An exterior view at the My Friend’s Place 30th Anniversary Gala at Hollywood Palladium on April 7, 2018Eric Garcetti, Mayor of Los Angeles, speaks onstage at the My Friend’s Place 30th Anniversary Gala at Hollywood Palladium on April 7, 2018 (Photo by Joshua Blanchard/Getty Images for My Friend’s Place)
(Photos by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for My Friend’s Place)
Honorees Included Miley Cyrus’ The Happy Hippie Foundation, Community Advocate Cheryl Hayward, USC Football’s Angela Helton, Instagram, and Chef/Food Activist Alice Waters
Special Performance by Three-Time Grammy Nominated Pop/Soul Artist Lukas Graham
Recognition by Attendee L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti
Hollywood, CA – (April 8, 2018) – My Friend’s Place (myfriendsplace.org), a nonprofit homeless youth resource center providing 30 years of vital, life-changing services to tens of thousands homeless youth in Los Angeles, celebrated its milestone anniversary last night with a sold-out 30th Anniversary Gala at the Hollywood Palladium. The evening was a monumental success, raising an organizational benchmark setting of more than $750,000.
The announcement was made today by My Friend’s Place Executive Director Heather Carmichael, along with event Co-Chairs art consultant Sylvia Chivaratanond and WholeWorldBand CEO Gregory Butler.
Host Jack Black attends the My Friend’s Place 30th Anniversary Gala at Hollywood Palladium on April 7, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
Actor/comedian/musician Jack Black (Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle) hosted the all-star benefit Gala as it recognized My Friend’s Place Co-Founders Steve LePore and Craig Scholz, and honored the individual work of the following: The Happy Hippie Foundation, founded by Miley Cyrus;My Friend’s Place Board member and community advocate Cheryl Hayward; USC Football’s Angela Helton; Social media platform Instagram, with COO Marne Levine accepting; and Renowned chef, author and food activist Alice Waters.
Host Jack Black sings onstage at the My Friend’s Place 30th Anniversary Gala (Photo by Joshua Blanchard/Getty Images for My Friend’s Place)
Bringing more than 650 business and philanthropic leaders, community members and advocates for homeless youth together, Mr. Black kicked off the evening with a special rendition of “You’ve Got A Friend In Me,” which was followed by a special performance of the song “7 Years” by three-time Grammy nominated pop/soul artist Lukas Graham.
Lukas Graham performs onstage at the My Friend’s Place 30th Anniversary Gala (Photo by Joshua Blanchard/Getty Images for My Friend’s Place)
The Honorable Mayor Eric Garcetti of Los Angeles praised the 30 years of vital and life-changing services provided by the organization and urged the crowd in joining him to end homelessness in L.A.
Eric Garcetti, Mayor of Los Angeles, speaks onstage at the My Friend’s Place 30th Anniversary Gala (Photo by Joshua Blanchard/Getty Images for My Friend’s Place)
In between the Honoree Award presentations, the rousing live auction featured four distinctive packages/experiences, leading to a bidding war between Miley Cyrus and Lukas Graham for an exclusive dinner for two with AliceWaters at her Chez Panisse restaurant in Berkeley, CA. Former My Friend’s Place Alum of the Year Sheryl Recinos relayed how the organization changed her life for the better and announced a new Scholarship for Youth.
Accompanied by special video packages, the Honoree Awards were presented by Maddie Ziegler, Dancer/Actress/Model to Marne Levine, COO, Instagram; USC Football Coach Clay Helton and USC Football Players Jordan Austin, Michael Pittman, Marvel Tell and James Birmingham to Angela Helton; Bob Hayward, entrepreneur and former founding partner/CEO of Summit Entertainment to Cheryl Hayward; Ron Finley, The Gangsta Gardener to Alice Waters; and Executive Director Heather Carmichael was moved to tears by the love and support in the room as she presented to Miley Cyrus’ The Happy Hippie Foundation.
To cap off the evening, a visibly moved Miley Cyrus accepted the Honoree Award and dedicated it to the devoted staff of My Friend’s Place, bringing them all up on stage to join her.
Nichole Gustafson and Giacomo Gianniotti
Attendees included Giacomo Gianniotti, Grey’s Anatomy; Constance Zimmer, UnREAL;
Johnathan Fernandez
Johnathan Fernandez, Lethal Weapon; Chad Coleman, The Orville; Mark Jackson, The Orville;
Chad Coleman and Mark Jackson
Hannah Zeile
Hannah Zeile, This Is Us; Elliot Knight, Life Sentence; Rayvon Owen, American Idol;
Shane Bitney Crone, Bridegroom;
Sirah, Hip-hop artist; Madison Hu, Disney Star;
Olivia Rodrigo, Disney Star;
Patrick Starrr
Patrick Starrr, Makeup/Beauty Guru;
LA MOCA Director Philippe Vergne and Gala Co-Chair Sylvia Chivaratanond
Philippe Vergne, Director of the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles and husband of Gala co-chair Sylvia Chivaratanond; and
Ashlee Marie Preston, activist/journalist and My Friend’s Place alumna.
Ashlee Marie Preston
As discussed on stage by My Friend’s Place Transformative Education Manager Camilla Brannstrom and Elizabeth Daniels (zine project called “Freeway,” new second edition was given to attendees), each of the five Awards presented — along with a special Award presented to Mr. Black — is a unique, original, sculpted piece of art, handmade by one of My Friend’s Place’s youth artists.
Camilla Brannstrom and Elizabeth Daniels (Photo by Joshua Blanchard/Getty Images for My Friend’s Place)
For art, jewelry and design pieces produced entirely through the creative arts programming for youth at My Friend’s Place, please visit www.thecornercollective.org.
Items on display during the auction at the My Friend’s Place 30th Anniversary Gala at Hollywood Palladium on April 7, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Joshua Blanchard/Getty Images for My Friend’s Place)
Silent/online auction items featured on charitybuzz.com/support/myfriendsplace include Miley Cyrus’ iconic boots from the “Wrecking Ball” music video (autographed by Miley); an Ed Sheeran – signed guitar; a cast-autographed Captain America: Civil War poster; and tickets to tapings of Real Time with Bill Maher, The Voice and Dancing with the Stars. The online auction will remain live through the end of the week. Good Gracious! Events catered the dinner.
