CII’s 4th Annual Cape & Gown Gala Raises More Than $765K for Children & Families in Los Angeles
On Saturday, October 23rd, Children’s Institute held it’s 4th Annual Cape & Gown Gala where supporters are invited to join us in celebrating super heroes making a difference in the lives of children and families.
This event is the single largest fundraising opportunity for non-grant or government contracted services for CII families. Donations from this event help to fund initiatives that support connecting and strengthening our two-generation services, from high-quality early learning programs to counseling to workforce development.
Thanks to our supporters, we raised $765,000! It’s not just a number; it’s hope for 30,000 children and families across our city.
This year’s gala, we hosted guests both virtually and in-person, outside under the beautiful, historic fig tree at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows in Santa Monica.
We honored two truly heroic women: Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett for her role in developing the COVID-19 vaccine (making our in-person event possible!) and Suzanne Rheinstein for her lifetime dedication to advocating for children in her community.
Dr. Kizzmekia S. Corbett
Dr. Corbett served as a research fellow at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Vaccine Research Center and team lead for coronavirus research, where she and her team rapidly deployed a COVID-19 vaccine in collaboration with Moderna.
Suzanne Rheinstein
From opening the door to opera for high schoolers to ensuring students have unparalleled access to education centered in social justice, transformative conversations on race, sexual identity, equity and inclusion, Suzanne is deeply committed to creating opportunities and belonging for young people.
Emceed by Emmy Award-winning TV host, actress, author and comedienne, Loni Love, the evening featured inspiring stories from CII staff, community members and supporters.
We finished off the evening with a brilliant performance from the LA Opera’s Young Artist Program, Nicholas Roehler and Anthony Ciaramitaro.
With the shared goal of creating a more just and equitable Los Angeles, we are thrilled to have raised direct support for programs that create community resilience, thriving families, and healthy children.
On behalf of Children’s Institute, thank you to everyone who sponsored, supported and participated in the event.