$50 million gift to Orthopaedic Institute for Children from Meyer and Renee Luskin

The Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children in Los Angeles has announced a $50 million gift from Meyer and Renee Luskin.

The gift, one of the largest in the institute’s history, was announced during the institute’s Stand for Kids Gala, which raises funds and other support to advance health equity for children in Los Angeles and beyond.

“Renee and I wish to thank all of you for your kind and loving support and for this great endeavor and wonderful institution,” Meyer Luskin said. The Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children (LuskinOIC) celebrated a spectacular night at the Stand for Kids Gala supporting its mission to advance health equity for every child in Los Angeles and beyond, ensuring no child is turned away for lack of insurance.

Supporters enjoyed an exclusive night of excitement and goodwill on the 50-yard line of SoFi Stadium. The state-of-the-art facility, which holds over 70,000 people, was transformed into an incredible evening of family fun for nearly 1,000 guests, including 100 volunteers.

The gala kicked off in the ultra-exclusive SoFi Social Club where guests like Chris and Anel Lopez Gorham, AnnaLynne McCord and Danny Cipriani, J. August Richards and Joshua Gbor, Miss India Pooja Batra, and Mario Lopez, who hosted the gala, walked the red carpet with LuskinOIC donors, community partners, and patient ambassadors.

DJ Asha kept the crowd dancing until the Parade of Champions, led by LuskinOIC Ambassador and 2024 Paralympian, Ezra Frech, and LuskinOIC Ambassador and archery champion, Aria Easter, who lit Olympic torches, opened the ceremony. Dignitaries, including Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CD 37) and Councilmember Curren D. Price Jr. (CD 9), highlighted LuskinOIC’s exceptional work over its 113-year history.

Two-time Emmy winner Mario Lopez shared, “LuskinOIC is the largest pediatric orthopaedic program in LA County. What makes LuskinOIC unique is their focus on caring for underserved kids; 85% of their children are underinsured and 75% are children of color. With UCLA doctors at the helm, LuskinOIC levels the playing field so ALL kids have access to quality healthcare.”

Football legend and CBS sportscaster Jim Hill accepted the Community Inspiration Award on behalf of the Los Angeles Chargers, presented by UCLA Health President Johnese Spisso and Dr. Nick Bernthal, chair of UCLA Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. Gabriela Arvizu, President of Students Runs LA, accepted the 2024 Power of Partnership Award on behalf of the youth empowerment organization.

LuskinOIC Vice President Michael Sullivan and surprise guest, legendary ring announcer, Michael Buffer, made the organization’s largest and most consequential announcement in its history – a $50 million dollar estate gift from long-time benefactors and philanthropists, Meyer and Renee Luskin. The stadium exploded into applause as yellow and blue streamers fell from the sky. Meyer Luskin stated, “Renee and I wish to thank all of you for your kind and loving support and for this great endeavor and wonderful institution.” Michael Sullivan added, “This is the largest donation in the nation this year for an organization of our size and it will ensure long-term sustainability for LuskinOIC.”

“This year’s theme, ‘Sports Medicine: Heal Champions, Fuel Athletes,’ raised funds to help children while honoring the many champions of the LuskinOIC community, including our donors, dedicated community partners, patients, pediatric specialists, and staff,” stated LuskinOIC President and CEO Dr. Anthony Scaduto. “This could not be done without our generous sponsors, including the Chadha Jonovic Family, Las Amigas de Las Lomas, La Cañada Flintridge Orthopaedic Guild, the Han Family, Charitable Children’s Guild, Las Madrecitas, Clear Channel, the Zytko Family, the Ehrlich Family, the Burcham Family, and UCLA Health.”

To cap off the unforgettable evening, guests enjoyed a one-hour concert by World Classic Rockers, featuring former members of Journey, Santana, Steppenwolf, and Lynyrd Skynyrd. The band performed rock classics such as “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Black Magic Woman,” “Oye Como Va,” and more.

Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children (LuskinOIC) was founded in 1911 as Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital and today is the largest pediatric orthopedic facility on the West Coast focused solely on musculoskeletal conditions in children, with 85% of our patients underinsured.

They receive more than 60,000 patient visits annually and extend their pro-bono services to patients in Calexico and Mexicali, among other cities worldwide. In alliance with UCLA Health and with the support of the LuskinOIC Foundation, they advance pediatric orthopedics worldwide through outstanding patient care, medical education, and research.

Their locations in downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Westwood, and Calexico treat the full spectrum of pediatric orthopedic disorders and injuries.