(L-R) Host Jack Black, honoree Miley Cyrus and Eric Garcetti, Mayor of Los Angeles
Earlier this year, My Friend’s Place was awarded a Mayoral Proclamation designating January 8, 2018 as “My Friend’s Place Day” in Los Angeles by Mayor Garcetti, with the support of 13th District Councilman Mitch O’Farrell.
Jack Black Headshot (Photo Blake Little)
About Host Jack Black: Multi-hyphenate star of film, music and TV, Black currently stars in the blockbuster film Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. The two-time Golden Globe nominee has been in dozens of hit movies including School of Rock, The Holiday, Shallow Hal, Kung-Fu Panda and King Kong. He will next be seen in Netflix’s The Polka King, where he transformed himself into the infamous Jan Lewan in a movie that earned him rave reviews coming out of Sundance. Additionally, he recently wrapped The House with a Clock in its Wallsopposite Cate Blanchett. On the music front, he and Kyle Gass make up the rock music duo Tenacious D.
Heather Carmichael, Executive Director of My Friend’s Place
About Executive Director Heather Carmichael: Heather Carmichael, L.C.S.W., has been with My Friend’s Place for 17 years. Before moving into the Executive Director position in 2009, she served as the organization’s Clinical Director and Associate Executive Director, bringing over 21 years of experience serving high-risk youth. For more than 15 years, Heather has held leadership roles with the Hollywood Homeless Youth Partnership and is an active member of multitude of advisory boards. Prior to her work at My Friend’s Place, she worked on staff at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and Larkin Street Youth Services, a nonprofit serving youth experiencing homelessness in San Francisco.
2018 HONOREES
Honoree Miley Cyrus and Heather Carmichael, Executive Director of My Friend’s Place (Photo by Joshua Blanchard/Getty Images for My Friend’s Place)
The Happy Hippie Foundation: The Happy Hippie Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded by Miley Cyrus in 2014 to rally young people to fight injustice facing homeless youth, LGBTQ youth and other vulnerable populations. The Happy Hippie Foundation provides homeless youth, LGBTQ youth and other vulnerable youth populations with consistent support services to build well-being, crisis response services to meet basic immediate needs, and prevention services.
Honoree Angela Helton and USC Football Coach Clay Helton (Photo by Joshua Blanchard/Getty Images for My Friend’s Place)
Angela Helton: Angela Helton is the wife of USC Head football coach Clay Helton. Angela and Clay both felt that with the honor and opportunity of being named the Head Coach of the USC Trojan football team in 2016 that it was important to give back to the greater Los Angeles community. After deciding to focus their community outreach efforts to the homeless youth of Los Angeles, Angela connected with the USC Suzanne Dvorak-Peck School of Social Work for guidance and information about local homeless agencies, upon which Angela was introduced to My Friend’s Place.
(L-R) USC Football Player Jordan Austin, honoree Angela Helton, Turner Helton, Shelby Helton, USC Football Coach Clay Helton and USC Football Player James Bermingham
Since 2016, Angela has spearheaded the partnership between USC football and My Friend’s Place, including coordinating annual sneaker drives at USC, serving meals alongside USC football players, organizing the holiday efforts for the My Friend’s Place Parenting Program and setting up volunteer activities for USC football players, coaches and staff throughout the year.
Honoree Alice Waters speaks onstage (Photo by Joshua Blanchard/Getty Images for My Friend’s Place)
Alice Waters: Alice Waters is a chef, author, food activist, and the founder and owner of Chez Panisse Restaurant in Berkeley, California. She has been a champion of local sustainable agriculture for over four decades. In 1995 she founded the Edible Schoolyard Project, which advocates for a free school lunch for all children and a sustainable food curriculum in every public school. She has been Vice President of Slow Food International since 2002. She conceived and helped create the Yale Sustainable Food Project in 2003, and the Rome Sustainable Food Project at the American Academy in Rome in 2007. Her honors include election as a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2007; the Harvard Medical School’s Global Environmental Citizen Award, which she shared with Kofi Annan in 2008; and her induction into the French Legion of Honor in 2010. In 2015 she was awarded the National Humanities Medal by President Obama, proving that eating is a political act, and that the table is a powerful means to social justice and positive change. Alice is the author of fifteen books, including New York Times bestsellers The Art of Simple Food I & II, The Edible Schoolyard: A Universal Idea, and, a memoir, Coming to My Senses: The Making of a Counterculture Cook.
Honoree Cheryl Hayward with her award from My Friend’s Place
Cheryl Hayward: My Friend’s Place Board Member Cheryl Hayward has devoted much of her life to service, be it education, environment or youth development and support. Cheryl first began volunteering at My Friend’s Place in 2010 and quickly immersed herself into the program, spending two days a week volunteering on site while also chaperoning field trips and cultural experiences with young people around Los Angeles. With particular interest in the My Friend’s Place Parenting Program, Cheryl annually hosts the Mother’s Day and Father’s Day celebrations, helping empower these young parents while celebrating their achievements. In addition to her volunteerism with My Friend’s Place, Cheryl also devotes her time to Skid Row Housing Trust, where she helped develop a volunteer program in 2011. Now, splitting her time between the U.S. and New Zealand, Cheryl and her husband Bob Hayward are working on eco-restoration on New Zealand’s North Island, as well as providing scholarship opportunities to children to attend higher education.
