Celebrating Excellence at the Women’s Guild Cedars-Sinai Spring Luncheon

By Sophia Lowe

Luncheon and Advisory Chairs with Honorees: Barbara Herman, Lorette Gross, Penny Goldwater, Linda Lippman, Gretchen Pace, Wendy Godberg, Diane Lane, Lynne Brookman, Atoosa Nehorai | Photos by Alex Berliner

The Women’s Guild Cedars-Sinai Spring Luncheon, held at the opulent Beverly Wilshire Hotel, was an afternoon to remember, filled with heartfelt honors, fashion, and philanthropy. The event shined a spotlight on two remarkable women: Diane Lane, the celebrated actress known for her Academy Award, Emmy, Golden Globe, and SAG Award nominations, received the Woman of the 21st Century Award. Meanwhile, Gretchen Pace of Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills was recognized with the Humanitarian Award for her tireless philanthropic efforts.

Hosted by the engaging Amanda Luttrell Garrigus, a well-known television host and journalist, the luncheon was a blend of glamour and generosity. The centerpiece of the event was a stunning fashion show presented by Neiman Marcus, showcasing 40 captivating looks from the Fall/Winter Akris collection, leaving the audience in awe.

The luncheon wasn't just about honoring influential women and displaying high fashion. It served a noble purpose, benefiting the Women’s Guild Neurology Project and the Women’s Guild Distinguished Chair in Pediatrics. This initiative supports critical research and healthcare advancements at Cedars-Sinai, ensuring that the institution remains at the forefront of medical innovation.

Gretchen Pace & Diane Lane Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills Humanitarian Award | Photo by Alex Berliner

The event's organization success was due to the dedication of the Women’s Guild members. The gala was chaired by Penny Goldwater, Linda Lippman, and Atoosa Nehorai, with Wendy Goldberg, Lorette Gross, and Barbara Herman serving as advisory chairs. Honorary luncheon chairs included Cathy Louchheim and Daniele Worth Ochoa, while Tracy Oswald Berger, Jodi Galen, and Barbara Marcus oversaw the opportunity chairs. Under the leadership of Lynne Brookman, the Women’s Guild President, the luncheon was meticulously planned and executed.

Among the distinguished guests were Jaclyn Smith, Cookie Johnson, Mckenna Grace of "The Handmaid's Tale," E! News’ Keltie Knight, and Elyse Walker, the 2019 Women’s Guild Women of Achievement luncheon honoree. Sharona R. Nazarian, PsyD, Vice Mayor of Beverly Hills, also graced the event with her presence. Attendees enjoyed a gourmet lunch, a silent auction featuring luxury handbags by Elyse Walker, and the much-anticipated annual raffle. The raffle boasted an array of fine jewelry by XIV Karats, skincare products from Augustinus Bader, and exclusive destination packages, among other coveted items.

Mckenna Grace

The Women’s Guild has been a pillar of support for Cedars-Sinai for over 65 years, raising more than $70 million to fund critical healthcare projects. Their contributions have led to the establishment of the Women’s Guild Distinguished Chair in Pediatrics, the Women’s Guild Neurology Project, and numerous other vital initiatives. This year’s luncheon continued this legacy of giving, ensuring that Cedars-Sinai can pursue groundbreaking research and provide world-class care.

The Women’s Guild luncheon chairs Cathy Louchheim and Daniele Worth Ochoa, alongside opportunity chairs Tracy Oswald Berger, Jodi Galen, and Barbara Marcus, all played pivotal roles in making the event a resounding success. Lynne Brookman, as the Women’s Guild President, offered a warm welcome to all attendees, underscoring the community's commitment to Cedars-Sinai's mission.

Guests included notable figures such as Jaclyn Smith, Cookie Johnson, Mckenna Grace from "The Handmaid's Tale," E! News’ Keltie Knight, and Elyse Walker, the 2019 Women’s Guild Women of Achievement honoree. Sharona R. Nazarian, PsyD, Vice Mayor of Beverly Hills, also graced the event, adding a touch of civic pride to the gathering.

Attendees were treated to a delectable lunch, followed by a silent auction that featured luxury handbags curated by Elyse Walker. The Women’s Guild's famed annual raffle added to the excitement, offering exquisite jewelry from XIV Karats, skincare products from Augustinus Bader, and exclusive destination packages among other coveted items.

The Women’s Guild has been a cornerstone of support for Cedars-Sinai for over 65 years, contributing more than $70 million to various projects that enhance patient care through cutting-edge research and innovation. Their current endeavors include the Women’s Guild Distinguished Chair in Pediatrics, led by Dr. Shervin Rabizadeh, and the Women’s Guild Neurology Project, under the guidance of Dr. Nancy L. Sicotte. Past initiatives have been equally impactful, supporting the Women’s Guild Chair in Gastroenterology, the Women’s Guild Simulation Center for Advanced Clinical Skills, and the Women’s Guild Lung Institute, among others.

The Spring Luncheon was a celebration of both fashion and philanthropy, bringing together a community dedicated to advancing healthcare. As the models walked the runway in their Akris ensembles, the audience was reminded of the profound impact their contributions make. The event was not just about recognizing individual achievements but also about collective efforts to support Cedars-Sinai’s life-saving work.