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The Regal Biltmore dramatically reflects a rich blending of classical architecture with contemporary luxury... and the elegance of European hospitality. Designed in the style of the Spanish Renaissance, the hotel opened to national acclaim, and was designated a Historical Cultural Landmark in 1969. The 11-story structure was designed by the New York architecture firm Schultze & Weaver, also known for its design of my other favorite hotel, the Waldorf-Astoria in New York. The cathedral-like public room ceilings were hand-painted by Italian artist Giovanni Smeraldi of the White House and Vatican fame. |
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The Regal Biltmore Hotel is a gracious hotel and proved to be a stunning setting for an evening concert I hosted with internationally acclaimed concert pianist Sam Rotman, on behalf of the Union Rescue Mission in Los Angeles. There is no greater an outreach on the streets of Los Angeles than Union Rescue Mission. Under the very capable leadership of chief executive officer Michael Teague, Union Rescue Mission everyday enfolds their arms around the most hopeless among us and through highly comprehensive programs takes each enfolded life, one at a time, and brings them to a place of restoration and productivity. I love the Union Rescue Mission in Los Angeles. You will too. |
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A Cold, Lonely Night of Hard Reality ... I often think that the best part of a concert is afterwards... basking in the glow of a successful concert. Such was the feeling I had after hosting this concert. It was such a beautiful evening, held in such a grand environment. After the concert I found myself walking in the late, cool Los Angeles evening thinking backon the lovely events of the evening. I turned a corner and found myself on South San Pedro Street walking into the heart of the homeless encampments of Los Angeles. I have seen many homeless people before, but tonight I saw something that I had never seen. When I saw it, any basking thoughts of the lovely private concert just held were quickly wiped away. Before me was a homless mother who looked to be about 30 and her young son who was 4 or 5 years old. Contrary to what I had often believed about homelessness, the fastest growing segment of the homeless population are mothers and their children. Suddenly my night became a cool, lonely night of hard reality. I do not remember this mother's name, but I learned that she had left a very abusive marriage and with no family or income, ended up on the streets of Los Angeles fending for herself and her child. Like so many others, life circumstances had dealt her a hard blow and indeed, she was in her current position not because of what she had done ... but because of life circumstances beyond her control. In downtown Los Angeles is a bright shining beacon for this mother, her child, and so many others like her. It is called Union Rescue Mission and for over 100 years they have been quietly doing the hard work of reaching out to those less fortunate. I am proud to be a partner with Union Rescue Mission and grateful that they have chosen to allow me to partner with them. Union Rescue Mission is a very good reason why there is much goodness in the world. I like to think that in partnering with them, I too, am making a small difference in the world. Email me and I will send you some information ... just think of the greater difference you and I, together, can make as we partner with Union Rescue Mission and as we make our investment in the lives of those less fortunate. This investment will be our only lasting and remembered legacy. |