assigned to the West Traffic Division
as a motor officer. He has also worked as a motor officer in south
bureau and as a patrolman.
He is presently on the LAPD motorcycle drill team and the Municipal
Motorcycle Officers of California Motor Honor guard. He does
parade and other functions statewide.
Officer Cotter rides a 1942 Harley Davidson Flathead Police
motorcycle that he restored and owns.
He has been married 35 years and has grown children, one
grandchild, and one on the way.
George Islas was born and raised in Los Angeles and attended
the USC, where he majored in Business Entrepreneurship. During
his senior year, George was hired by the USC Department of
Public Safety as a uniformed officer. This initial exposure to law
enforcement prompted George to seek employment with the Los
Angeles Police Department in 1983, where he worked as a Police
Officer for several years before a personal family hardship
caused him to relocate to the Inland Empire.
George continued a career in law enforcement with the
Banning Police Department as a tactical element member of
the Tri- City SWAT Team. Unfortunately, George was injured
George Islas
during a high risk search warrant, contributing to his decision
to leave law enforcement to pursue a successful career in business
as a Mortgage Banker for 15 years. Although, George excelled in the
financial industry, he never lost his desire to serve the public or his
Hollywood
passion for the law enforcement profession.
Chamber
It was this desire that lead to George’s acceptance of a limited tour
Community
assignment as a contractor with the US Marshals Fugitive
Foundation
Enforcement and Apprehension Team. He eventually joined the
Hollywood Business Improvement District. As an Officer, George has
become a productive member of the BID, credited with numerous
arrests including the arrest of an escapee known as the “Tourist
Bandit” who was wanted by the FBI for serial bank robbery. George
is proud of his accomplishments and his service to the community.
Craig Marquez was born in Maui, Hawaii. At the age of 17, he
reported to Marine Boot Camp at the Marine Corps Recruit
Depot in San Diego. After graduating the School of Infantry in
Camp Pendleton, Craig left for his first duty station at Marine
Barracks Panama Canal, Republic of Panama. Craig returned
to the States and joined the most decorated unit in the US
Marine Corps in 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, as a
Rifleman. His service in this storied unit included deployments
to Japan and Guam.
In September of 1995, Craig started his career with the Los
Angeles Police Department and was assigned to the
Department’s Pacific Division in the Venice Beach area in the
Special Problems Unit until he completed his probationary period.
Craig Marquez In the following years, Craig would work in various assignments
at Southeast, Rampart, Central Traffic and Northeast Divisions. After
getting promoted to Detective, he would transfer to the Abused Child
Unit in LAPD’s Juvenile Division. There he would investigate sexual
and physical assaults on children by their legal guardians and
homicides of children under the age of 11 years.
Craig transferred to Hollywood Division in 2011, where he is currently
assigned to the Burglary section. He is a father of two, including a son
with Autism. He is a past President of the PTA at his daughter’s school
and has served on various committees. In his free time Craig plays
softball and runs. He has recently completed his fifth full marathon.
David McCall first became involved in law enforcement as a
Military Police Officer at Fort Ord, in California and West
Germany.
He did a short stint as a D. O. J. Special Agent for Immigration,
before becoming a Vernon Police Officer and later transferring
David McCall to the Whittier Police Department.
While a police officer in Whittier, he received Meritorious and
Commendation Citations for participation in active shootings in the
1990’s.
Hollywood
David retired as a Whittier Police Officer for injuries sustained on
Chamber
duty and began his second career in security in the late 1990’s.
Community
He began working the Business Improvement District as a ‘Green
Foundation
Shirt’ in 2004 and came to work for Andrews International in
February of 2007.
David did a two year stint as a Director for A.I. in San Pedro, before
returning to the Hollywood BID in February of 2011 where he
continues to serve.
Officer Solomon Patton is no stranger to law enforcement. His
career with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s department started at
the Men’s County Jail. After completing custody assignment, he
transferred to the Carson Sheriff’s Station. He worked as a Patrol
Deputy, Traffic Deputy, Training Officer, Community Relation Officer
and was promoted to a Street Gang Investigator assigned to
Operation Safe Streets for twelve years. Patton was certified as an
expert in Black Street Gang culture by Los Angeles and Orange
County Municipal and Superior courts and testified in numerous
gang cases. August 1996, Patton was transferred to Los Angeles
County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau regarding twelve unsolved armed
car murders. This investigation resulted in the arrest and prosecution
of four street gang members from the Black Street Gang known as
East Coast 190 Crips. In 1997, Patton was promoted to Sergeant Solomon Patton
and assigned to the South Facility, then transferred to the Inmate
Reception Center as a Training Sergeant. He later transferred to the Men’s
Center Jail where he worked as a Line Sergeant and weekend Watch
Commander. In August 2003, Patton retired from the Sheriff’s department
with 29 years, and 6 months of service.