Honoree and COO of Instagram Marne Levine with her award from My Friend’s Place
Instagram: Since launching in 2010, Instagram has become one of the world’s leading social networking apps, with a community of more than 800 million who capture and share the world’s moments. In 2017, Instagram launched it’s #KindComments campaign, aimed at capturing some of the inspiring stories of people on Instagram and the impact that a compassionate and supportive comment can make. The first-ever #KindComments project featured leaders and advocates from the trans community on Instagram reading inspiring comments of support from their followers on camera, and soon spread to include a number of other communities. Communities of support were a major trend on the platform in 2017, with Instagram users coming together on issues within the LGBTQ+ community, discussions around mental health and recovery, sex and body positivity, as well as women collectives and artists promoting female issues.
GALA CO-CHAIRS / BOARD OF DIRECTOR MEMBERS:
Gala Co-Chairs Gregory Butler and Sylvia Chivaratanond
Sylvia Chivaratanond is a curator and consultant in the visual arts sector and has worked in various international museums. She also works in fundraising and image management, consulting for clients in the design, fashion and lifestyle communities. Most recently, she was adjunct curator of American Art at the Centre Pompidou Museum and Foundation in Paris. Sylvia is on the Board of Directors of My Friend’s Place. Gregory Butler: Gregory Butler is the CEO of WholeWorldBand, a leading company for video applications that allow users to leverage the cloud to collaborate worldwide and engage with, create, and share video content. WholeWorldBand’s platform Youdio has won the Eircom Spider Award, the Dot IE Net Visionary Award, the Eurosonic Award, and the Irish Times Innovation Award. It has earned nominations for the SXSW Music Accelerator Award and the TEC Award. Gregory is on the Board of Directors of My Friend’s Place.
About My Friend’s Place
On January 8, 1988, two friends working in Hollywood were compelled to help the homeless youth who populated the sidewalks just outside of their office door.
My Friends Place Co-Founders Craig Scholz and Steve LePore attend the My Friend’s Place 30th Anniversary Gala at Hollywood Palladium on April 7, 2018 in Los Angeles, California
Determined to effect change, no matter how small, the co-founders of My Friend’s Place, Steve LePore and Craig Scholz, began spending their break time making and distributing sack lunches to the young people living on the streets.
Soon, this simple act became a grassroots movement and Steve and Craig had assembled a group of kind-hearted volunteers who traversed Hollywood delivering meals.
After countless hours of interactions with these young people, the duo realized providing meals only addressed a small portion of the issue.
Within a year, the idea was born for creating a judgment-free, “safe place” where intangible needs such as physical and mental health services, creative outlets and employment and education assistance could be met.
Thirty years later, My Friend’s Place has grown into a dynamic resource center that offers a comprehensive continuum of services to more than 1,350 homeless youth between the ages of 12 and 25, and their children, each year.
My Friend’s Place activity room
Through the expansive programming offered at its Hollywood location, My Friend’s Place provided more than 30,000 meals last year, in addition to engaging nearly 500 young people in more than 700 creative and living arts workshops across 21,000 individual visits.
Thursday, April 12, 7:30 pm at The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
(Top Row L-R: Sheila E. & Pete Escovedo, Siedah Garrett and Judith Hill)
(Bottom Row L-R: Patricia Arquette, David Arquette and Lupita Infante)
Los Angeles, CA – The Los Angeles Unified School District (LA Unified) “We Are One!” Benefit Concert presented in association with The Music Center will feature performances by GRAMMY nominated drummer Sheila E.; GRAMMY winner, Latin jazz sextet’s Pete Escovedo; two-time GRAMMY winner Siedah Garrett; and GRAMMY winner Judith Hill and from Mexican music royalty, Lupita Infante. GRAMMY Awards Music Director Larry Batiste has assembled a fifteen-member All-Star Band who have performed with Stevie Wonder, Barbara Streisand, Jennifer Lopez, Kenny G, and other top artists.
The “We Are One!” Benefit Concert will be held at The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave, Los Angeles, 90012 on Thursday, April 12, 2018 at 7:30 PM. VIP Reception @ 6:00 PM.
In addition to showcasing LA Unified’s most talent student artists, acclaimed LA Unified alumni will join the festivities as hosts to advocate for arts education include; three-time Golden Globe Award winner and Academy Award winner Patricia Arquette and her award-winning brother David Arquette, Actress Ally Walker (Colony & Ghosted), actor Richard Lawson and other surprise guest hosts/performers are scheduled to appear.
Los Angeles is one of the most vibrant, artistic and creative centers in the world. LA Unified’s Arts Education Branch (AEB) is committed to ensure that every school in the district provides arts classes, arts instruction, and arts experiences for every student in the district.
“I am honored to participate in such a high-profile event will benefit LA’s youth”, said percussionist Sheila E, widely known for her musical collaborations with Prince. “It is our responsibility as a community to ensure that students have access to the arts. This is why we musicians are participating.”
The benefit concert’s theme, We Are One! represents the goal for all of Los Angeles’ city entities; LA Unified, City/ County/State Governments, Arts, Businesses and Cultural sectors to come together as one unit and work together to support the next generations of LA Unified student artists.
“The LA Unified Arts Education Branch is seeking to utilize all of the arts ecosystem through its far-reaching arts programming,” said Rory Pullens, Senior Executive Director of the Arts. “We are looking to raise awareness of the importance of arts education for students, how the arts provide them with the necessary skills for successful futures. The Benefit Concert will celebrate the value of the arts and the huge positive impact it has on students and our economy.”
Through this Benefit Concert, the Arts Education Branch will raise additional funding to expand its arts efforts and forge closer partnerships with companies and individuals committed to the arts, arts education, and future generations of artists. Nickelodeon, HBO, and Warner Brothers have already signed on as sponsors and funding/resource partners.
LA Unified is proud of its successes, and those to come. Its students and alumni are routinely chosen to perform in local, national, and international venues. Alumni are Oscar, Grammy, Tony and Emmy-award winners such as Carol Burnett, America Ferrera, Forest Whitaker, Leonardo DiCaprio, but more importantly, contributing artists to the cultural landscape that makes a difference in the world. The Benefit Concert evening at The Music Center will add to that legacy.
