Fred Hayman Week in Beverly Hills

Fred Hayman Feted

The city of Beverly Hills pulled out all the stops recently with a lavish black-tie affair to honor philanthropist, retail legend and Rodeo Drive Committee founder Fred Hayman. City Council members announced the renaming of the street — between his famed Giorgio Boutique and the Grill on the Alley Fred Hayman Way — and plans are under way to transform the area into a picturesque walkway.

Hayman also received a proclamation naming May 28 through June 3 “Fred Hayman Week in Beverly Hills.” Letters of recognition were read from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sen. Dianne Feinstein and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa paying tribute to Hayman’s more than 50 years of generosity and service to Beverly Hills and Los Angeles. Placido Domingo led guests in singing “Happy Birthday” to Hayman, whose birthday was May 29. Peninsula Beverly Hills managing director Ali Kasikci, former Beverly Hills Mayor Vicki Reynolds Pepper and Katy Sweet co-chaired the evening.

Merv Griffin told about his long friendship with Fred and sang a touching rendition of “Isn’t it Romantic.” Following a rousing musical tribute by the Los Angeles Gospel Choir, under the direction of Eddie Kendricks, Reynolds Pepper presented Hayman with a Robert Graham sculpture titled, “Angel in Flight.”

Award-winning composer Hal David wrote and sang a song for the occasion. Hayman’s sons Robert and Charles, now living in Israel, spoke eloquently on behalf of the family, which included Hayman’s wife of 11 years, Betty and daughter, Nicole.

Fashions Fund Cardiac Care

As always, it was a great afternoon when the United Hostesses’ Charities (UHC) held its 65th annual luncheon and fashion show May 16 at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Following the lunch was a fashion show featuring the elegant designs of David Hayes.

Rosslyn Block and Nola Grudin were elated to receive UHC’s Didi Award for exemplary service, presented to only 12s UHC members in 65 years. Event chairs Lynn Klinenberg Linkin and co-chair Jacqueline Berz and Lenore Sussman planned the successful event with UHC’s inimitable President Marilyn Gilfenbain.

UHC presented checks to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center toward its $1.5 million pledge to endow UHC’s Cardiac/Stroke Emergency Care in the emergency department.

The funding also supports the research of Dr. Prediman K. Shah, director of the division of cardiology. The group also supports United Hostesses Counseling Center at Didi Hirsch Community Mental Health Center.

Technion’s Research

American Technion Society hosted Dr. Marcelle Machluf May 16 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles. Machluf, a senior lecturer on the Technion faculty of food engineering and biotechnology, presented her latest research about drug delivery systems and tissue engineering to the more than 130 guests. The evening also included the graduation of 17 ambassadors of the American Technion Society’s leadership program. Members develop their unique interests in Israel and learn about Technion’s achievements and its impact on the world.

Nazarian Receives Honor

Younes Nazarian, Los Angeles philanthropist, industrialist, businessman and leader of the Iranian American Jewish community, was honored when the University of Haifa conferred the degree of doctor of philosophy (honoris causa) upon him.

The presentation was made June 5 at the opening ceremony of the 35th meeting of the Board of Governors of the University of Haifa. President of the university Aaron Ben-Ze’ev and rector of the university Yossi Ben-Artzi presented the degree.

Nazarian, well-known for his support of education, cultural institutions, libraries and social welfare in the United States and Israel, was honored for his philanthropic activities and support of the Israel Defense Forces, the State of Israel and the University of Haifa.