Saban Community Clinic Raises $2.2M at 50th Anniversary Gala

Saban Community Clinic raised $2.2 million during its 50th anniversary gala on Monday evening at the Beverly Hills Hotel. The funds will support the organization's network of seven clinics across Los Angeles. The nonprofit is also developing a new 12,000-square-foot facility in the Crenshaw corridor to expand access to healthcare for the local population.

The clinic was founded in the late 1960s and has operated continuously since then. It provides medical services to patients regardless of their ability to pay. The organization recently added a new location to its infrastructure, aiming to serve more of the city's uninsured residents who number among the highest concentrations in the United States.

The event honored two industry figures for their long-standing support of the clinic. David Nevins, the former chief content officer of Showtime, received the Lenny Somberg Volunteer Award. Peter Friedlander, who heads Amazon MGM Studios, was also recognized for his contributions. Both men have been involved with the clinic for decades, with Nevins citing a 30-year commitment to the organization.

Richard Weitz, co-chairman of WME and event co-chair, led a spontaneous round of applause for Bela Bajaria during his opening remarks. Bajaria, the former head of content at Netflix, attended the gala alongside Weitz. Weitz described Bajaria as a friend who has changed the face of Netflix and has tirelessly worked for the industry. He noted that the two were honorees together a few years prior, making their joint appearance on the podium fitting.

Bajaria was replaced as Netflix chief content officer by Peter Rice in a recent leadership shakeup. That transition coincided with the streamer laying off approximately 1,000 employees. Weitz stated that Bajaria deserved the recognition from the audience, emphasizing that she had been a dedicated partner to the clinic for years.

Ellen Hoberman, a philanthropist and longtime advocate for the clinic, addressed the audience regarding current healthcare policies. She noted that federal rollbacks to Medicaid and other programs have made it more difficult for vulnerable populations to access care. Hoberman urged the attendees to vote for leaders who prioritize healthcare protection. Her children, Eric and Sarah, joined her on stage for an unscheduled tribute to her four decades of work with the organization.

Sarah Hoberman highlighted the meticulous effort her mother puts into event planning, from hand-delivering invitations to dyeing towels to meet backstage requirements. She described Hoberman as the heartbeat of the organization. Eric Hoberman told the audience that Hoberman’s calls are always for someone in need, such as a child needing dental care or a mother requiring medical attention.

The evening included a performance by Aloe Blacc, who played three songs including a tribute to Bill Withers. Actor Walton Goggins presented the final award to Friedlander. A video tribute featuring Keri Russell, Tom Hanks, and other actors played before Goggins took the stage. The event was hosted by Alex Edelman, who commented on the changing entertainment industry and the political climate affecting healthcare funding.

Attendees at the gala included executives from major studios and networks. Representatives from Skydance TV, NBCUniversal, CBS Entertainment, Sony Pictures Television, and Netflix were present in the Crystal Ballroom. The gathering served as a milestone celebration for the clinic’s half-century of operation in Los Angeles.