About the Los Angeles Unified School District (LA Unified):
Second largest in the nation, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LA Unified) enrolls nearly 650,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade, at over 900 schools that offer a variety of specialized and comprehensive educational programs. The boundaries spread over 720 square miles in six local districts that include the metropolitan city of Los Angeles as well as all or parts of 31 smaller municipalities and several unincorporated sections of Southern California. lausd.net
About the LA Unified Arts Education Branch:
Part of the Los Angeles Unified School District and its rigorous Division of Instruction, the Arts Education Branch partners with local and national arts, entertainment and philanthropic communities to collaboratively support the growth of a robust arts culture. Nearly 650,000 K-12 students receive a comprehensive and challenging visual and performing arts curriculum. The Arts Education Branch sponsors school, family, and community arts-related programs and staff professional development for cutting-edge arts education design and implementation. It believes that all LA Unified students, from every culture and socioeconomic level, deserve quality arts learning in dance, music, theatre, visual and media arts as part of the core curriculum.
Celebrating The Grieving Community And The Power Of Uniting Hands With Paws
OUR HOUSE Grief Support Center, one of the most respected non-profit grief centers in the nation, will host its ninth annual Run for Hope 5K Festival on Sunday, April 29 at the West Los Angeles Civic Center & Bandshell.
The Run for Hope is the only event of its kind in the nation- a day dedicated to celebrating and honoring the memory of loved ones who have died.
Every year, the Run focuses on community engagement, and bringing people together to support each other in memory of their loved ones.
Deeply rooted in the community are the Presenting Sponsors – The Hollander Family and Karma Rescue– who will honor this commitment by showcasing the power of unity by uniting hands with paws.
“We are proud to help unite the community in the memory of their loved ones,” said Michele Prince, Executive Director, OUR HOUSE Grief Support Center, “The Run for Hope is our largest event of the year with an expected 1,700 attendees who have pledged to raise over $500,000 for essential grief support services and the collective benefit of our community.”
The event will be filled with activities for those participating in the walk or stopping by to show their support.
With registration, participants can personalize t-shirts with their loved ones’ photos commemorating and celebrating their memories, and on Sunday, April 29 take part in three key events: The In-Memory Ceremony, 5K, and Festival.
Additionally, there will be an In-Memory Wall inviting participants to write and place the name of their special person who died amongst others also being remembered.
The Presenting Sponsors – The Hollander Family, and Karma Rescue– are further exemplifying community commitment by bringing smiles to participants with a dog-kissing booth where all can receive a smooch by a pooch. Karma Rescue will also bring some of their rescue dogs, as many who are mourning the death of a loved one are often calmed and reassured by the loving companionship of a pet.
Jackie Hollander says, “My vision for OUR HOUSE Grief Support Center and Karma Rescue is to have these two wonderful organizations collaborate by uniting people and animals at their most vulnerable times, helping them provide solace and support for each other.” To honor the memory of participant’s pets who have died, all will be able to memorialize them on the Zuma Memorial Wall.
A variety of vendors likely in attendance include: The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, BAI Water, Yelp, New York Life, Trader Joes, YogaWorks, LA Trial Lawyers’ Charities, VI Aesthetics, Nature’s Bakery Bars, Homemade Harvey, and Di Dio’s Italian Ice.
9th Annual Run for Hope In-Memory Walk & 5K Run/Walk
Sunday, April 29, 2018 7:30am-Noon
OUR HOUSE Grief Support Center’s Run for Hope is a day to share grief, loss & love;
providing the community with a sense of hope & connection.
Where: West Los Angeles Civic Center & Bandshell 1645 Corinth Ave. LA 90025
Schedule of Events
6:30am: Check-in/Registration/Packet Pickup opens
7:30am In-Memory Walk Sponsored by The Rapaport Family
An intimate ceremony for adults-only led by OUR HOUSE’s Adult Clinical Team where participants have the opportunity to share about their loved one who has died, and listen as others share their stories of grief, hope and healing.
9:00am 5K Run/Walk & Family Fun Run
10:15am: Awards Ceremony
11:00am:Raffle Draw
8:30am- Kid Zone + Festival
12:00pm: Spread the Love. Spread the Hope. #OHRun4Hope #pawsandhands #karmarescue
OUR HOUSE Grief Support Center is one of the nation’s most respected organizations for grief support and education. For 25 years, OUR HOUSE has helped thousands of grieving children, teens, and adults as they embark on their journeys to hope and healing following the death of someone close. The safe, warm, and nurturing environment of their Los Angeles centers offer support groups specific to age and relationship. OUR HOUSE is a leading provider of grief education, offering workshops, seminars, and in-service training to mental health and medical professionals, clergy, educators, and other members of the community who interact with bereaved families. The OUR HOUSE grief education program is part of the curricula for students at USC’s Keck and UCLA’s David Geffen Schools of Medicine. To learn more, please visit www.ourhouse-grief.org or call 1.888.417.1444.
About Karma Rescue:
Karma Rescue is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving animals in need by finding them permanent homes and providing the resources for successful companionship. Through education, Karma Rescue instills the critical need for spay/neuter, and offers guidance to strengthen the animal-human bond. Karma Rescue’s vision is to help create a compassionate society, which provides safety, refuge, and protection for all animals.
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 1/23/18 – L.A.’s own Boys in Blue, the Los Angeles Dodgers, kicked off their 15th annual Dodgers Love L.A. Community Tour presented by Bank of America, Monday, January 22, at Dodger Stadium with a luncheon and batting practice for about 350 firefighters who battled wildfires in Southern California. Continue reading “The Los Angeles Dodgers Love L.A.”
Rafael de Marchena-Huyke and Erik Putzbach Bori photo day before
–by Nicole Muj and Dr. Laura Wilhelm
Hollywood, CA (The Hollywood Times) 1/13/18 – On Saturday, January 6th, 2018 Rafael de Marchena-Huyke and Erik Putzbach Bori were married at an exclusive reception held at their stunning mansion in Hancock Park, California. The elegant affair marked the beginning of a new life together for the Colombian celebrity hair stylist/interior designer and the Spanish television star/fashion expert. Continue reading “Wedding Bells Ring in Hollywood!”
