May 13, 2024
L to R: Morleigh Steinberg, Chris Martin, The Edge (Photo Credit: John Salangsang/Shutterstock for Venice Family Clinic); Beck (Photo Credit: Robert Latour/Shutterstock for Venice Family Clinic)
U2’S THE EDGE AND MORLEIGH STEINBERG HONORED AT VENICE FAMILY CLINIC’S INAUGURAL HEART (HEALTH + ART) GALA
Evening Raised $2.7 million and counting to Support the Clinic’s Vital Innovative Health Services
Attendees Included Chris Martin, Anjelica Huston, Elisabeth Shue, Chuck Lorre, Tom Morello, Kate Flannery, Robby Krieger, Antony Starr, Bobby Shriver & more
LOS ANGELES, CA (May 12, 2024) – Last night, artists, philanthropists, and celebrities united for Venice Family Clinic’s Inaugural HEART (Health + Art) Gala at 3Labs in Culver City, CA. Hosted by comedian Matt Friend, the star-studded evening honored longtime Venice Family Clinic supporters Morleigh Steinberg and U2’s The Edge with the first-ever HEART Award. The Gala raised $2.7 million and counting to support the innovative health services and programs that the Clinic provides to more than 45,000 people in need in Los Angeles County, regardless of their income, insurance or immigration status.
Oscar-winning actress Anjelica Huston took the stage to speak about Venice Family Clinic’s Art Walk + Auction. “In 1979… the Clinic couldn’t pay rent and was on the verge of closing. A group of visionary women and members of the Venice arts community came together to keep the Clinic doors open. Remarkable volunteers led by Irma Colen joined with artists like Frank Gehry, Lita Albuquerque, Laddie John Dill, and Larry Bell, and the Venice Art Walk was born,” Huston shared. “My husband, Robert (Graham), and I joined the artists in 1982. I’m proud to see this legacy continue today.” The HEART Gala builds on this tradition, honoring the imaginative individuals who enable the Clinic’s continued vital health care services. The 45th Annual Venice Family Clinic Art Walk + Auction exhibition is free and open to the public now through May 19, 2024 at 910 Abbot Kinney featuring the artworks of close to 200 artists, including this year’s Signature Artist, legendary sculptor Fred Eversley.
Matt Friend hosted the inaugural Gala and kicked off the night with a humorous opening monologue including his famous impressions of former President Donald Trump and Senator Mitch McConnell.
Friend introduced Mitesh Popat, Venice Family Clinic CEO, who welcomed guests to the Gala and thanked them for coming to celebrate “the HEART of LA.” Venice Family Clinic’s newly launched HEART (Health + Art) Initiative represents creativity and compassion coming together to provide access to quality health care for all.
Artist Morleigh Steinberg and U2’s The Edge accepted the HEART (Health + Art) Award, which was presented to them by longtime friend and activist, Bobby Shriver. The HEART award was designed by artist Sachi Moskowitz. During their acceptance speech they expressed how much the honor meant to them and their family. “Morleigh and I are truly humbled and honored to accept the inaugural HEART Award for Venice Family Clinic,” said The Edge. This means so much to us not only as artists but as human beings who believe in the power of community and the importance of access to healthcare for all. Venice Family Clinic holds a special place in our hearts.”
Eight time GRAMMY-Award winning artist Beck fired up the crowd with an electric performance of his hit songs “Loser,” “Devil’s Haircut,” “Mixed Business,” and “Where It’s At.” The Edge and Morleigh’s son, Levi Evans, closed the evening with a live musical performance as a tribute to his parents and was joined onstage by his band NOFUN! for the final song. Both acts brought people to their feet, including notable attendees such as Chris Martin, Kate Flannery, Elisabeth Shue, Chuck Lorre, Tom Morello, Robby Krieger, Antony Starr, Laz Alonso, Jessie T. Usher, Bobby Shriver, Irving Azoff and more.
The evening also featured an art installation by designer and illustrator Joanna Todaro, and an auction of one-of-a-kind items and exclusive experiences including: a private lunch with The Edge and Morleigh in Venice, The Signature Strat Guitar signed by The Edge, vinyls of iconic musical artists such as Aretha Franklin, U2, The Notorious B.I.G. and more, luxurious vacations such as a 7-night stay in Hawaii or 10-night stay in Snowmass, and more. All proceeds from the evening fund Venice Family Clinic’s programs and services, and efforts to pursue solutions to the greatest health challenges facing Los Angeles.
The inaugural Venice Family Clinic HEART (Health + Art) Gala was supported in part by Lead Sponsor, Live Nation and Foundational Sponsors The Chuck Lorre Family Foundation, UCLA Health and the David Geffen School of Medicine.
ABOUT VENICE FAMILY CLINIC
Venice Family Clinic is a nonprofit community health center that is a leader in providing comprehensive, high-quality health care to more than 45,000 people in need annually, regardless of their income, insurance or immigration status. The Clinic serves an area from the Santa Monica Mountains through the South Bay in Los Angeles County. It has a network of clinic locations and Early Head Start centers in Venice, Santa Monica, Mar Vista, Inglewood, Culver City, Redondo Beach, Carson, Gardena and Hawthorne, plus mobile clinics and an expansive street medicine program to reach people experiencing homelessness. The Clinic’s comprehensive care also includes mental health services, dental care, vision services, substance use treatment, prescription medications, domestic violence counseling, HIV services, healthy food distributions, health education, health insurance enrollment, child development services and more. For more information, please visit VeniceFamilyClinic.org and follow on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
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