Santa Monica’s Upper West hosts LLS watch party.
By Libby Lancaster
Sara Fay knows the value of giving back. Six years ago, Fay started hosting an Oscars Watch party and benefit for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at the Upper West in Santa Monica. Her father was diagnosed with Leukemia in 2011. She turned to the organization, which proved to be a saving grace for her. As an athlete, Fay was drawn to the program Team In Training run by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The nonprofit offers coaching and training for endurance events for the fundraising events….so it’s a win, win for both the volunteers and LLS. Fay explained, “It’s a wonderful program for all ages and all fitness levels.”
Each year Fay has been joined by additional volunteers to present this special fundraising event at the Santa Monica restaurant. Now at this sixth edition, Chrystine Garner is co-chair of the annual benefit. A fellow athlete, Garner is also training for triathlons (like Fay) to raise awareness and funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s important research and patient programs.
LLS is dedicated to funding research, finding cures and ensuring access to treatments for blood cancer patients. Since 1949, LLS has funded advancements in chemotherapies, stem cell transplants, targeted therapies and immunotherapies for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma that are saving thousands of lives today. LLS is currently involved with more than 300 active research projects. The organization provides those diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma and other blood diseases a better quality of life as well as a higher chance or recovery.
“I look forward to this party every year,” exclaimed Fay. “The atmosphere at The Upper West is perfect for watching the awards show with a crowd, and the food and drinks are always amazing. I think from the moment you step off the red carpet into the restaurant, you know it’s going to be a fun night.”
Fay encourages people to come out, dress up for the occasion, snap some photos on the red carpet, and have a good time. There will also be a professional photographer taking photos. The party begins at 4:30 p.m. (at the start of the red carpet event). Attendees can sit back, order drinks, appetizers, or a full dinner and watch the pre-Oscar show. The suggested donation of $20 will go directly to LLS. The Upper West will also donate 25 percent of its sales that day. Chef Nick Shipp will provide exceptional food, as always. The full menu will be available.
Attend an amazing party with a purpose…celebrate Hollywood’s biggest stars while helping an important cause. There will be an Oscar predictions contest, along with an auction.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Oscar Watch benefit takes place on Sunday, February 24th. Look for the red carpet at the entrance of the Upper West (3321 Pico Blvd. in Santa Monica). Call 310.586.1111 for additional information, or to make a reservation. More info can be found on www.theupperwest.com. Find out more about the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or to donate directly to the organization, go to https://www.lls.org/
