Jerry Oppenheimer Honored for Commitment to Veterans' Health in West L.A.

By Matthew Sanderson, Patch editor

The health and well being of veterans was the focus of the second annual “Oasis for Healing” celebration on May 4, combining a tribute to longtime Los Angeles philanthropist Jerry Oppenheimer and featuring demonstration workshops offered to veterans as alternative healing programs.

The special ceremony, held on the grounds of the National Veterans Park in West Los Angeles, was hosted by Veterans Park Conservancy (VPC), a 26-year-old nonprofit organization dedicated to creating healing environments for veterans, and Artists for Trauma (AFT), a non-profit which provides alternative healing for trauma victims, in cooperation with the Department of Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles.

"Their theory is to use, sort of alrternative ways to get vets away from the sterile confines of the hospital room and lots of prescription meds," said Craig Parsons, spokesperson for the VPC, in an interview with Patch. He said AFT uses physical techniques such as yoga, meditation and Tai Chi and ideally, took on holding the classes in the rose garden on the VA grounds.

"Our vision is to develop 16 acres of this as a national veterans park, and dress it up with the amenities that are recreation in nature," he said, adding that they first have to refurbish the rose garden for $1.3 million.

Parsons said Oppenheimer, over his years of philanthropy, observed alternative ways to heal.

Oppenheimer's diverse career of accomplishments is balanced by a lifelong commitment to helping others. Gravitating from pilot and aviation company boss to military man, banker, entrepreneur and inventor—successful experiences all – Oppenheimer never lost sight of the rewards of helping others.

In addition to honoring Oppenheimer, the day’s event included remarks from VA officials and special workshops sponsored by Laura Sharpe of AFT, which facilitates veterans’ healing by pairing Level 1 trauma survivors with established artists from various disciplines. AFT has a roster of esteemed artists to offer military trauma victims engagement in painting, sculpture, silk screening and physical arts.

 “Jerry Oppenheimer’s unwavering commitment veterans and their healthcare underscore what Veterans Park Conservancy is about, and that’s why he was our board’s immediate choice to receive our first Legends Award,” said Susan C. Young, VPC executive director. “He and his wife Gail have supported many different causes for veterans and medical research at UCLA over the years. But thanks to Jerry and the Hollywood Canteen Foundation, VPC is moving forward on developing the Hollywood Canteen Amphitheater in the heart of the park."

As xhairman of the Hollywood Canteen Foundation and a board member of VPC, Oppenheimer was instrumental in generating the HCF’s generous lead contribution to fund development of the Hollywood Canteen Amphitheater, to be located adjacent to the 1947 Women Veterans Rose Garden in the Park. The Amphitheater is expected to completed in 2013 and is consistent with VPC’s objective to incorporate various health-oriented and recreational amenities in the park, all supporting the recuperation of veterans as part of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (DVA) patient-centered healthcare initiative.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to show the special healing influence of art in various forms, and to work with the VA and VPC," Sharpe said. "Participating in a tribute to such a thoughtful, compassionate philanthropist as Jerry Oppenheimer makes the event all that more special for all of us.”

For more information on the VPC, visit its website.

For more information on AFT, visit its website.