Upcoming Events
Barbara may not be able to attend all of these excellent, worthwhile events but she wants to share them with you.
Note: On March 30, 2023 Barbara joined Will Knox on his Mr. Restaurant radio show and podcast. It aired on several on-air radio stations, including Somerset, England. You can listen to it here at Apple podcasts or watch on YouTube at youtube.com/watch?v=eSumJ14mL84.
Women’s Voices Now presents…
The 2026 Women’s Voices Now Online Film Festival
Films by women, about women, for all.
For the 12th Annual… festival, the 2026 theme is Forward. In Her Footsteps.
Drawing strength from those who inspire us.
39 films • 26 Countries represented
2026 Event Schedule
Apr 15: Festival Kick-Off & Video-on-Demand Screenings Begin
Apr 29: Jury Discussion: Forward
May 6: Industry Chat: Industry Chat: Ethical Deepfakes in Documentary Filmmaking
May 13: Awards Ceremony + Women Making Waves Award Keynote
May 20: Festival Closes (Last day for Video-on-Demand screenings)
Films available April 15 – May 20, 2026
All are virtual and hosted live via Zoom.
12:00 p.m. Pacific Time
Early Bird sale prices through March start with the Festival Pass which is just $19.
Info about each film including trailers, ticket options/purchase, and schedule are at WVNfestival.com/2026
Beverly Hills Firefighters’ 34th Annual Backdraft Ball
Benefitting the Beverly Hills Firefighters’ Relief Fund
Support Courage. Support Sacrifice. Support Beverly Hills Firefighters.
All while enjoying an unforgettable evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a thrilling live auction, and an inspiring awards ceremony honoring the firefighters who protect Beverly Hills with extraordinary skill, heart, and courage.
These firefighters not only serve Beverly Hills – they actually live there, responding to emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They are a vital part of the very fabric of the community.
Every ticket, every sponsorship, and every donation supports and honors those who safeguard Beverly Hills — who rush toward the flames, who risk their lives for us, ensuring they have the resources, support, and preparedness they need.
The Beverly Hills Firefighters’ Relief Fund is the only charitable organization run by and directly benefiting Beverly Hills Firefighters.
Individual Ticket $500
Various sponsorships available.
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
6:00 p.m.
Gravitas Beverly Hills
435 N Camden Drive
Beverly Hills CA 90210
For more info and for tickets, see backdraft2026.funraise.org
Women’s Guild Cedars‑Sinai Spring Luncheon
Honoring Monica Lewinsky with the Woman of the 21st Century Award
In conversation with Jane Buckingham
Event Host: Nischelle Turner
Hosted Parking
Thursday May 7, 2026
11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
11:00 – Reception
Noon – Luncheon and Program
Beverly Hills Hotel
9641 Sunset Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
To learn about Women’s Guild Cedars‑Sinai and for the link to purchase Spring Luncheon tickets, visit WomensGuildCS.org
Fulfillment Fund’s annual gala
Sip & Celebrate 2026
Fulfillment Fund empowers first-generation and low-income students to overcome obstacles and pursue higher education making college a reality for students growing up in educationally and economically under-resourced communities.
Providing personalized life-changing support including college counseling, college success advising, financial aid guidance, and career readiness programs, FF enables students to thrive and become future community leaders.
Last year, 98% of Fulfillment Fund high school students graduated. Of these promising students, 92% went on to enroll in college, with 84% graduating from college within six years—compared to LAUSD’s 25% college graduation rate.
Hosted by TV personality Michaela Pereira
Thursday, May 7, 2026
5:30 – 9:00 p.m
5:30 p.m Cocktail Reception
7:00 p.m Dinner and Program
SLS Hotel
465 La Cienega Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90048
Tickets start at $500
California Cocktail Attire
To learn about the Fulfillment Fund visit Fulfillment.org
For more about this gala and to purchase tickets visit fulfillmentfund.salsalabs.org/sip2026/index.html
Austrian Wine Week at Spago Beverly Hills
Experience Austrian Wine Week, a multi-course tasting menu by Wolfgang Puck paired with exceptional wines from Austria’s leading winemakers. Each course is thoughtfully introduced, offering insight into origin, craftsmanship, and expression.
Dinner is inclusive of amuse, 5 savory courses, dessert, and a world-class Austrian wine pairing.
Tickets are $295 (not inclusive of tax and gratuity)
Friday, May 8, 2026
7:00 p.m.
Spago Beverly Hills
176 North Canon Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 385-0880
Reservations can be made at Sevenrooms.com/experiences/spagobh/austrian-wine-week-at-spago-beverly-hills-5728682170957824
Mother’s Day at Spago Beverly Hills!
Celebrate Mother’s Day at Spago Beverly Hills . At Spago, every detail is designed to transform the expected into the extraordinary. Let this Mother’s Day become a moment remembered for a lifetime.
Honor Mom with a three-course prix fixe brunch crafted with California flair, a live band, and special touches. Surprise Mom with a hand-crafted bouquet from our complimentary Bloom Bar, and end on a sweet note with a visit to Chef Della’s Pie Shop.
$225 per adult, $125 for children.
Sunday, May 10, 2026
Seatings from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Spago Beverly Hills
176 North Canon Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 385-0880
For more information call Spago at (310) 385-0880. Book via Spago or by visiting sevenrooms.com/experiences/spagobh/mothers-day-at-spago-in-beverly-hills-4526968988286976
Tower Cancer Research Foundation’s
Tower of Hope Gala — Power of What’s Next
~Save the Date~
Honoring Jason Collins — Former NBA center who played 13 seasons and reached the NBA Finals, and who continues to inspire others through his courage and compassion in the face of extraordinary challenges.
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Skirball Cultural Center
Ahmanson Ballroom
2701 N Sepulveda Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90049
To learn about Tower Cancer visit TowerCancer.org/about-us.
Ticket info to be announced.