2026 Award Recipients

Anissa Balson | The Hearst Foundations

Anissa Balson and The Hearst Foundations will receive the HEART award in recognition of their extraordinary leadership at the intersection of art, philanthropy, and health care. Their enduring dedication to advancing access to health care through creativity and compassion exemplifies the spirit of the Venice Family Clinic HEART initiative.

Anissa Balson has been a steadfast supporter of Venice Family Clinic for decades through her leadership at The Hearst Foundations, which first began supporting the Clinic in 1977. As a board member of The Hearst Foundations, she has helped steward transformative gifts to the Clinic over the years, including emergency grants during the COVID-19 pandemic and in response to the Los Angeles wildfires. This partnership has strengthened the Clinic through both growth and crisis, ensuring continuity of high-quality care throughout Los Angeles.

The Hearst Foundations, founded in the 1940s, serve as national philanthropic resources, supporting organizations across the fields of culture, education, health care, and social services. By identifying and funding outstanding nonprofits, the Foundations help ensure that individuals from all backgrounds in the United States have the opportunity to lead healthy, productive, and fulfilling lives.

Balson is also a contributing artist to the annual Venice Family Clinic Art Exhibition + Auction, donating her creativity to one of the Clinic’s most cherished community traditions. She holds a B.F.A. from the Otis–Parsons School of Design and studied at Parsons School in Paris and the American University. Beyond the Clinic, she has expanded public access to the arts through leadership roles at institutions including the Getty Museum, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, and the Los Angeles Library Foundation. 

Anissa Balson’s partnership with Venice Family Clinic demonstrates the impact of art and philanthropy working together to advance health care. We are honored to recognize her with this year’s HEART award.

Chuck Lorre

Chuck Lorre, one of television's most prolific creators, will receive Venice Family Clinic's inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award. Lorre's extraordinary philanthropic work beyond the screen reflects a deep commitment to healing and human connection, embodying the ethos of Venice Family Clinic.

For decades, Lorre has been a devoted supporter of the Clinic. Through his generosity and the work of The Chuck Lorre Family Foundation, he has expanded and transformed the Clinic's ability to provide compassionate, comprehensive care for the Los Angeles community. Among Lorre's many contributions was the establishment of the Robert Levine Family Health Center in 2004, named for his late father, which expanded prenatal, teen and family services. In 2017, Lorre underwrote major renovations at the center, adding additional exam rooms, counseling spaces and health education capacity.

More recently, Lorre funded the comprehensive renovation of the Clinic's flagship on Rose Avenue, now named the Chuck Lorre Rose Avenue Health and Wellness Center. Reopened in 2023, this location serves over 11,000 patients annually and includes dedicated pediatric areas, behavioral health and substance use services, community spaces and amenities for patients experiencing homelessness.

Health care and art have always been central to Lorre's life. Before television, he was a touring musician and songwriter, and throughout his career he has used humor, storytelling and self-expression as tools for connection. His signature vanity cards-brief reflections at the end of his shows—offer moments of shared humanity. Proceeds from his book of selected cards benefit health care and educational charities, including Venice Family Clinic.

Chuck Lorre's enduring partnership with Venice Family Clinic is a testament to the power of art, compassion and community coming together to advance health care for all.