PALM SPRINGS, CA (December 29, 2017) – Co-chairs Patrick Jordan and Lauri Kibby will join Senator Barbara Boxer on February 10 when they welcome more than 1,500 D.A.P. supporters at the 2018 Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards benefitting Desert AIDS Project. The party begins with red carpet arrivals at the Palm Springs Convention Center at 5:30pm.
Now in its 24th year, the Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards gala has raised millions of dollars to care for people living with HIV. First organized by and named for famed interior designer Steve Chase – a former D.A.P. donor, volunteer, and board member – the gala is a highlight of the desert social season and preceded the night prior by an exclusive VIP pre-party honoring major donors and celebrity guests.
“Your compassionate support empowers Desert AIDS Project to think globally and act locally,” said David Brinkman, CEO. “By joining us at the Steve Chase, you join us in our commitment to 90-90-90, the ambitious treatment target to help end the AIDS epidemic.”
According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), many strategies will be needed to close the book on the AIDS epidemic, and one thing is certain. It will be impossible to end the epidemic without bringing HIV treatment to all who need it. By 2020, the goal is that 90 percent of all people who have HIV/AIDS know their status, are on treatment and will have viral suppression.
Kibby is raising the bar on this year’s red carpet arrivals. “The red carpet has become a party in its own right and we’re looking for ways to include all attendees this year.”
Palm Springs Life Magazine had this to say about last year’s gala: “The Chase has a reputation among trendsetters as one of the few gala events where attendees are encouraged to have fun and take risks with fashion … and the guests did not disappoint. Black sequins and Mr. Turk dinner jackets were de rigueur for many men, as were well-fitted and accessorized tuxedos (which held their own alongside long gowns and sexy short dresses).”
This year’s Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards will be hosted by Ross Mathews. Mathews has established himself as one of the most in-demand television personalities hosts and pop culture experts in the entertainment arena today. Endearing and witty, Mathews has won the hearts of millions of Americans since his television debut – as a correspondent for The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Mathews can be seen as a judge on the smash hit LOGO series “RuPaul’s Drag Race”. Mathews is also a fixture on “E! News” and E! Network’s live red carpet award show coverage year round. He was most recently seen hosting E!’s “Live From E!”. He was also the host of “Hello Ross”, a weekly fan destination where the intersections of celebrity gossip and pop culture collide, giving a unique viewpoint into the latest Hollywood news. Mathews can also be heard weekly on his top-rated, PodcastOne show “Straight Talk with Ross Mathews”.
Chief Development Officer, Darrell Tucci is excited about this year’s entertainment. “I think we’re going to see a room full of friends singing along to the hits of headline entertainment En Vogue.”
The group has never been afraid to break the mold and step ‘outside’ the norm. From “Free Your Mind” to “My Lovin”, they have been trendsetters in music and style. Today, affectionately known as the “original funky divas”, they are redefining the idea of beauty and what it means, beyond the traditional sense, with their distinctive fusion of music and style.
Recognized as one of the top five highest selling American female music groups in history, En Vogue has sold more than 20 million albums and effortlessly transitioned into the digital age, amassing more than 30 million streams and more than 26 million YouTube views on their top six hit singles alone: the R&B and Pop smash hits Hold On, Free Your Mind, Never Gonna Get It, Giving Him Something He Can Feel, and Don’t Let Go.
Contrary to popular belief, En Vogue has never disbanded. As true music veterans who have withstood ever-changing music industry fads and trends, the group continues to record and perform worldwide with original members Cindy Herron-Braggs, Terry Ellis, and newest member, Rhona Bennett.
“We find total freedom and fulfillment when we hit the stage,” Cindy Herron-Braggs says. “It’s the ultimate connection with our fans. It’s about the energy you receive, the love, and the reciprocation from the message in the music.”
Attendees of The Chase know to pace themselves during the evening so they have energy left for its famous after-party, which will feature a DJ, a performance by Thelma Houston, and a series of tightly guarded surprises revealed as guests dance the night away in a lounge created inside the Palm Springs Convention Center. Guests of the after party can expect her signature blend of high- energy dance classics and soulful ballads.
Thelma Houston may be best known for the worldwide success of her disco anthem “Don’t Leave Me This Way”, but her support of AIDS Services organizations is also legendary. She is known for her dedication to humanitarian causes, including tireless efforts in the battle against AIDS and deep commitments to the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). In 2013, the City of West Hollywood named January 29th “Thelma Houston Day” in recognition of her many charitable activities.
Powerful momentum is now building towards a new narrative on HIV treatment and a new, final, ambitious, but achievable target: 90-90-90: Treatment for All.
By 2020, 90% of all people living with HIV will know their HIV status.
People can carry the HIV virus for years and not know it. The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested. Your support enables D.A.P.’s Get Tested Coachella Valley program to provide free and confidential HIV testing at hundreds of community events and dozens of test sites – from health fairs and food banks to Walgreens and D.A.P.’s sexual health clinic, The DOCK.
By 2020, 90% of all people with diagnosed HIV infection will receive sustained antiretroviral therapy.
Thanks to attendance at the Steve Chase and other fundraising events, Desert AIDS Project ensures that newly-diagnosed HIV positive patients receive the medications they need to survive and thrive, and regular follow-ups to safeguard their well-being. D.A.P.’s Patient Assistance Program secures critical HIV and other medications at reduced cost.
By 2020, 90% of all people receiving antiretroviral therapy will have viral suppression.
To suppress the virus to an undetectable level, an individual must start on medication as early as possible and stay on it for a lifetime. This can be challenging when facing other serious challenges. That’s the driving force behind D.A.P. Total Care – the comprehensive combination of health and wellness services which are uniquely tailored to each individual – including medical, dental, mental health, social services, support groups, substance abuse counseling, and much more – all conveniently provided under one roof at D.A.P.’s Palm Springs location.
Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards 2018 Schedule of Events February 10, 2018
5:30 PM
Red Carpet Arrivals
Cocktails
Silent Auction
Desert AIDS Project (D.A.P.) is a Federally Qualified Health Center in Palm Springs, CA offering D.A.P. Total Care – a combination of medical, dental, counseling, social services, support groups, alternative therapies, in-house pharmacy and lab, and other health and wellness services. D.A.P.’s sexual health clinic, The DOCK, offers STD testing and treatment, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), and HIV and HCV testing. D.A.P.’s Get Tested Coachella Valley campaign, the nation’s first region-wide free HIV testing and access to care initiative, was recognized by the White House for helping to bring about an AIDS-free future. D.A.P. has earned a “Four Star” rating from Charity Navigator for the sixth consecutive year – landing D.A.P. in the top 6% of nonprofits rated. The distinction recognizes that we exceed industry standards in terms of our financial health, accountability, and transparency. Visitwww.desertaidsproject.org, www.thedockclinic.org, andwww.gettestedcoachellavalley.org to learn more.
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 12/28/17 – I had the honor of photographing Don Henley many, many times including on his building The Perfect Beast Tour, and the Eagles Reunion Tour. Throughout his life he has been a leading voice in preserving nature. He recently made a $100,000 contribution to Let’s Buy A Mountain. He made the donation in honor of his good friend Glenn Frey. Glenn is greatly missed and I’m proud I got to photograph him on the reunion tour and The Allnighter Tour. Continue reading “Laurel Canyon community gives a holiday gift to the world!”
Santa Clarita, CA (The Hollywood Times) 12/12/17 – What is the special quality that makes one actor more convincing than another? We have all seen performances where an actor just has that extra “something” that pulls us into the character and fully engages us in their performance. From starring roles to bit parts, we find these actors who draw us in. Is it that one actor has studied their craft more than another, or has had a better teacher? Perhaps it is that one has lived or suffered more. Maybe it is a combination of all these factors. An actor, like any artist, brings the sum of their experiences to bear when they are creating. The deeper the well, the more the actor has to draw upon. The more life experience, often the more complex the art. Continue reading “An exclusive interview with the forward-thinking actress SOFIA MILOS”
An Evening of Laughter, heart-warming stories, and fundraiser auction, put on by the Associate Board of Our House at the Palace Theatre, Los Angeles last week
By: Judy Shields
Los Angeles, California (The Hollywood Times) 11/24/2017 “I have known about Our House Grief Support Center for many years. I myself, was a bereaved child and there was no such thing as Our House Grief Support Group. When I was in social work school, I learned about the agency, because I was doing a grief project and that was it, I was hooked for life,” Michele Prince, Executive Director for the agency told The Hollywood Times.
Michele Prince & Melissa Rivers
Michele Prince said she became a staff member back in 2012 to help grow the agency. She said there are many volunteer opportunities and that on any given week there might be 50 to 80 groups going on. There are may volunteer opportunities and to check out their website for all the information
Michele Prince said that they are in 60 different schools all around the LA region and that the schools are listed on their website as well.
“We have three weekends every summer that are free, yes free, for kids throughout LA and Orange County. We are part of a national camp family called Camp Erin, which is run by the Moyer foundation and we are the LA and Orange County Partner,” Michele said.
The Hollywood Times spoke with on the Associate Board Members Amanda Grumman-Goldsmith
Amanda Grumman-Goldsmith
THT: How did you get involved with Our House?
Amanda: “I got involved when I did group therapy when my Dad passed away suddenly in 2013 and I was referred here by a friend who had done the program and my therapist, who told me to check the place out. I made a call and it sounded like a really great fit and then I was able to do a group. I did a year-long group and everyone in that group had lost a parent within that year. I wrapped that up and said how could I stay involved further. I did a group of medical student speaking engagements, where they would teach first-year medical students about grief and how to handle patients and their families. What people find to be helpful and challenging about dealing with medical personnel when someone is near the end of their life. That was incredibly powerful.
Okay, now what else can I do and I was asked to speak at a board meeting and did a presentation there. They told me there was an associate board and I went through the process of getting to know everyone on the board. Two years later, here I am.”
Amanda Grumman-Goldsmith
THT: What is an Associate Board at Our House?
Amanda: “It is a young group of 20s – mid 40s young professionals all trying to find our way and give back to our community. A great foot in the door to learn how non-profit organizations work and feel like we are doing something great for the community. Lucky that Our House is where I landed. Grief Support services for those that have lost a parent, child or spouse. They put you in a group that is also dealing with the loss you are experiencing.”
“What a resource to know that there is an actual program designated to help people. You are not going to stop grieving, but there is a really amazing support system. There are so many little things that can really help. Even just being in a room with a bunch of people, who are there to get support as well.” Amanda Grumman-Goldsmith said.
Associate Board Members
Melissa Rivers took the stage to bring out the Associate Board Members for Our House. They each were carrying a white poster board and Melissa asked them to share their story. Each of them turned it over and revealed Sisters, Brothers, Mom or Dad on their board.
Isiah took the stage to talk about his involvement with Our House and told a story about his little cousin, who was killed in an automobile accident a couple of years ago. “I remember, with all my professional training and years of learning in school how to help others, but the pain became so much more real when it is someone we love. It gave me the inspiration to go beyond my every day work and try to help those who are grieving. It led me to accept the call from Our House to join in on this mission. The one thing that really impressed me about Our House was when I became a camp counselor for the first time this past summer. It was an amazing experience for me.”
“What is most impressive to me is how Our House has its practical way for people to be able to do this work. They were able to transform business women, lawyers, firefighters, people who were willing to volunteer and transformed them into healers. Building a community as a whole in order to heal.”
Melissa Rivers
Melissa Rivers told the audience that she was so touched by how many of the signs said “Dad.” She lost her Dad when she was 18 years old and that he committed suicide and tit was very public, because of her Mom’s line of work. She went back to college three weeks after it happened. “When my father passed there was nothing like this, you could go to a grief counselor and I was away at college and I felt different and people didn’t know what to say to me. I am so proud to be a part of it, because look how far we have come as a county and people facing and talking about grief. The main thing is that we all find out that none of us are alone.”
