The museum welcomed cultural and civic leaders, artists, collectors, patrons of the arts and entertainment world notables to the 17th annual Gala in the Garden.
The annual Gala in the Garden supports the Hammer Museum at UCLA’s internationally acclaimed exhibitions and public programs, which are free to the public.
Among the highlights are a $50 million gift from Mattel, Inc. to the children’s hospital — the largest corporate gift in UCLA history — and the most gifts ever from young alumni.
The UCLA Health program provides surgical and medical treatment, and psychological health support for post-9/11-era service members, veterans and their families.
The donation resulted from a fundraising effort launched by Dr. Howard Park, a graduate of the school’s postgraduate training program and a part-time faculty member.
The money raised from the event, which also celebrated artist Laurie Anderson and filmmaker Todd Haynes, supports the museum’s free exhibitions and public programs.
This year’s total came from a record-high 61,740 donors, who showed their support for undergraduate scholarships, endowed professorships and graduate student fellowships.
The total donation includes an already received gift of $1 million and a $14 million in matching funds to support operations and grow the museum’s endowment.
In its first-ever crowdfunding campaign, the UCLA Alumni Association’s push to raise $250,000 for student scholarships and support through UCLA Spark ended up surpassing that goal by generating 839 gifts totaling $447,800.
This year’s gala raised a record $1.75 million for UCLA’s environmental research, education and community projects and recognized Ted Sarandos, Wendy and Eric Schmidt, and Jeff Skoll.