Arts & Culture LA Charities

Kiehl’s Sponsors LifeRide Motorcycle Ride to Benefit Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance

Gilles Marini with LifeRide
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In honor of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, New York-based Kiehl’s Since 1851, recently brought its LifeRide charity motorcycle ride out west. The renowned skin and hair care company organized the two-day ride through the Los Angeles area, with the goal of raising awareness and funds for the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance.

Gilles Marini and Scott Patterson

Gilles Marini and Scott Patterson

The Kiehl’s brand has a long association with motorcycles and displays an impressive collection of classic American bikes in its original New York retail store. Since 2010, Kiehl’s charity event, LifeRide for amFar has raised millions for HIV/AIDS research. This was the first LifeRide for Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance.

liferide

Kiehl’s President Chris Salgardo led a group of five riders, including actors Gilles Marini (Sex and the City, Brothers & Sisters), Grant Reynolds (Mansfield Path), Scott Patterson (Gilmore Girls, The Event), and tattoo artist Luke Wessman (Miami Ink, NYC Ink) on the trek across the LA area which included stops at Kiehl’s retail stores in Sherman Oaks, Santa Anita, Victoria Gardens, Robertson and Santa Monica.

Kiehl's LifeRide

The public had the opportunity to meet the riders at each location and support OCRFA’s efforts to offer ovarian cancer treatments and related services to all women.

Brooke Hogan, Jillian Murray

Brooke Hogan, Jillian Murray

In January 2016, the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund and the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance merged to form the largest global organization dedicated to promoting private ovarian cancer research; the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance (OCRFA). The OCRFA is also at the forefront in advocating for increased federal dollars for research and awareness programs and offering support to women and families who are impacted by ovarian cancer.

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Ovarian cancer is the deadliest cancer of the female reproductive system, ranking as one of the most common cancers among women. North America has one of the highest ovarian cancer mortality rates in the world. Early detection and treatment offer the best chance for survival. Although great strides have been made in the field of ovarian cancer research, current federal funding isn’t sufficient and must be increased to give women the best chance of beating the disease.

Alissa Milano

Alissa Milano

The event culminated in a star-studded finale in Santa Monica attended by celebrity guests Alyssa Milano (Who’s the Boss, Charmed), Brooke Hogan (Hogan Knows Best), Jessie Graff (American Ninja Warrior), Kendrick Sampson (How to Get Away with Murder), Jillian Murray (MTV’s Awkward, Code Black), J.R Bourne (Stargate SG-1, Revenge) and tennis star Daniel Nguyen.

To celebrate the event, live entertainment, refreshments, and complimentary facial treatments were available at each LifeRide stop as well as exclusive offers on Kiehl’s popular Midnight Recovery Concentrate, Midnight Recovery Eye, and Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil. Audra Moran, President, and CEO of OCRFA, joined Salgardo and the celebrity riders to help educate Kiehl’s customers about the organization’s mission.

Kendrick Sampson

Kendrick Sampson and guest

The finish line for the two-day charity ride was Kiehl’s Santa Monica store. The highlight of the LifeRide for OCRFA Finale, which was hosted by Salgardo and Moran, was the official announcement of Kiehl’s $25,000 donation to OCRFA. Attendees were treated to live music, and refreshments courtesy of Tito’s Handmade Vodka and FOODLAB.

About the author

Jane Emery