LARRY’S LARGESS
He’s not only quickly transforming Malibu, but billionaire businessman Larry Ellison also fancies himself a “Rebel With a Cause.”
Larry recently announced a whopping $200 million gift to establish the Lawrence J. Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine at the University of Southern California.
Festivities took place at the Rebel Gala honoring neighbors and civic leaders, Dr. Cheryl Saban and Haim Saban. It was designed to benefit the USC Center For Applied Molecular Medicine’s life-saving cancer research.
The third annual Rebels gala also celebrated the groundbreaking research led by Dr. David B. Agus, MD, Director of the USC Norris Westside Cancer Center and the Center of Applied Molecular Medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of USC.
USC President C.L. Max Nikias welcomed more than 500 glitzy guests. He also introduced Larry Ellison’s son, David Ellison, CEO and founder of Skydance Media, who co-chaired the event with his wife, singer Sandy. David Ellison thanked everyone for supporting the largest Rebels event to date, and introduced the first entertainer of the evening, Leona Lewis, who performed her hit single, “Fire Under My Feet.”
Entertainment continued with funnyman James Corden. The “The Late Late Show” host performed an original song and a parody, “My Breakup With Cancer.”
The highlight of the evening was the introduction of Larry Ellison, Oracle executive chairman and chief technology officer, by Dr. David Agus.
“It is an honor and a privilege to team up with Larry Ellison in the fight against cancer,” said Agus. “Larry understands the need for transformation in cancer care. His gift will enable us to change our very approach to cancer research, treatment and prevention.”
The evening continued with a stirring rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Emmy- and Tony-winning actress and singer Kristen Chenoweth, who dedicated the song to Lorna Luft, daughter of Judy Garland, who was in the audience and is a cancer survivor.
The program portion of the evening ended on a high note with Grammy Award-winning singer Christina Aguilera performing her hits, “Beautiful” and “Fighter” to a standing ovation.
The event continued with The Next Gen Rebels After-Party featuring today’s best music played by Jason Bentley, host of KCRW’s Morning Becomes Eclectic and Metropolis. It was a perfect excuse to celebrate and dance the night away.