Giving A Smile Foundation Makes a Powerful First Impression at Inaugural Beverly Hills Gala

On December 11, 2025, the Giving A Smile Foundation officially announced itself as a serious force for change with its Inaugural Gala at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, CA. Hosted by Kelsey Grammer and headlined by a special performance from five-time Grammy-nominated artist Robin Thicke, the night blended Hollywood energy with real-world impact.

Presented by Rifkin Raanan Dentistry, the gala brought together entertainers, philanthropists, medical leaders, and community advocates in support of one clear mission: providing high-quality, no-cost dental care to underserved youth across Los Angeles.

The evening opened with a standout performance by The Voice alum Jacquie Lee, followed by additional performances from Griffith Frank and Lindsay Gitter, with DJ Pookie keeping the energy flowing throughout the night. The room was packed with purpose, not just glamour.

Notable guests and presenters included Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian, who received the Humanitarian Leadership Award, alongside honoree presenters Harry Goodwins (The Gentlemen), James Tupper (Big Little Lies), Colin Egglesfield (The Client List), and Lesley-Ann Brandt (Lucifer). Additional awards were presented to Lorrie Bartlett (Guiding Light Award), JR Dzubak (Visionary Impact Award), and Dr. Katja Van Herle (Healing Hands Award).

The guest list reflected a wide cross-section of Hollywood, philanthropy, and business, including Emma Hernan (Selling Sunset), Emily O’Brien (The Young and the Restless), Joe Simpson, Ryan Garcia, and dozens of industry leaders, supporters, and advocates.

The event was hosted alongside the dentists behind the Foundation, including Dr. Rodney Raanan, Dr. Justin Raanan, Dr. Sepehr Nassiripour, Dr. Rosie Nassiripour, Dr. Robert Rifkin, and Dr. Steve Rifkin, whose work anchors the Foundation’s mission.

A Night With Purpose

Proceeds from the gala directly support the development and long-term operation of the Foundation’s permanent, no-cost dental clinic, ensuring that children and young adults are never denied care due to financial hardship. The clinic will provide advanced dental treatments, preventive education, and essential oral-health resources to vulnerable youth across Los Angeles.

Sponsors and supporters for the evening included Doctor’s Orders Wines, Valley Bank, Fuel Cycle, Vitamin Water, Casa Azul, CoDentist, Mamazing.com, Beverly Bar, and more. The auctions featured high-value experiences, including trips to Thailand and Napa, yacht excursions to Catalina, custom artwork by Matt Smiley, and diamond jewelry from XIV Karats LTD, Beverly Hills.

Looking ahead, the Foundation’s vision extends beyond a single clinic. “In addition to building our first stand-alone year-round dental clinic, the Giving A Smile Foundation is raising funds to launch two fully equipped mobile dental units that will bring free, high-quality care directly into underserved communities,” said Dr. Justin Raanan, DDS, MMSc. “These mobile clinics will allow us to reach children and young adults where they are, removing barriers to treatment and expanding our impact across Los Angeles.”

With its inaugural gala, the Giving A Smile Foundation didn’t just host an event. It laid the groundwork for a lasting infrastructure of care, equity, and access. A strong start, with real follow-through.