Even as an entertainment journalist, with many of my evenings spent covering glitzy red carpets packed with movie stars and celebrities, what truly inspires me are the red carpets that honor unsung heroes—activists, volunteers, and champions of change.
Having worked for Ruban Rouge (Red Ribbon), a charity for AIDS awareness in Morocco, for years, I’ve witnessed the transformative power of community-driven efforts. That same spirit of generosity and determination was on full display at the Imagine the Cure Gala 2024 in Los Angeles.
On November 16, 2024, the Greater Los Angeles/Orange County Chapter of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation hosted its annual gala at the elegant Fairmont Century Plaza. The event was more than a fundraiser—it was a celebration of resilience, community, and a shared commitment to finding cures for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Thanks to the incredible support of donors, the gala raised over half a million dollars, with contributions still coming in. Every dollar strengthens the Foundation’s ability to fund critical research, provide essential resources, and offer hope to patients and families living with these challenging diseases.
The event, hosted by Kate Flannery, the beloved actress and comedian best known for her role as Meredith Palmer on the hit TV series The Office, was filled with her signature humor and charm.
Her presence set an uplifting tone, infusing the evening with laughter and positivity. The gala featured a premier cocktail reception, live entertainment, a heartfelt dinner program, and an exclusive auction, all while honoring the extraordinary contributions of this year’s honorees:
Barbara Herman – A lifelong philanthropist and advocate, Barbara’s dedication to the Foundation grew even stronger after her son Bradley’s battle with ulcerative colitis. Recipient of the Patron of the Year Award, she has championed programs like Camp Oasis, Patient Education Conferences, and Take Steps Walks.
Robert Barrett, Ph.D. – A pioneering researcher at Cedars-Sinai, Dr. Barrett develops cutting-edge tools to study Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, focusing on complications like intestinal fibrosis. As the Catalyst for Mission Advancement Award recipient, his work continues to shape the future of IBD research.
Devon Strauss – A passionate advocate and patient, Devon’s leadership and fundraising efforts have raised over $125,000. Honored with the Volunteer Impact Award, he inspires others to join the fight for cures.
Lexie Brown – Professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Sparks, Lexie shared her story of resilience as the gala’s Mission Speaker. A dedicated advocate, she uses her platform to uplift communities and inspire change.
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis affect 1 in 100 people and often lead to debilitating symptoms. Since its inception in 2008, the Imagine the Cure Gala has raised over $6 million, supporting the Foundation’s investment of…