LA hospital gala raises $7 million

Children's Hospital in Los Angeles said its star-studded gala raised $7 million. The guest list Saturday night was headed by big-money philanthropists and sprinkled with Hollywood names like Melanie Griffith, Garcelle Beauvais and Jamie Lee Curtis. Billy Crystal and Mary Hart were honored with awards for their efforts on behalf of the hospital foundation. The occasion at LA Live marked the completion of a new $636 million hospital building that opens July 10. "These funds are critical not only to the new hospital, but will support our ongoing ability to deliver advanced pediatric care and cutting-edge research that brings the latest treatments from the lab to the bedside," said hospital Senior Vice President Claudia Looney in a written statement. The theme of the gala was the dreams of children with entertainment provided by students at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy and other arts organizations.