2009 Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Gala Sponsored by Lexus Raises Over $2.6 Million

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Justin Timberlake; Sam, Younes and David Nazarian; and Sandy and Larry Post were honored by the Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors at their annual Gala on Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Los Angeles, California. The event, sponsored by Lexus, benefitted the Cedar-Sinai Board of Governors Heart Stem Cell Center and raised over $2.6 Million for the cause.

Justin Timberlake was honored with the Heart of Hollywood Award during the event for his exemplary contributions to the entertainment industry. Sam Nazarian, along with his family members Younes and David Nazarian, were honored with the Humanitarian Award for their numerous contributions to Los Angeles and Israel based communities including numerous charitable organizations. Larry and Sandy Post were honored with the Philanthropic Leadership Award for their heartfelt dedication to their community and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

Guests which included Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Ben Silverman and Andy Garcia arrived for cocktails and a silent auction followed by dinner and the entertainment portion of the evening hosted by Access Hollywood's Billy Bush. Guests were delighted by performances by R&B legend Brian McKnight and rising star, Charice and touched by the speeches of this year's esteemed honorees.

The Gala benefitted the Board of Governors Heart Stem Cell Center at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. The Center focuses on new ways to regenerate the ailing heart using advanced cell-based treatments involving the patient's own adult, non-embryonic stem cells. The Center strives to provide better alternatives to traditional drugs, heart transplantation and implanted devices to help the 1.1 million Americans who suffer heart attacks each year as well as the 550,000 Americans diagnosed with heart failure.

ABOUT CEDARS-SINAI BOARD OF GOVERNORS
The mission of the Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors is to build a diverse community of donors and leaders who are committed to supporting the Medical Center by providing financial resources, educational experiences for its members, and volunteer opportunities. For more information on how to get involved with the Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors, please call (310) 423-7471.

    Contact:       Christina Lee/Ivy Mollenkamp
                   ROGERS & COWAN
                   310-854-8100