Recently celebs gathered to pay homage when it's due as well as raising awareness to the need to increase sustainability. The UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability annual gala took place at the private home of Jeanne and Tony Pritzker in Beverly Hills and honored Paul G. Allen and Toyota.

The star-studded gala brought out reputable talent such as: James Marsden,  Eiza Gonzalez, Angela Lindvall, Madelaine Petsch. In addition to the host committee which included: Courteney Cox, Christina Hendricks, Frieda Pinto and Moby; attendees James Marsden, Edei, Eiza Gonzalez, Angela Lindvall, Madelaine Petsch and Pollyanna Mcintosh. UCLA IoES representatives in attendance included: director Peter Kareiva, event co-chairs Lawrence Bender and Alexandria Jackson, Tony Pritzker and Tina Quinn. Robbie Robertson presented honoree Paul G. Allen and Brigitte Grisworld for Jim Lentz accepting on behalf of Toyota Motor North America, Inc.

Paul G. Allen was awarded for the environment & human progress while Jim Lentz, CEO of Toyota Motor North America, Inc., accepted on behalf of Toyota Motor North America, Inc., leader in environmental protection & sustainability. “Great causes require great storytelling to communicate their aims," Paul Allen stated. "Never before has the power to encourage action through engaging audiences been a more important component of what we do at Vulcan.” With everyone urging each other to do their part the evening was the perfect time to reflect and take action on creating more sustainability.

This year, UCLA IoES celebrated “Innovators for a Healthy Planet” and raised over $1M for the institute, which attracts the best environmental science students and scientists in the world and gives them the tools, network, and platform to be game-changers for sustainability.  John Salley returned as the gala host which included a special performance by Jackson Browne followed by a one-of-a-kind live auction item to benefit the institute.