“Every one has a story, everyone has lost someone and the beauty of Our House, is that we are alike. You get into these groups, especially now that they are reaching out in the many school. They come from different backgrounds and even if it’s just half an hour a day, it is so important to give tonight any amount you can give and any amount is greatly appreciated.”
The audience was told that they could send a donation via a Gmail account and the donations were shown up on the big screen.
Night For Hope Sponsors
The talent part of the evening started with MC JC Coccoli, who was really funny and sure got the audience ready for the other comedians.
MC JC Coccoli
Vargus Mason, Steve Rannazzisi, Ian Edwards and Adam Ray.
There were all so funny and at times would pick on an audience member.
It was a great night of comedy and raising money for a great non-profit organization.
Vargus MasonSteve RannazzisiAdam RayIan Edwards
Everyone in attendance had a bag of popcorn by Popcornopolis at their chair to enjoy during the show.
The items up for auctions were all worth the money that folks were bidding on.
There were tickets to the Kings and Lakers games, gift baskets for NBC television shows “This Is Us” and “Will and Grace”, trips, golfing packages, spa packages, Disney on Ice and Universal Studios
About Our House
Grief is a natural reaction after the death of someone close. Yet in our society, few people are prepared for the intensity and duration of the grief process. Learn about OUR HOUSE Grief Support center and how we were founded on the premise that grievers need understanding, support, and connection. If you or someone you care about is grieving, we are here to help.
The OUR HOUSE mission is to provide the community with grief support services, education, resources, and hope. Since 1993, OUR HOUSE has helped thousands of grieving children, teens, and adults as they embark upon their journeys to hope and healing.
Charity Event – Kidsave DC Miracles Gala – There’s No Place Like Home
2017 Miracles Gala
By Kate Kight
Washington DC (The Hollywood Times) 11/15/17 – “They told me I was too old to be adopted. I felt sad, I wanted a family… and I couldn’t have it”. For Lorena, home was a concept she didn’t let herself believe in. In Colombia, she watched younger kids, including her brother, find families and move to a new home, while she grew older and, according to conventional wisdom, less adoptable.
OUR HOUSE Grief Support Center Hosts 9th Annual Comedy Fundraiser “Night For Hope”
With Special Guest Melissa Rivers
Comics Adam Ray, Vargus Mason & Little Esther Instill Laughs for
OUR HOUSE Grief Support Center Programs
Los Angeles– OUR HOUSE Grief Support Center’s Associate Board hosts the 9th annual Night For Hope fundraiser this Friday, November 17th at The Palace Theater in Downtown Los Angeles.
Joan & Melissa Rivers
Melissa Rivers, OUR HOUSE ambassador, will take the stage to dedicate a night of laughter to her mother. Since the death of her mother, comedy legend Joan Rivers, Melissa continues to make sure laughter is a part of her every day.
“I am honored to be a part of an organization like OUR HOUSE, which provides a place for people to cry and laugh and remember their loved ones.”
What better way to spend your Friday night, Comedy and raising money for a great cause. Click here to buy your tickets today for this Friday’s fundraiser: http://www.ourhouse-grief.org/hopetickets/
JC Coccoli
This year, the Night For Hope will feature comics Vargus Mason, Esther Povitsky, aka “Little Esther,” and Adam Ray, all introduced by MC JC Coccoli for a night full of laughs and finding hope through grief. Inspiration for the evening’s theme came from an Associate Board member who felt she might never laugh again following the death of her father.
Through support from OUR HOUSE, she was able to navigate through her grief, find joy, and laugh again.
OUR HOUSE Grief Support Center’s Associate Board is comprised of young professionals serving as ambassadors to the community. The Associate Board works relentlessly to spread the word about the agency’s services and volunteer opportunities, in addition to raising funds.
Schedule:
6:30pm: Doors Open
8:00pm: MC JC Coccoli Kicks Off the Night
8:20pm: Comedian Vargus Mason
8:35pm: Comedian Little Esther
8:50pm: OUR HOUSE presentation & appeal: OUR HOUSE Grief Support Center testimonials– Amanda, Isaiah, and Melissa Rivers.
9:30pm: Comedian Adam Ray
10:30pm: Event ends
Vargus Mason (Comedy Store Photo)Esther PovitskyAdam Ray, Ice House Photo
About OUR HOUSE Grief Support Center
OUR HOUSE Grief Support Center is one of the nation’s most respected organizations for grief support and education. For over 24 years, OUR HOUSE has helped thousands of grieving children, teens, and adults as they embark on their journeys to hope and healing after the death of someone close. Support groups specific to age and relationship take place in the safe, warm, and nurturing environment of their centers. OUR HOUSE is a leading provider of grief education, offering workshops, seminars, and in-service training to mental health and medical professionals, clergy, educators, and other members of the community who interact with bereaved families. The OUR HOUSE grief education program is part of the curricula for students at USC’s Keck and UCLA’s David Geffen Schools of Medicine. To learn more, please visit www.ourhouse-grief.org or call 1.888.417.1444.
Long Beach, California (The Hollywood Times) – “Thank you all for coming out this morning to join Easterseals at our 17th Annual Strides for Disability walk/5k run.” Mark Whitley, President and CEO told the crowd that gathered before the 8 am 5k run in Long Beach Shoreline.
Strides for Disability T-Shirt (THT)
Easterseals Southern California (ESSC) – which assists more than 10,000 people with disabilities – held its 17th annual Strides for Disability walk, this past Saturday, Oct. 21 in Long Beach.
Nic Novicki crossing the 5k finish line Strides4Disability (THT)
Hosting this year’s event as emcees are actor/comedians Nic Novicki (Boardwalk Empire, Gotham Comedy Live), Johnny Cardinale (Chelsea Lately) and Brian Swinehart (Key & Peele, Conan).
