By Sophia Lowe
Photo Credit: Presley Ann, Getty Images

The Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children (LuskinOIC) celebrated a spectacular night at the annual Stand for Kids Gala on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at SoFi Stadium. The event marked a historic moment with the announcement of a $50 million estate gift by Meyer and Renee Luskin. Hosted by two-time Emmy winner Mario Lopez, the gala honored the Los Angeles Chargers and Students Run LA while featuring a performance by the World Classic Rockers and a special appearance by legendary ring announcer Michael Buffer.

The gala supported LuskinOIC's mission to advance health equity for every child in Los Angeles and beyond, ensuring no child is turned away for lack of insurance. Nearly 1,000 guests, including 100 volunteers, enjoyed an evening of excitement and goodwill on the 50-yard line of SoFi Stadium, transformed into a night of family fun and philanthropy.

The evening began in the ultra-exclusive SoFi Social Club, where guests such as Chris and Anel Lopez Gorham, AnnaLynne McCord and Danny Cipriani, J. August Richards and Joshua Gbor, Miss India Pooja Batra, and Mario Lopez walked the red carpet alongside LuskinOIC donors, community partners, and patient ambassadors. DJ Asha kept the crowd energized until the Parade of Champions, led by LuskinOIC Ambassadors Ezra Frech, a 2024 Paralympian, and Aria Easter, an archery champion, who lit Olympic torches to open the ceremony.

Dignitaries including Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove and Councilmember Curren D. Price Jr. highlighted LuskinOIC’s exceptional work over its 113-year history. Mario Lopez praised LuskinOIC as the largest pediatric orthopaedic program in LA County, emphasizing its commitment to caring for underserved children, with 85% underinsured and 75% children of color.

Football legend and CBS sportscaster Jim Hill accepted the Community Inspiration Award on behalf of the Los Angeles Chargers, presented by UCLA Health President Johnese Spisso and Dr. Nick Bernthal, chair of the UCLA Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. Gabriela Arvizu, President of Students Run LA, accepted the Power of Partnership Award on behalf of the youth empowerment organization.

The evening's highlight was the announcement of a $50 million estate gift from long-time benefactors Meyer and Renee Luskin. LuskinOIC Vice President Michael Sullivan and Michael Buffer made the announcement, which was met with thunderous applause and a cascade of yellow and blue streamers. Meyer Luskin expressed gratitude for the support and the institution's mission, while Michael Sullivan noted the significance of the donation, ensuring long-term sustainability for LuskinOIC.

LuskinOIC President and CEO Dr. Anthony Scaduto expressed appreciation for the event's theme, “Sports Medicine: Heal Champions, Fuel Athletes,” which raised funds to help children and honored the champions of the LuskinOIC community, including donors, partners, patients, and staff. He acknowledged the generous sponsors who made the event possible.

The unforgettable evening concluded with a one-hour concert by the World Classic Rockers, featuring former members of Journey, Santana, Steppenwolf, and Lynyrd Skynyrd, performing rock classics such as “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Black Magic Woman,” and “Oye Como Va.”

Historic $50 Million Gift Announced at LuskinOIC's Stand for Kids Gala at SoFi Stadium

The Next Era of The Wallis

Château La Coste Unveils NOOH: A New Era in Non-Alcoholic Wine