In January 2006, Patton worked for Andrews International and was
promoted to Sergeant. In 2011, Patton and George Islas captured Rex
Lutton known as “The Tourist Bank Bandit” who robbed two Bank of
America branches and attempted to rob a merchant inside the Bank
of America at Sunset and Vine.
Officer Leonard Roy Sterling was employed by Los Angeles
Police Department in 1973 as a Patrol Officer assigned to 77th
street Division.
He later transferred to the Newton Division for three years and
two years at University Division where he was assigned to
Traffic Division.
In 2011, Sterling responded to a traffic accident. While
Leonard Roy
traveling south on Vine Street approaching Sunset Boulevard,
Sterling
he noticed two suspects standing on the sidewalk holding hand
guns. The suspects fired five rounds striking the vehicle and him.
Sterling exited his vehicle and returned fire hitting one of the
suspects. Sterling’s partner also returned fire, fatally wounding the
Hollywood
other suspect. As a result of the shooting, he sustained a gun-shot
Chamber
injury. The injury ended his career with the LAPD and Sterling was
Community
medically retired.
Foundation
Sterling worked for numerous security companies. In 1997 he was
interviewed by Burke Security as a patrol officer assigned to the
Hollywood BID.
In 2007, Andrews International assumed control of the Hollywood
BID where, he is currently employed as the Senior Lead Officer.
Hollywood Distinguished
Service Award in Memory of
Johnny Grant
Since the passing of Hollywood’s beloved Honorary Mayor Johnny
Grant in January of 2008, the Foundation has waited patiently for
just the right opportunity and individual to receive The Hollywood
Distinguished Service Award in Memory of Johnny Grant.
The award was conceived as a tribute to Johnny Grant, who
epitomized a lifetime of service to Hollywood. The award is not
intended to be given annually, but rather it 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.
Hugh Hefner
Hugh Hefner, founder, editor-in-chief and chief creative officer of
Playboy, championed the reconstruction of the Hollywood Sign in the
1970s when it was in serious disrepair.
In saving the Sign, Hefner referred to it as “Hollywood’s Eiffel Tower.”
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce later honored him with its first
Annual Hollywood Hall of Fame Award as Outstanding Citizen of the
Year. He was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for
his work as a television producer in 1980.
In 2010, Hefner again stepped up to rescue the Hollywood Sign by
donating $1 million for the purchase of 138-acres adjacent to the
Hollywood Sign which was needed for the Trust for Public Land to
purchase the property and preserve the land behind the iconic Sign.
Congratulations to Hugh Hefner on being the first recipient of this
award for distinguished service to Hollywood!
Hollywood
Chamber
Community
Foundation
About the Hollywood Chamber
Community Foundation
The goal of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Community
Foundation is to improve the quality of life in the community of
Hollywood. We support and advance the educational, cultural
and economic interests of the community by:
n Raising funds by staging events such as the “All Hallow’s Eve”
and the “Heroes of Hollywood” Awards.
n The board researches and reviews grant applications, and
one board member visits each organization to ensure the
applications meet the Foundation’s requirements and the
allocated funds are used accordingly.
n Selected organizations are presented with a check at one
of the Hollywood Chamber regularly scheduled events.
We encourage applications from organizations that:
n will use funds for specific purposes and tangible property
rather than administrative services
n are well-managed and use their resources effectively
n collaborate with rather than compete with organizations
n address the root causes of problems, rather than symptoms
n make a significant contribution to the vitality of Hollywood
n are 501(c)3 charitable organizations located in Hollywood
n deliver services directly to those who need them
Exclusions: Individuals, private foundations, “flow through” organizations, veterans groups
and labor organizations (when serving only their membership), religious organizations,
capital projects and campaigns, endowments, general operating expenses, loans or loan
guarantees, special occasion goodwill advertising, political or lobbying activities and
organizations that discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry,
age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disabilities.
Board Members
Marty Shelton
Hollywood
Chamber
Community
Foundation
Foundation Chair
NAI Capital Commercial Real Estate
Christopher Barton Sunset Gower Studios
Kathleen Cook
Hilton Garden Inn Los Angeles / Hollywood
Leron Gubler
Hollywood Chamber of Commerce
Ira Handelman
Handelman Consulting, Inc.
