Gay Heritage Month – Thalians Presidents Club – Yad Vashem Salute to Hollywood

The Hollywood Museum celebrated “Gay Heritage Month” by partnership with LA City Council member, Mitch O’Farrell by presenting an engaging exhibition – their 3rd Annual Reel to Real, Portrayals and Perceptions of Gays in Hollywood. This exhibit features costumes, props and photos that tell the story of the influence that LGBT characters, storylines & industry professionals have in Hollywood. We were pleased to attend the opening night reception, featuring Tony winner/TV icon, Julie Newmar, known best as Catwoman in the Batman series. The still sexy siren remarked: “I was told that most of you in this room have dressed up as me!  All I can say is that you have good taste, and I am honored to be here to support the community.”

Jeffrey Katzenberg presented award to Lynne Segall & Janice Min (Photo Credit: Kyle Espeleta)

Jeffrey Katzenberg presented award to Lynne Segall & Janice Min (Photo Credit: Kyle Espeleta)

Some of the VIP’s in attendance included, comedian Judy Tenuta, Lee Purcell, Erin Murphy (Bewitch), Soap Star, Kate Linder & actor Dorell Anthony of Pride.  Honored were the late Screen Icon, Doris Roberts (Everyone Loves Raymond) and PR pro, Dale Olson, who represented everyone from Academy Award winning performers, & U.S. Presidents.

Tony Goldwyn presented Award to Meyer Gottlieb & Leonard Wilf (Photo Credit: Kyle Espeleta)

Tony Goldwyn presented Award to Meyer Gottlieb & Leonard Wilf (Photo Credit: Kyle Espeleta)

The exhibit at the Museum runs till Sept. 4th, and tickets range from $5 -$15.00. For further info, checkout the Hollywood Museum website.

Casino Magnate, Sheldon & Dr. Miriam Adelson at Yad Vashem Fundraiser (Photo Credit: Kyle Espeleta)

Casino Magnate, Sheldon & Dr. Miriam Adelson at Yad Vashem Fundraiser (Photo Credit: Kyle Espeleta)

Spent a delightful afternoon at the California Yacht Club with The Thalians Presidents Club, founded by Dr. Irwin Lehrhoff .  Adorable Stephanie Hibler , event Chairperson, produced the “Anchors Away” soirée  to raise funds for Operation Mend at UCLA.  Dr. Thomas Strouse, Medical Director, Resnick Neuropsychiatric hospital, spoke on behalf of this organization which supports Mental Health Programs for disabled war veterans.

Consul General of Israel in L.A. David Siegel, Edward James Olmos, Holocaust survivor Max Stodel & emcee, Mike Burstyn (Photo Credit: Kyle Espeleta)

Consul General of Israel in L.A. David Siegel, Edward James Olmos, Holocaust survivor Max Stodel & emcee, Mike Burstyn (Photo Credit: Kyle Espeleta)

In addition to a fab Sunday Brunch, we were entertained by Gary S. Greene and his “Big Band of Barristers;” and seen dancing the day away were actress Ruta Lee, Bob & Kira Lorsch, Dr. Bruce M. Hensel & TV Reporter, George Pennacchio.

City Council Member, Mitch O'Farrell, Julie Newmar & Donelle Dadigan, Founder & President, Hollywood Museum (Photo Credit: Bill Dow)

City Council Member, Mitch O’Farrell, Julie Newmar & Donelle Dadigan, Founder & President, Hollywood Museum (Photo Credit: Bill Dow)

And last, but not least, pleased to announce that over $600,000 was raised at the American Society for Yad Vashem and the Jewish Life Foundation at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.  These organizations are dedicated to the Holocaust Martyrs and Heroes, and fund Jewish themed cultural and educational programs on Jewish Life TV.

Actress Ruta Lee, Dr. Bruce Hensel, Stephanie J. Hibler (Event Chairman) Thalians Presidents Club Event (Photo Credit: Maxine Picard)

Actress Ruta Lee, Dr. Bruce Hensel, Stephanie J. Hibler (Event Chairman) Thalians Presidents Club Event (Photo Credit: Maxine Picard)

Hollywood producers Meyer Gottlieb and Branko Lustig received the Legacy Award; and the Hollywood Reporter received the Vanguard Award for their excellent coverage of The Last Survivors. Did you know that the Holocaust ended 70 yrs ago, and that only 11 people who lived through it, remain from the world of entertainment?  These include Roman Polanski & Dr. Ruth Westheimer.  What a privilege to see them all honored at this heart-warming event.

Dr. Irwin Lehrhoff, Founder, Thalians Presidents Club (Photo Credit: Maxine Picard)

Dr. Irwin Lehrhoff, Founder, Thalians Presidents Club (Photo Credit: Maxine Picard)


As a television personality, guest speaker, newspaper reporter and columnist and one of the social arbiters of Los Angeles, Marci Weiner has touched every aspect of entertainment journalism. She has appeared as guest reporter on TV shows including Joan Rivers shows, Eye on LA, and the USA Network. In addition, she has hosted her own segments on Soap Talk, Hollywood Style and Hotline after Dark. You may contact Marci for info and invitations at [email protected]

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