LOS ANGELES, April 22, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Women's Guild Cedars-Sinai will host their annual Spring Luncheon today at The Beverly Hills Hotel.  Comedic actress and noted author Annabelle Gurwitch will be the master of ceremonies. Gurwitch is receiving rave reviews on her recently released essay collection, "I See You Made an Effort: Compliments, Indignities, and Survival Stories from the Edge of 50."

The Guild will honor actress-author Marilu Henner with the Woman of the 21^st Century Award and author-producer Jackie Collins with the Trailblazer Award. Additionally, the organization will present the Evelyn Clayburgh Award (known as the "Evie") as a surprise to an outstanding Guild member who will be announced during the program.

Established in 1957, Women's Guild is a deeply committed group of dynamic women who have raised more than $40 million to support clinical and scientific advances at Cedars-Sinai. From funding vital medical programs and equipment, to patient care, biomedical research and education, the Guild is focused on inspiring innovations that bring health and hope to patients.

With her energetic personality, wild recollections and illustrious career—which includes  more than 30 films, six Broadway shows and two classic sitcoms, as well nine New York Times Best Sellers books on health, parenting, memory and lifestyle improvement—Woman of the 21^st Century Award recipient Marilu Henner has found time to do it all.  She appeared on NBC's "Celebrity Apprentice," where she competed to benefit the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) and the Alzheimer's Association.  The Award is given to a woman of stature who has made significant contributions to society. Previous recipients have included Helen Gurley Brown, Cheryl Tiegs, Evelyn Lauder, Olivia Newton-John and Mavis Leno.

Called "Hollywood's own Marcel Proust" by Vanity Fair, Jackie Collins has written some 30 New York Times best-selling novels, including her international sensation "Hollywood Wives," which was made into one of ABC's highest-rated miniseries.  A pro in the kitchen, Collins recently released "The Lucky Santangelo Cookbook," which features bold and audacious flavors and recipes. Collins is a dedicated philanthropist who serves as the chair of the entertainment host committee for AIDS Project Los Angeles, and is an ongoing supporter of the Children's Diabetes Foundation. Collins will be presented with the Trailblazer Award.

The "Evie" Award, which will be presented to an as-yet unannounced Guild member at the luncheon, was established by  Women's Guild in 1968 to honor the memory of Evelyn Clayburgh, one of its most dedicated board members.  The coveted award celebrates a member who best represents "outstanding characteristics of leadership, service and dedication to the Guild."

In addition to the awards presentation, Women's Guild President Lorette Gross will be passing the torch to Executive Vice President Hella Hershon. During her two terms as President, Gross has overseen various innovative triumphs at Cedars-Sinai, including the Women's Guild Lung Institute and most recently the Women's Guild Simulation Center for Advanced Clinical Skills. The Guild plans to fulfill a pledge of $10 million to the Simulation Center within five years. 

The luncheon will also include a fashion presentation by Beverly Hills boutique Gratus, which opened its doors last fall. Founded by Meredith Kaplan, Gratus serves as a one-stop styling experience that offers women a highly personal touch and a carefully edited assortment of both contemporary and designer women's apparel.

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SOURCE Women's Guild Cedars-Sinai