The annual spring luncheon organized by the Women’s Guild Cedars-Sinai is gearing up to become a heartwarming family celebration. The guild has decided to honor a sibling duo by bestowing the Trailblazer Awards upon seasoned agent Toni Howard of Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and her sister, the esteemed author and philanthropist Wendy Howard Goldberg, during a glamorous gala scheduled to take place at the Beverly Hills Hotel on May 1st. Confirmed to host the festivities is Nischelle Turner of Entertainment Tonight, while a cozy fireside chat with the Howards, moderated by their cherished longtime friend Judge Judy Sheindlin, will add an intimate touch to the proceedings. The funds raised during this event will contribute to the Women’s Guild neurology project and the prestigious pediatric chair at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s. Additionally, fashion maven Elyse Walker will curate a pop-up boutique showcasing her elysewalker brand, with 10% of the proceeds benefiting the guild. To date, the Women’s Guild has generously raised over $70 million for Cedars-Sinai.
Toni Howard stands as one of Hollywood’s most renowned talent agents. Currently thriving at CAA, she represents a star-studded roster including Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Keaton, James Spader, Edie Falco, Michael Sheen, Holly Hunter, Laura Linney, Christopher Walken, Diane Lane, Goldie Hawn, Tim Robbins, Catherine O’Hara, Nathan Lane, and Billie Lourd, among many others. Prior to joining CAA following its acquisition of ICM Partners, Howard served as a founding partner at ICM, heading the motion picture talent department for a decade. Before that, she spent seven years as an agent at William Morris, compiling an impressive array of honors, including being featured on The Hollywood Reporter’s Power 100 Women in Entertainment list more than ten times.
“It’s truly a privilege to be honored alongside my cherished sister, Wendy Howard Goldberg, by such an exceptional organization as the Women’s Guild,” Howard stated. “Wendy has been an active guild member for 40 years, and not a single day passes without me seeking her wisdom to decipher one of my myriad symptoms!”
Wendy Howard Goldberg, a dedicated guild member for over four decades, has volunteered extensively with the organization. She has worn many hats, including those of philanthropist, author (of books such as Marry Me, Hollywood Moms, and co-authoring The Blue Bloods Cookbook with actress Bridget Moynahan), and creative collaborator on select projects with her late husband, Leonard Goldberg—a respected network executive and film and television producer who steered hit projects like Charlie’s Angels, Broadcast News, Brian’s Song, and The Simpsons before passing away at 85 in 2019. Goldberg serves as president emeritus of the California State Summer School Arts Foundation at Cal Arts and has a special passion for UCLA’s migraine program, which she funded in 2015. Alongside her husband, they were honored with Cedars-Sinai’s inaugural Hollywood Icon Award in 2012.
“For more than four decades, I have devoted countless hours and effort as a volunteer for the Women’s Guild of Cedars-Sinai Hospital,” she explained. “When people ask why I have committed so much, the answer lies in my deep admiration for the amazing doctors. I strive to make a positive impact on Cedars’ patients and staff, and I’ve come to realize that the best way to achieve this is by ensuring that the doctors have the support and resources they need to excel. The doctors at Cedars-Sinai are among the nation’s finest, and their work is an invaluable asset to our community. I am absolutely thrilled to share this honor with my legendary sister Toni, who is an icon in the entertainment industry and beloved for her wit, intelligence, and enchanting charm.”
