The UCLA Department of Neurosurgery is finalizing details for the upcoming Visionary Ball.
The event – which will take place Wednesday at the Beverly Hilton – raises money and awareness to support patients dealing with complex neurological conditions. And the program will be headlined by mogul Byron Allen, who is about to receive one of the evening’s highest honors, a Visionary Award, presented by another mogul, Jeffrey Katzenberg.
Allen – the founder, chairman and CEO of Allen Media Group – will be joined by fellow honorees, including Johnese Spisso, president of UCLA Health, CEO of UCLA Hospital System and associate vice chancellor of UCLA Health Sciences, who received a Medical Visionary Award will receive, and Erika Kort who will be rewarded with a Courage Award.
Music legend Smokey Robinson has been confirmed to perform a set at the gala dinner America has talent veterinarian Howie Mandel will take the stage as emcee throughout the evening. Other highlights include a comedy set by Jay Leno and performances by Seth Rogen and Lauren Miller Rogen and Linda M. Liau, department chair of neurosurgery, among others. More than 500 patients, philanthropists, physicians, business leaders and community partners are expected to attend. This month Visionary ball will be the first since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
