As Memorial Day weekend brings the summer into full swing, W Los Angeles – Westwood Hotel and the American Cancer Society rolled out the red carpet on Wed, May 26 to kick-start the sun soaked season and fundraise for the battle against cancer.
Bubbles glided throughout the pool deck as celebrity guests, and VIP partygoers celebrated the W’s tenth birthday with a sneak peak of the new trendy poolside oasis, ESCAPE, now open for locals and guests to enjoy all summer.
ESCAPE’s vast display of stylish LED lights is complimented with comfortable pastel poolside lounge areas. Rows of private cabanas are illuminated with tropical backdrops, and the poolside bistro, The Backyard, fires up culinary favorites and refreshing cocktails. Each bright addition makes ESCAPE a glowing destination for any warm LA night.
A variety of on-screen stars and VIP guests from the American Cancer Society joined forces with the W Los Angeles – Westwood, making the hotel’s tenth birthday just another one of the millions that the American Cancer Society represents as the “Official Sponsor of Birthdays.”
The hotel’s birthday and unveiling of ESCAPE was a chic setting for a bigger picture with a more significant objective; help create a world with more birthdays.
Since 1913, the American Cancer Society has been at the forefront of Cancer prevention. Saving lives, reducing anguish, and diligent dedication to research, education, and service for millions throughout the country is part of the daily job description. Their slogan as the “Official Sponsor of Birthdays,” however, was derived from one simple question; “What do you do?”
The equation might be lengthy and complicated, but the answer is basic.
“We help people live longer, which in turn means more birthdays,” said Dr. Laura Nathan, the Chair of the Board for the American Cancer Society.
American Cancer Society-CEO David Veneziano and Amber Heard
Adopting the slogan in April 2009, the American Cancer Society has made it their mission to find the cures to fight the disease that prevented 54,600 Californians from having another birthday in 2009 alone.
A silent auction was set up to give the 200 to 300 expected guests an opportunity to bid on W hotel suites in regions throughout the country, with proceeds going to the American Cancer Society. Two night hotel stays valued up to $2,500 were auctioned off at 12 varying locations from the deserts of Scottsdale, Ariz. to the jazz filled streets of New Orleans, La, all valid through May 26, 2011. Spa packages and $100 hotel credits were offered along with suites here at the Westwood location as well.
“I think so many people have been affected by Cancer that they just want to come together,” said Nathan.
Among the VIP guests were co-hosts Amber Heard (“Pineapple Express,” “Rum Diaries”) and Jered Leto (“Mr. Nobody.”) Leto was unable to attend the event due to scheduling conflicts, but tweeted from a remote location to lend his support. TV and film stars Gilles Marini (“Brothers & Sisters”), Taryn Manning (“Hawaii Five-O”), Karina Smirnoff (“Dancing with the Stars”), Mariana Klaveno and Nelsan Ellis (“True Blood”), Edi Gathegi (Twilight: New Moon”), Josie Loren (“Make It or Break It”), Laura Harring (“Gossip Girl”,) and Sophie Monk (“Date Movie”), were also in attendance.
“It’s great to get the star power,” said Dr. Eva K. Lean, the American Cancer Society’s President of the Calif. Division.
The celebrity effort to support a great cause and help do their part to battle Cancer is something that does not go unnoticed. “These younger generation of actors, they really care about health care,” said David F. Veneziano, CEO of the American Cancer Society. “They take care of their bodies… none of them smoke.”
Continuing to promote a healthy environment, weekend mornings can be stretched out at ESCAPE, as Wellness Weekend Yoga with lululemon athletica is offered to local residents and guests on Sat. from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. from May 27 through Sept. 4.
WET pool parties will be raging every Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m, and The Backyard BBQ will be grilling all afternoon on Sat. and Sun at the same time.
Gearing up for the work week can also be done at Hangover Brunch in The Backyard each Sun. from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
ESCAPE at W Los Angeles – Westwood is located at 930 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, Calif. 90024.
