American Wine & Food Festival (AWFF)
in support of Meals on Wheels

For almost three decades, The Puck-Lazaroff Charitable Foundation has hosted the American Wine & Food Festival (AWFF). One of America’s premier culinary events, the AWFF features an unparalleled roster of star chefs from around the country, a world-class selection of wines and spirits, exceptional auction items and entertainment.

Prior to this year's event, the event raised over $15 million dollars for the Los Angeles Chapter of Meals on Wheels helping to feed the homebound, senior and disabled citizens of the community. Barbara co-founded AWFF to share the success that she and Wolfgang were enjoying in the food industry.

Recent fund-raising:
The 27th Annual American Wine & Food Festival took place Friday, October 2 - Sunday, October 4, 2009

Click to join Barbara on this 4 minute video tour of the 25th American Wine and Food Festival.

The California Spirit Event

Twenty-five years ago, Barbara Lazaroff and Wolfgang Puck founded the annual California Spirit Event which has raised millions of dollars to support the American Cancer Society in its mission to eliminate cancer through research, education, and advocacy. Along with co-hostess Sherry Lansing, the Cal Spirit Event features gourmet creations by Los Angeles’ most renowned chefs, premium California wines, live entertainment, and a spectacular live and silent auction.

Recent fund-raising:
The 25th Annual Cal Spirit Event benefiting the American Cancer Society took place August 2009.

Mazon

For a quarter of a century, Barbara has hosted an annual Passover Seder at Spago benefiting Mazon, A Jewish Response To Hunger. Patrons enjoy one of the most gourmet traditional kosher Seders while supporting Mazon’s drive to eradicate hunger by supporting a myriad of hunger relief organizations throughout the U.S. and abroad.

About the annual Spago Passover Seder benefitting Mazon to feed the hungry:

Twenty-six years ago, living in Los Angeles, 3,000 miles from her childhood home, Passover drew near and Barbara Lazaroff turned to [then-husband] Wolfgang Puck suggesting a community Seder. She knew there are many people, like her, who lived far from their families and feel alone remembering the warmth of their family Passover celebrations. A year earlier Wolf had replied that no one would come, but Barbara persisted and Wolfgang Puck, although not Jewish himself, rose to the task and quickly became a master of Passover cuisine.

Somewhat ironically about 40% of today's Spago Seder guests are not Jewish. However, along with their Jewish friends, they love the tradition and camaraderie, the children's choir, the humor, (yes, laughter), and warmth of this unique Seder and Barbara Lazaroff loves sharing the Passover story and tradition. For many of our guests, who don't spend the second Seder night with family, Spago is their home on Passover. (As it is year-round.)

Aviva Family and Children's Services

Barbara is a member of the Council of Guardians for Aviva Family and Children’s Services which provides care and treatment to abandoned, neglected, abused and at-risk youth and their families. She spearheaded the much-needed renovation of Aviva’s Wallis Annenberg Residential Treatment Center which provides 24-hour, long-term care for girls between the ages of 12 and 18.
See Aviva's page about the September 9, 2009 rededication ceremony.
See our photos of the redesign

Recent fund-raising:
Barbara was one of five selected designers to design a bedroom vignette for the exclusive and elegant Frette linen company on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills in September 2009. 20% of sales from Barbara's design showcase went to Barbara's selected cause, Aviva Family and Children’s Services.

Want to help?
To contribute time, funds or in-kind products to Aviva Family and Children's Services, please email us.

Friends of Sheba

Barbara serves on the Board of The Friends of Sheba supporting Israel’s leading hospital Sheba Medical Center. Sheba Medical Center is also the largest and most comprehensive medical center in the Middle East. Barbara endows The Lazaroff International Summer Program at The Weinberg Child Development Center at Sheba Medical Center, which provides evaluations and treatment of children with developmental delays or disabilities in Tel Hashomer, Israel.

Zimmer Children's Museum

Barbara is a major supporter of the Zimmer Children’s Museum’s annual art exhibition Show&tell and its youThink art program for youth ages 9-18.

The youTHink division utilizes the power of art to foster students’ critical thinking about contemporary issues, engage diverse learners, promote literacy, and empower students to find and use their voices to take action for positive social change. youTHink conducts arts education programs in school and community settings for 2,400 students annually, most of whom attend low-income, low performing public schools.

5 Star Sensation
The Jill Ireland Cancer Center at Cleveland's University Hospital

As honorary co-chairs of the much anticipated biennial fundraiser Five Star Sensation, Barbara Lazaroff and Wolfgang Puck have helped raise over $10 million for one of the top cancer centers in the nation, the Ireland Cancer Center at University Hospitals Case Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio.

Five Star Sensation features gourmet delicacies from preeminent American and foreign chefs, outstanding vintners, premier domestic and international libations and entertainment.

Israel Cancer Research Fund

Barbara is a supporter of The Israel Cancer Research Fund in its efforts to advance cancer research in Israel. Since 1975, ICRF has provided over 1688 grants to outstanding cancer researchers whose laboratories are located in all of the leading scientific research institutions, universities and hospitals in Israel. Among other breakthroughs, ICRF-funded researchers have developed improved chemotherapies, advanced techniques in bone marrow transplantation, and an enhanced understanding of tumor suppressor genes.

Recent fund-raising:
On March 11, 2010 Barbara Lazaroff chaired an evening of events that included a performance of The Long Bright, a cantata composed by Andrea Clearfield with text by David Wolman that featured Grammy award-winning soprano Hila Plitmann under the artist direction of conductor Dr. Noreen Green, of the Los Angeles Jewish Symphony.