Kathy Ireland to Receive Woman of Achievement Award by Friends of Sheba Medical Center

Honorary Chair of the Luncheon is Dame Elizabeth Taylor

• Press Release
• Source: Friends of Sheba Medical Center
• On 2:43 pm EDT, Tuesday September 29, 2009

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Supermodel turned fashion CEO, wife, mother, and philanthropist, Kathy Ireland, will be awarded with a Woman of Achievement Award by Friends of Sheba Medical Center, at their annual luncheon at The Beverly Hills Hotel, October 15, 2009.

"There are few people who exemplify the virtues of a Woman of Achievement more than Kathy Ireland," said Jack Saltzberg, Executive Director of Friends of Sheba Medical Center. "As a businesswoman, Kathy has been hugely successful, but more importantly, she has transformed her successes into helping children, her community, Israel, and the world."

"The extraordinary work of Sheba Medical Center is critical to Israel and all Nations. It is essential that Jews and Christians come together to support the wonderful hope and inspiration that is accomplished at Sheba everyday. The doors of Sheba are open to all people. . .race, gender, religion do not matter to the wonderful people who devote their lives to helping others heal. My prayer is to be able to contribute in some small way to the magnificent work of all those who support Sheba Medical Center," shared Kathy Ireland.

Dame Elizabeth Taylor, Honorary Chair, expressed, "Congratulations to Kathy Ireland whose humanitarian heart is large and her focus true: Her unwavering commitment to justice extends around the globe, and I honor her efforts and stand in solidarity with her courageous and much-needed work."

Also receiving a Woman of Achievement Award is Dr. Lidia Gabis, an internationally recognized leader in the area of autism and developmental disabilities at Sheba Medical Center, the largest in Israel.

The Mistress of Ceremonies is Rhea Kohan, whose family is no stranger to entertainment: her husband is Emmy-winning writer and composer Buz Kohan, her son David, is the Emmy-winning creator of Will & Grace and their daughter Jenji is also an Emmy-winner, created, writes, and produces the television show Weeds.

Israel Consul General for the Southwestern United States, Jacob Dayan, will also address the audience and stress the significance of the Israel Christian friendship. As such, Consul General Dayan stated, "Kathy Ireland serves as a manifestation of the deep bond between the United States and Israel."

Proceeds will benefit The Sigi & Marilyn Ziering National Center for Newborn Screening at Sheba Medical Center. Sheba Medical Center is the largest and most comprehensive medical center in Israel and the entire Middle East. This "House of Humanitarian Endeavors," as Eleanor Roosevelt called Sheba, was the vision of David Ben-Gurion, who dreamed of an Israel in which the finest medical care would be available to all.

Buzz up!