For this trio, healthy respect

The event: LL Cool J brought a burst of starlight to this year’s Silver Circle Gala as host of the Venice Family Clinic’s 33rd annual fundraiser.

Sponsored by the UCLA Health System and the David Geffen School of Medicine, the affair on March 9 honored CBS President and Chief Executive Leslie Moonves and philanthropists Dr. Bill Resnick and Michael Stubbs.

Moonves heaped praise on the “NCIS: Los Angeles” star at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, calling him “CBS’ and the Moonves family’s go-to guy,” adding, “If Kanye West ran up these stairs, he [Cool J] would tackle him before he got to me.” The crowd: Television sitcom creator Chuck Lorre, L.A. County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl and Venice Family Clinic CEO Liz Forer presented the awards. Among the 840 guests were Gina Rodriguez, Jaime Camil and Justin Baldoni of “Jane the Virgin”; Matthew Perry and Thomas Lennon of “The Odd Couple”; Pauley Perrette of “NCIS”; actor Peter Fonda; and television personality Julie Chen (Mrs. Moonves). The program: Following the awards, Josh Groban brought the evening to a close with a set of screen and show tunes “to honor,” he said, “what has now become probably the most successful stagehand in the history of existence,” referring to Moonves’ early years working in theater. His choices included “Pure Imagination” from “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” Quotes of note: “I have enough money to say whatever the hell I want about Les Moonves,” said Lorre — creator of “The Big Bang Theory” and “Two and a Half Men,” huge hits for CBS. He spoke of the entertainment mogul’s acts of kindness.

“He understands it’s the moments that we reach out to someone, to anyone, and make their life a little better. It’s those moments that define who we are — that’s what the Venice Family Clinic is all about. It’s what they do every single day,” said Lorre.

In accepting the award, Moonves said he was honored to be able to help a deserving cause. “To all the actors who are out there, and writers, and agents, and producers, I want to congratulate the Venice Family Clinic. It was very smart to time this event in the middle of pilot season, when we’re giving out favors — or not,” he joked.

The numbers: Proceeds topped $1.6 million to fund primary healthcare for people in need at 10 health centers in and near Venice.

Michael Buckner Getty Images SAM BALDONI is flanked by “Jane the Virgin’s” Justin Baldoni, left, and Jaime Camil at the gala.

Michael Buckner Getty Images CBS’ Leslie Moonves and his wife, Julie Chen.

Jason Kempin Getty Images GINA RODRIGUEZ and gala host LL Cool J.