35thAnnual Radiant Health Centers Gala Raised $182,000
Gala proceeds go directly to providing specialized, stigma-free medical and social services for the LGBTQ+ community
Community champions and business leaders came together virtually to attend Radiant Health Centers’ 35th annual gala on February 6. Through the event, Radiant Health Centers, which offers free HIV testing, LGBTQ+ specialized medical care and comprehensive social services to Orange County, raised $182,000. Funds will help the organization continue providing critically needed services throughout the pandemic and beyond, including at-home and drive-up HIV testing, expanded telehealth appointments, family planning services, and social services around housing needs, food insecurities and mental health issues, demand for which has increased by 300% over the last three months.
With its Back to the Future theme, Orange County’s most influential advocates and change makers signed on for a fun and engaging digital evening celebrating the past, present and future of Radiant Health Centers. At the center of the gala’s celebration was the presentation of the inaugural Radiant Compassion Award, which honored Jeanne and Gideon Bernstein who launched the #BlazeItForward movement in honor of their son Blaze Bernstein to promote compassion, acceptance and kindness for all.
“We are honored and privileged by the outpouring of support from our incredible donors and sponsors, who are such a vital part of our Radiant Health Centers family,” said Philip Yaeger, Radiant Health Centers’ CEO. “They are an inspiration to all of our staff and clients. The community needs Radiant Health Centers now more than ever and we’re grateful to our donors and sponsors for helping us continue serving as a beacon of hope and compassionate care for those most in need.”
The gala also featured a celebrity guest appearance by Back to the Future franchise star Lea Thompson, a live performance by musical guests Flashback Heart Attack, and enthusiastic auctioning with 100 percent of proceeds going directly to Radiant Health Centers’ services.
The 35th annual Radiant Health Centers gala was generously sponsored by Avita Pharmacy, Union Bank, Gilead, Janssen and Pacific Life.
