SPIRIT OF PLATT

"It's not just my turn," said City of Hope Spirit of Life honoree Jon Platt at Wednesday's kickoff breakfast at the Viceroy L'Ermitage in Beverly Hills. "It's my culture's turn to do our part."

The Warner/Chappell chief hailed the diversity of the gathering and noted that he had glimpsed this same diversity at COH.

Naturally, the Viceroy terrace was studded with too many biz heavyweights to enumerate here.

Platt was introduced by UMPG Chairman/CEO Jody Gerson, who was clearly klebbing naches as she told the story of first meeting and hiring him at EMI Music Publishing, when he was fresh from his hometown of Denver.

The W/C boss will receive his honor on 10/11, and breakfasts in NYC and Nashville are on the way. You can participate in Platt's campaign here.

An illustration of COH's impact was provided by cancer survivor Kommah McDowell, who (after being introduced by UMPG exec and COH devotee Evan Lamberg) told the moving tale of overcoming a dire prognosis and living to bear and raise and child, which her previous medical team flatly told her was impossible. "I am a living miracle," she said, attesting to the dedication and compassion of COH's specialists. She's seen above with Platt, his better half Angie, Gerson and Lamberg.

Platt is joined by the extremely heavy COH industry board, all of whom agreed on the urgent need to find a cure for us. Seen just before collectively consuming enough caffeine to power a small country are (l-r) Gang, Tyre, Ramer & Brown's Don Passman, Phil Quartararo, CAA's Rob Light, Loeb & Loeb's John Frankenheimer, UMe topper Bruce Resnikoff, Gerson, Platt, Kathy Nelson, Warner/Chappell's Clark Miller, Morey Management's Jason Morey, Spirit Music Group's David Renzer, Lamberg, The Davis Firm's Doug Davis and AEG Presents' Larry Vallon.

Platt, Maverick's Greg Thompson and Spotify's Troy Carter discuss the importance of Swedish fluency in today's marketplace.

The Davis Firm's Doug Davis, Platt and Warner Bros. Co-Chairman/COO Tom Corson wonder if there's any cream cheese left.

Platt with the legendary Clarence Avant, after whom one of the honoree's sons is named.

Attorney Josh Binder explains that appearing in this photo constitutes a billable hour. Meanwhile, David Renzer resumes catalog modeling.

Erica Grayson of Moxie World and Lamberg flank Platt and note that breakfast is the most important meal of the day for soliciting donations.

Platt nearly avoided this photo op with our own Todd Hensley. Better luck next time.