Clarence and Jacqueline Avant, Mayor Villaraigosa, Monica Gil of Nielsen Co., David Bohnett.

The Mayor congratulates the City of Angels Awards recipients at the 2008 Getty House Gala.

The Gala was a special evening which celebrated the City of Angels Awards. The City of Angels Award recognized the honorees’ extraordinary contribution to the City of Los Angeles through civics, art, education, business, and philanthropic work. In 2008, GHF honored an impressive group of honorees: The Nielsen Company, Clarence and Jacqueline Avant, and David Bohnett.

We are honored to award The Nielsen Company with the City of Angels Award for their philanthropic leadership in the corporate community. Through their generous support of diverse educational and cultural programs, lives of children are impacted throughout the Los Angeles community.

Clarence and Jacqueline Avant were honored with the City of Angels Award because they represent community leadership and give unselfishly of their time and resources. They are making a difference in the lives of others. Clarence Avant, CEO of Interior Music Publishing and Avant Garde Music Publishing, has shown outstanding leadership in the recording industry and his philanthropic work. Mr. Avant has long been known for his shrewd business acumen and deal-making skills. During his 40- year career, he has been actively involved in promoting opportunities for African-Americans in the recording industry.

Finally, in 2008 we were proud to honor David Bohnett, Chairman of the David Bohnett Foundation, a non-profit, grant–making organization with the stated goal of “improving society through social activism.” Mr. Bohnett is a leading technology entrepreneur with a deep commitment to improving the quality of life for all Angelinos. He is an active board member of the California Community Foundation, as well as LACMA and the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association.

Young Students at Getty House

Young students enjoy an art session at Getty House.