Sarah MacPherson Hollywood Property Owners Alliance
Scott Moe
SDM Advisory Group
Carole Sarian
The CrisCom Company
Kristi Schaffter
Hard Rock Cafe Hollywood
Tej Sundher
Hollywood Wax Museum
Hollywood Chamber of Commerce
Community Foundation
Grant Recipients
2011-2012 Fiscal Year
One of the unique features of the Hollywood Chamber is its efforts
to support local community non- profit organizations. As a 501c3
non-profit association, contributions to the Chamber Foundation
are tax deductible. The Foundation holds two fundraising events
annually-the Heroes of Hollywood Luncheon (formerly called the
Women of Distinction Luncheon) and the All Hallows Eve Party at
Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Since its inception in 1996, the
Foundation has given out $643,150 in grants, and this past year,
awarded $43,150. In our most current fiscal year, the Chamber
Community Foundation assisted the following local organizations.
Hollywood
Chamber
Community
Foundation
Assistance League
Aviva Family & Children Services
Blessed Sacrament Church Social Services
Boys & Girls Club of Hollywood
Fairfax High School
Harmony Project
Hemophilia Foundation of So. Cal
Hollywood Arts Council
Hollywood Beautification Team
Hollywood Police Activities League
Hollywood Police Support Association
LA Youth Network
LA Zoo Association
LAPD National Night Out
Musicians Foundation
Oasis
Saban Free Clinic
Stella Adler Academy of Acting & Theatre
Streetlights
Travelers Aid Society of Los Angeles
We Can Pediatric Brain Tumor Network
Silvers Investment Company
and
Don and Gary Silvers
Wish to congratulate
The Sundher Family
on receiving this prestigious award from the
Hollywood Chamber Community Foundation.
Spoony would be proud!
Congratulations
to all the Heroes
and Hugh Hefner!
The Aileen Getty Foundation
Congratulates all of the Honorees!
PROUDLY CONGRATULATES
THE 2012
HEROES OF HOLLYWOOD HONOREES
Hooray for the Heroes!
And job well done
to “Our Hero”,
Carole Sarian!
DO WELL—BUT DO GOOD
Congratulations to all the Honorees
For Walking the Talk
Jeff Briggs
BRIGGS LAW
www.jbriggslaw.com
“In Hollywood, For Hollywood”
HU
U
Hollywood Forever Cemetery
salutes
Hugh Hefner
and the 2012 Heroes of Hollywood.
www.hollywoodforever.com | 323-469-1181
The Hollywood Chamber Community Foundation
would like to acknowledge
Sam Smith and Bill Farrar
for years of service and dedication
to the Chamber Community Foundation.
A Special Thank You to
Carlos Polio
Carmine Goglia, Gift of Fame Enterprises
Michael Falcon and the Suits
O.N.E. Coconut Water
Tequila Loca
Robert Freeman
Tiffany & Co
Taglyan Cultural Complex
Status Vodka
Wright Color Graphics
Centerpiece floral arrangements created by Carlos Polio
will be donated to
Virgil Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center
on behalf of Norma Foster, our dear friend and
past “Women of Distinction” honoree.
Congratulations and Thank You
to the extraordinary people of the
HEROES of HOLLYWOOD
Event Committee!
With Appreciation and Gratitude
to the Hollywood Chamber Staff
HOLLYWOOD
Since 1921...
Promoting and
enhancing
the business,
cultural and
civic well-being
of the greater
Hollywood
community.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Leron Gubler
President & CEO
Your dedication, time and effort
has produced a quality event
and exceeded all expectations.
Ana Martinez
VP of Media Relations/Producer, Walk of Fame
Kaylee Kiecker
VP of Marketing & Business Development
Nicole Shahenian
VP of Public Policy
Sarah MacPherson Event Co-chair
Hollywood Property Owners Alliance
Carole Sarian
Event Co-chair
The CrisCom Company
Hollywood
Chamber
Community
Foundation
Homer Alba
Cindy Braun
Carlee Carpio
Kathleen Cook
Donelle Dadigan
Bill Farrar
Chelsea Miller
Sam Smith
Forever Hollywood, Inc
Paley Center For Media
The Avenue
Hilton Garden Inn Los Angeles/Hollywood
Hollywood Museum
Andrews International
Sweet E's Bake Shop
Genesis Financial
Leron Gubler
Hollywood Chamber of Commerce
Kaylee Kiecker
Hollywood Chamber of Commerce
Marcella Gutierrez Hollywood Chamber of Commerce
Marlene Panoyan
Director of Communications
Steven Shawver
Director of Information Technology
J.J. Connaughton
Membership Sales Manager
John Mejia
Membership Sales Manager
Vivian Kish
Executive Assistant
Marcella Gutierrez
Marketing Coordinator
Hollywood
Chamber
Community
Foundation
HEROES of HOLLYWOOD
Awards Luncheon
is a program of the
Hollywood Chamber of Commerce
Community Foundation
7018 Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood, CA 90028
(323) 469-8311
www.hollywoodchamber.net