LOS ANGELES, Oct. 13, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center (LA BioMed) will be holding its 2011 Gala on Thursday, Oct. 20, at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. "Serving the Underserved" is the theme of this year's Gala, as LA BioMed has been turning innovative science into breakthrough medicine for patients in need for more than half a century.
During the evening, former Congresswoman Jane Harman will be presented with LA BioMed's Spirit of Excellence Award for Community Service. Currently President and CEO of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, Ms. Harman has been an unwavering champion of LA BioMed as well as Harbor-UCLA.
The evening will also recognize Harlyne J. Norris, who will be presented with LA BioMed's Spirit of Excellence Award for Inspirational Leadership. Ms. Norris is a trustee and former chair of The Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation, as well as a longtime supporter of LA BioMed.
"This year's Gala is a night of celebration, as we spotlight new advances now taking shape in our laboratories and clinics that have the potential to benefit millions worldwide," said LA BioMed President and CEO, David I. Meyer, Ph.D. "We are also proud to recognize two women who have been longtime supporters of not only LA BioMed, but also the communities they have served for so many years."
Los Angeles County Supervisors Mark Ridley-Thomas and Don Knabe are scheduled to attend the Gala, along with some of the most prominent names in philanthropy, health care, and the corporate community who also are lending financial support to the cause.
In addition to Supervisors Ridley-Thomas and Knabe, among those lending support to the Gala include businessman and philanthropist Steve Bing, Ambassador and Mrs. Robert Holmes Tuttle, and representatives from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, UCLA Medical Center, USC Medical Center, NBC Universal, Toyota, Mattel, AEG, Wells Fargo, Union Bank, Vons, BNY Mellon, Northrop Grumman, Medtronic, The Capital Group Companies, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, and Mayer Brown.
Proceeds from the event will contribute crucial support to the fight against antibiotic-resistant infectious diseases, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, metastatic melanoma, HIV/AIDS transmission, depression, pulmonary hypertension, and many other life-threatening conditions. The proceeds will also help to support LA BioMed's master plan to create a 10.25-acre research park located within the 72-acre Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Torrance, California.
Tickets are $300 and are available by contacting Eileen Mosler at (310) 222-8284 or emosler@LABioMed.org.
About LA BioMed
Founded in 1952, LA BioMed is one of the country's leading nonprofit independent biomedical research institutes. It has approximately 100 principal researchers conducting studies into improved treatments and cures for cancer, inherited diseases, infectious diseases, illnesses caused by environmental factors and more. It also educates young scientists and provides community services, including prenatal counseling and childhood nutrition programs. LA BioMed is academically affiliated with the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and located on the campus of Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. For more information, please visit www.LABioMed.org