Guest Information

Please take a moment to review all of the important guest information below to ensure the best experience possible with us on Saturday, October 19, 2024.  

Program

6:00 p.m.: Check in, reception, tasting stations and silent auction 

7:30 p.m.: Three-course culinary experience by Executive Chef Eric Branger, program and live auction

Dress code: Black tie

Black-tie or formal evening /cocktail attire

Venue: JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE - Diamond Ballroom

Address
900 W. Olympic Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90015

Parking & Valet

Dedicated event valet parking is available at a rate of $23 per vehicle at the main hotel entrance located 900 W. Olympic Boulevard. 

If you have any questions, please contact Angelo Kairuz at 213.742.5747 or email angelo.kairuz@commonspirit.org.

Meet the our emcee: Vera Jimenez

Vera was first introduced to service and philanthropy through a childhood experience with the Elks Lodge of Garden Grove, when she was treated to their Christmas Celebration. At the time, she didn’t understand the lasting impression the day had, but it has shaped and influenced much of the work she does now. Her hope is that the work she does will help spread the love and joy she felt so many years ago. Vera’s a Redondo Beach Rotarian because she loves the consistent and tireless work Rotary International does locally and round the world. She’s traveled with RI to Mexico and Colombia to get a hands-on experience and to witness the work. She also supports literacy programs in Guatemala.

Locally her focus is on aligning with organizations that work at a grass roots level like Mama Hill's Help in Compton, Richstone Family Center in Hawthorne, the Womens’ Club of Hermosa Beach, and Cancer Support Group in Redondo Beach. She also supports and learns from larger organizations like the YMCA, where she helps with their annual Capital Campaign. Vera learned her favorite motto while volunteering for Special Olympics. Eunice Kennedy Shriver opened the first International Games with this quote, “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave at the attempt.”

Vera was born in Mexico, is the last of six children, and was raised in Garden Grove. She and her husband, Brian Herlihy live in Redondo Beach. She is also an award-winning meteorologist at KTLA 5 News. You can catch her on the news Monday through Friday at 6, 10 and 11 p.m. Among several awards and recognitions, she is also the recipient of three Emmys and four Golden Mics, and was recently inducted into the Santa Ana Community College Hall of Fame.