The Creative Coalition's Summer Soiree

New Russian restaurant Mari Vanna LA hosted The Creative Coaltion's 2013 Summer Soiree. Members of The Creative Coalition -- talent, entertainment industry executives and media personalities -- gathered to review new arts and education initiatives coming up in the nonprofit's program calendar.

Guests enjoyed an early preview of the opulent, Old World-style West Hollywood eatery, which opens to the public June 25th. The gathering included Melissa Leo, Steve Tisch, Alfre Woodard, Danielle Panabaker, Andrea Bowen, Ben Silverman and Steve Weber. Attendees sampled Mari Vanna's famous house-infused vodkas - including flavors like horseradish and sea berry - and dined on the Russian homestyle cuisine for which Mari Vanna is famous, such as blinis, pirozhok and chicken kotleki. Attendees also received the restaurant's signature tchotchke - nesting doll keychains that are hand-distributed to regulars of the restaurant, VIPs, celebrities and other notable guests - and enjoyed live entertainment from the in-house accordionist, a hallmark feature of the international restaurant chain.

This annual Creative Coalition event thanks 50 selected shining stars who have participated in charitable events with the non-profit organization over the past year. Mari Vanna LA owner Tatiana Brunetti, Comedian Jeffrey Ross, and The Creative Coalition CEO Robin Bronk all gave remarks at the event. Other notables in attendance included Leslie David Baker, Evan Handler, Richard Schiff, CCH Pounder, Bree Turner, Rob Morrow, Frances Fisher, as well as television showrunners, network and studio executives, Academy and Emmy Award winning producers and directors.

Photography by Alen Lin and Alberto Rodriguez