Despite
unforgiving weather, with torrential rains and a flood warning in Malibu and
surrounding areas, Yo San University’s staff and volunteers plowed forth on
March 25th to put on another memorable Robert Graham Visionary Award
Celebration. Held at the stunning, dramatic beachfront home of philanthropist
Lilly Tartikoff, the inclement weather did not dampen the excitement and
festivities of all those awaiting the arrival of this year’s special honoree –
famed actor Robert Downey, Jr. Known mostly for bringing Tony Stark/Iron-Man
and Sherlock Holmes to life, Robert boasts a mile long list of credits
including Oscar-nominated roles in Tropic
Thunder and Chaplin and an
Emmy-nominated role in Ally McBeal.
His amazing talent and commitment to all his characters has landed him on
thousands of magazines and entertainment news shows. Yet few know about Robert
Downey, Jr.’s personal commitment to Asian medicine and wellness.
Robert’s
passion for Eastern philosophy and medicine manifests in his daily practice of
martial arts and meditation. Having worked with Dr. Mao for several years, Robert
credits Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for his wife’s and his overall
health and wellness. Through the Robert Graham Visionary Award, Robert made a
spectacular effort to raise awareness among his colleagues about the benefits
of TCM, with hopes to help bring unprecedented support for Yo San University’s
free and low-cost community outreach programs.
Upon
arrival, in very Tony Stark fashion, Robert immediately hammed it up for all of
Yo San University’s major supporters, graciously taking photos and conversing
with fans. As he worked his way through the crowd of almost 200 YSU supporters,
guests could be found joyfully chatting , tasting the many delicacies
presenting fresh from the kitchen and drinking near the Ultimat Vodka sponsored
bar. Lilly Tartikoff’s home provided the
ultimate relaxed and inviting environment for everyone to meet, to make new
friends and most important, to honor the special man of the hour.
YSU
President, Dr. Larry Ryan, began the
evening’s program by introducing the emcee, actress Brenda Strong. Brenda has
been a powerful supporter of YSU for several years. Having emceed the last two
annual events, she was a pro at hosting and bringing humor and excitement at
just the right moments. Dr. Daoshing Ni spoke first, thanking all those who
came and contributed to the evening. Dr.
Mao Shing Ni then stepped up to introduce the awardee. Knowing the star power
of Robert, Dr. Mao jokingly sped through the actor’s filmography and focused on
his philanthropic efforts instead, which included working with such
organizations as Clothes Off Our Back, Orca Network, and Midnight Mission,
before presenting the award.
Robert
graciously accepted the award, joking that no one was more Chinese, visionary
or deserving of such an award as he. Before concluding, he asked everyone to give
as generously as they could to YSU. With that endorsement, Brenda Strong
prepped the audience for YSU’s most exciting auction to date. Thanks to the amazing contributions of Warner
Bros., the event’s premiere sponsor, and Marvel, YSU was able to obtain an
original Tony Stark racing suit and helmet worn by Robert in Iron Man 2, and the Sherlock Holmes pipe
and auction paddle used in the recent Sherlock Holmes sequel Game of Shadows. Other auction items
included a precious sculpture titled “L’Enfant” by Danielle Anjou, an exquisite
Bell and Ross timepiece donated by Westime, and a special on-set tour of Brenda
Strong’s new television series Dallas,
including a private lunch with the actress herself.
With
the amazing talent of Brenda, the live auction generated exciting bids. At one point, Robert Downey Jr. was competing
with one of our major donors, Edith Dume for the L’Enfant sculpture. At $12,000,
Ms. Dume won the auction -- only to magnanimously gift it to Robert! It was the
most unexpected and heartfelt moment of the evening.
Before the official program concluded and
desserts were enjoyed, two lucky donors received a special gift for their
additional donations into the “opportunity drawing,” courtesy of YAS Fitness,
Bloomingdales, Rock Sugar, and Matthew Williamson Designs. As the sun slowly
set in the Pacific Ocean, our guests began to depart . Everyone said their
goodbyes with a smile, sharing endless compliments for a fantastic event. This brilliant
event would not have been possible without support from our wonderful student
volunteers:
Adam
Cappuccino
Ellen
Davis
Chloe
Hadji Elias
Ally
Glickman
Steve
Han
Emily
King
Cinthia
Martel
Venesza
Lenibeck
Tobe
Stacey
Phillip
Ward