Wild Times at Music Center Opera

Los Angeles Music Center Opera’s gala benefit on the set of “Where the Wild Things Are” on June 8 netted more than $100,000. On stage at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, John Denver, Rodney Gilfry, Jodi Benson and “Wild Things” cast members entertained the black-tie guests. Joan Hotchkis and Carol Henry co-chaired.

* Foundation for International Ice Skating Advancement’s fourth annual “Star Spangled Ice” show and gala dinner were held June 30 at Lake Arrowhead with performances by Olympic winners and other international skating stars. The foundation will use net proceeds of $50,000 to train young skaters for Olympic and other competitions.

* The Foundation on Employment & Disability received a $26,483 grant March 10 from the Dole Foundation to help college students with disabilities obtain and be successful at summer and part-time student employment.

* The Marianne Frostig Center of Educational Therapy in Pasadena, Disney Studios, Vons Companies, Carrows Restaurants and Pocino Foods sponsored “A Day at Disney” July 8. More than 1,100 guests enjoyed the re-release of “Jungle Book” along with meeting Disney characters, fun, food and games at Disney Studios. The event raised $41,000 for the center’s scholarship program. Judith Carter and Andra Simmons chaired the event.

* American Cancer Society’s California Spirit VI hosted by Wolfgang Puck July 15 at the Robert Taylor Estate, was attended by almost 600 guests and featured gourmet foods prepared by Southland restaurants, as well as a silent auction and entertainment. The gala netted more than $120,000 to be used for cancer research, preventive education and service to cancer patients and their families. Sherry Lansing was host committee chair and Beverly Petal was event chair.

* Los Angeles Men’s ORT held its fourth annual “Evening Under the Stars” July 3 at the Hollywood Bowl. Net proceeds of $48,000 will be used primarily for resettlement of Russian immigrants in the United States and Russia. The balance will be used for scholarship aid. Stanley Black is president of ORT. Andrew E. Stevens was event chairman.

* Hispanic Easter Seal Telethon, a first, raised $90,350 enabling Easter Seal Society of Los Angeles and Orange Counties to expand and improve programs for Latinos. The “Espectacular” was hosted by Martin Cuburu of “Adivinelo con Senas,” a national game show, and talk show host Maria Laria. Other co-hosts were Brandon Scott and Laura Fabian.

Foundation for the Junior Blind received computers, letter-quality printers and additional hardware and software to be used for evaluation, training and job development skills from Epson America.

* California Handicapped Skiers on July 11 received a $93,600 grant from the Amateur Athletic Foundation of Los Angeles.