The Clinton’s weekend-long stint in Los Angeles will be one centered on philanthropy.
The former first family will host a gala celebrating Bill Clinton’s 65th birthday and a celebrity-filled benefit concert, all with the aim of raising money for the William J. Clinton Foundation.
This year marks 10 years of the foundation’s global efforts on a host of social causes, including health, economies and the environment.
“In the past decade, commitments to my Clinton Global Initiative have improved the lives of more than 300 million people around the world,” said President Clinton in a statement. “We’ve lowered the cost of AIDS and H.I.V. treatment, combated climate change, strengthened economies, increased access to education and healthcare, provided financing and mentoring for small businesses. This celebration marks 10 years of these efforts and demonstrates how much we can do to make a difference in the years ahead.”
But before the fundraising begins, the Clinton’s are tentatively scheduled to attend the late philanthropist Edie Wasserman’s memorial service Friday at the University of California Los Angeles’ Royce Hall. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton may make remarks at the service scheduled for 5 p.m.
Wasserman, who died of natural causes at 95, and her husband Lew Wasserman were lifelong democrats and dear friends of the Clinton family.
President Clinton spoke kindly of the couple in a speech at Lew Wasserman’s memorial in 2002.
“But the times I valued most were the private visits I had,” he said. “We had a great one not too long ago where Lew and Edie just sat at the table and fed me breakfast and fed me stories. Great stories about movies and politics. Triumph and tragedy. Love and loss. Sacrifice and selfishness.”
Then it’s off to the Hollywood Palladium Friday evening for the gala celebrating Bill Clinton’s birthday. Tickets for the event, which will include a performance by singer/songwriter Stevie Nicks and other special guests, went for $6,500 per couple.
Daughter Chelsea Clinton and husband Marc Mezvinksy will host a private brunch Saturday morning. However, star power will be in full display at the “A Decade of Difference: A Concert Celebrating 10 Years of the William J. Clinton Foundation” at 7 p.m. Saturday evening at the Hollywood Bowl.
The benefit concert will feature performances by superstars Kenny Chesney, Lady Gaga, Bono, Usher and other artists, and can be viewed live online on Yahoo. Tickets start at $1,000 per person.
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