Events Archive

The Talk’s Julie Chen Honored
at 2011 Annual Luncheon

The Women’s Guild annual luncheon, chaired by Executive Vice President Wendy Goldberg and Past President Judy Briskin, took place at The Beverly Hills Hotel on May 13, 2011. Julie Chen, co-host of the popular CBS daytime talk show The Talk, was honored as the Women’s Guild 2011 “Woman of the 21st Century.” Chen also hosts Big Brother, a summer reality series, and from 2002 to 2010 was anchor of CBS’s The Early Show, where she still works as a contributor. Earlier she was anchor of the CBS Morning News.

Remarked Wendy Goldberg in her introduction of Chen, “As someone who has combined an amazing career with a wonderful marriage and now her most important role, mother, Julie is an inspiration to women everywhere, and she is one of the most compassionate, caring, and generous women I know.”

At the luncheon, Women’s Guild members and their guests got an insider’s view of The Talk, which explores contem­porary events and issues through the lens of five female hosts who are all mothers. Chen was interviewed first by her colleague, The Talk co-host Sharon Osbourne, and then by Women’s Guild board member Morgan Fairchild. Osbourne was the Women’s Guild “Woman of the 21st Century” honoree in 2003 for her work in raising colon cancer awareness and supporting colon cancer screening at Cedars-Sinai.

Also honored at the luncheon was First Executive Vice President Brenda Fritz. Women’s Guild President Lorette Gross presented her with the Evelyn Clayburgh “Evie” Award, in recognition of her deep and longstanding commitment to Women’s Guild. Among Brenda’s numerous undertakings were coor­dinating the Women’s Guild 50th Anniversary Gala and co-chairing the recent “A Touch of Country” event.

The philanthropic commitment of the entire Women’s Guild to Cedars-Sinai was once again demonstrated by the presentation of a $1 million check to support the work of the Women’s Guild Lung Institute to Art Ochoa, Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer, Community Relations and Development.

Kiehl’s, Gelson’s, Neiman Marcus, and Melissa’s generously contributed gifts for the luncheon attendees. Melissa’s also furnished the table centerpieces — gift box towers containing a delectable assortment of dried fruits and nuts.

Noted Lorette Gross, “Our annual luncheon gives us a great opportunity to recognize the achievements of outstanding women who inspire others, both current Women’s Guild members and women from outside our circle of dynamic philanthropists.”