Raising nearly $575,000, the Greater Los Angeles Chapter of The ALS Association hosted “A Time to Care” at the Playboy Mansion to celebrate individuals who have contributed to the fight against ALS.  The May 13 gala honored the efforts of many longtime supporters including patients and their families, the corporate sector and the entertainment and sports industries.  

The sold-out benefit event featured tours of the Mansion, silent and live auctions and a set of music from jazz legend Chuck Mangione and his band.

“This was a spectacular way for the L.A. Chapter and the ALS community to recognize the full spectrum of efforts and commitments individuals have made in the fight against Lou Gehrig’s disease,” said Fred Fisher, executive director of the Greater Los Angeles Chapter.

The special night included a tribute to Asa Baber, a Playboy magazine writer who raised greater awareness of ALS through his stories chronicling his diagnosis and living with the disease.  After Baber lost his battle with ALS in June 2003, the event was formalized.  The tribute featured a photomontage including a voiceover of his final article describing his life and experiences with ALS.

Tim Noonan, CEO of Lockton Insurance Brokers, was given the Philanthropist of the Year Award for his ongoing commitment to creating and building a Center of Excellence—a vision for bettering chapter-patient services.

Actor Alan Rosenberg, from the CBS Television show “The Guardian,” received the Spotlight for Increasing Awareness Award for the show’s portrayal of a character living with ALS.  Rosenberg portrayed Alvin Masterson, a lead character who received the ALS diagnosis in the 2004 season.

Carol Levey accepted the Outstanding Corporate Philanthropy Award on behalf of Maurice Lacroix Swiss Watches.  The award honors the company’s ongoing support for ALSA, including national sponsorship for the Walk to D’Feet ALS®.

Dr. Neil Brourman with his mother Phyllis were honored with the Commitment to a Cure Award for their family’s ALS Research Fund that has raised more than $1 million.  Dr. Brourman was also honored for pioneering polygraph communication technology that enables him to communicate with others despite having ALS.

Other celebrities in attendance included Joe Mantegna from “The Godfather III” and “Joan of Arcadia,” Larry King from “Larry King Live,” Greg Cipes from “Deadwood,” David Raibon from “The Shield” and “The Guardian,” Willie Gault from the Oakland Raiders and “S.W.A.T.,” and basketball coach Ken Carter who has an upcoming movie about his life played by Samuel L. Jackson.

Attendees enjoyed a cocktail reception, silent auction, and tours of the Mansion.  After dinner, Fisher and Kathleen Rasmussen, vice president of the chapter’s Board of Trustees, made introductions and master of ceremonies Michael Chiklis—from “The Shield,” a show about an inner-city Los Angeles police precinct—awarded the honorees.

Trumpeter Mangione took the stage after the award ceremonies for an hour-long set of music.

This was the first time the Greater Los Angeles Chapter had hosted an event of such magnitude.  The exclusive gala sold out all 500 of seats, with tickets costing $600 per person.  Sponsorship opportunities ranged from $2,500 to $25,000.

To view pictures from the event, click here.