Johnny Cardinale crossing the 5k finish line (THT)
Also “in the house” will be the Los Angeles Chargers with plenty of games and giveaways.
Brian Swinehart and his 1st place medal for his age group 5k (THT)
The Hollywood Times had the opportunity to speak the emcees.
Nic Novicki (Boardwalk Empire, Gotham Comedy Live) Nic Novicki is an actor, comedian and producer who has performed on six continents.
His television credits include: Boardwalk Empire, The Sopranos, AXS Gotham Comedy Live, Jack and Triumph, The Neighbors, Austin and Alley, Private Practice and Drop Dead Diva. He has appeared in several movies, such as Life Happens, November Rule, The Last 5 Years, Boston Girls and Breaking Wind and will soon be seen in the upcoming Dead Ant.
Nic has produced several feature films, television pilots and web series for companies including Sony, CBS, Air China, Maxim and Universal and is an active member in the Producers Guild of America’s Diversity Committee. Nic wrote for the CBS Diversity Showcase and has also written and directed several short films including A Little Broke, which was acquired by the TV station Shorts HD.
As a stand-up comedian, Nic has toured all over the world, including several tours for the troops overseas through Armed Forces Entertainment. He has performed stand up on AXS Gotham Comedy Live.
He is the founder and Director of the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge.
He has also done several Armed Forces Entertainment tours, performing for the troops in Kosovo, England, Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, France. Egypt, Turkey, Jordan, Portugal, and Spain.
Photo (Easterseals)
Nic Novicki launched the Disability Film Challenge in 2014 in response to seeing disabilities underrepresented both in front of and behind the camera. As someone with a disability, Nic created the challenge to give aspiring filmmakers the opportunity to showcase their work and provide them with meaningful exposure.
In 2017, Nic and Easterseals Southern California joined forces to expand the challenge, now known as the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge. As the leading nonprofit supporting people with disabilities, Easterseals brings additional attention to the challenge, using its numerous communications channels to encourage participation.
Nic announced the dates for the 2018 Easterseals Disability Film Challenge, check out his YouTube announcement here:
THT: What brings out here to the Easterseals Strides for Disability?
JC: “I came out to help my friends Nic Novicki and Brian Swinehart to MC this event. I have known Nic for a long time, we lost touch, because I was traveling and he has been producing shows and we were at an Emmy’s party downtown and sitting next to each and we reconnected. I have been traveling entertaining our military, I have done 15 of those tours and I asked Nic if he would be interested in doing one of those with me and he said yeah! I had one come up six months later, so I called Nic up and I he has been on three tours all around the world with me entertaining our military. He got me involved with Easterseals over the last year and here I am today.”
THT: What is like being over there entertaining our troops
JC: “It’s a great honor and after a show they will stop by to thank me and I will tell them, no thank you for being here. They don’t like to be thanked. They are conditioned to know that it is their job, their duty and I believe it’s good that we go over there now and again to thank them and let them know they are appreciated.”
“I have been on a total of 15 so far and Nic has been on three of those with me. We have been through Germany, Romania, Hungary and we went to Egypt and went inside the big pyramid of Giza. It was amazing because at the time we were there, tourism was down 80-90%, so we had the pyramid all to ourselves, me Nic and two other comics. There was just the five of us in the Great Pyramid of Giza.”
“I have done shows here in the states for Operation Gratitude, which sends care packages over to them and also does things for the disabled here in the states.”
Johnny Cardinal Armed Forces Tour
Johnny said to go online and look up Operation Gratitude, Wounded Warriors and Easterseals and to volunteer their time. An hour a week or even an hour a month. You don’t have to give money, give your time to volunteer.
THT: What are you doing these days?
JC: ”I have been travelling. I just got back from Phoenix, and in Oregon before that and who knows what the next year will bring. I have been travelling the last 12 years non-stop. I want to stay in town more often, but I have to get out there and make a living.”
THT: Where do you see yourself in five years?
JC: “One of Two things, either having a very successful career as a voice over actor and then a writer, like a book or second having my own show in Las Vegas. I play guitar and see in my comedy act and it kind of a big show and I do it on Cruise ships and corporate gigs and a lot of people say I should do a Vegas show. To have it in my own Johnny Cardinale theatre would be great.”
He wants to write a book one day, go away in the woods and write it.
THT: Where and when is your next local area gig?
JC: “They are on my website and I will be performing in downtown Beaumont, California. I do it the third Saturday of the month at the Sand Trap Sports Bar. I bring three comics from LA and tonight we have Jodie Miller, who was just on America’s Got Talent and a couple of comics. I have been doing it for six years this past September.”
Johnny Cardinale at the Sand Trap Sports Bar, Beaumont CA
Johnny is a stand-up comedian, actor, voice actor and singer/songwriter. Known for Bobby Khan’s Ticket to Hollywood (2011), Sparrow (2013) and Actors Entertainment (2009).
He also writes and produces short videos which you can see on YouTube and Instagram. Please follow him on both and Twitter!.
He has performed in all fifty states and forty-nine countries. You can hear his comedy on Sirius/XM’s “Laughs USA” channel. He also has original songs on iTunes, iHeartRadio, Spotify and other platforms.
Brian Swinehart (Key & Peele, Conan) Comedian, actor and writer
The Comedian Host warming up with Zumba (THT)
THT: What brings you out here today?
BS: “I like what Easterseals does and I have done a couple of their event with Nic. It is really a great organization and I love to run myself, I really enjoy running, so it was the best of both worlds for me.”
THT: What was your time?
BS: “I think my times as about 23 minutes. Not bad. In 2015 I ran the LA Marathon and I finish it.”
THT: How do you prepare for the LA Marathon?
BS: “I actually run with the LA Leggers, they are a group in Santa Monica. They meet on Saturdays and they give you a schedule to follow. I ate an apple this morning, but the night before a Marathon I eat lots of carbs which is fun, so in the mornings I don’t eat much.”
THT: What are you doing these days?
BS: “I’m actually heading down to San Diego after this event to do a show down there. My writing partner and I just got one of our scripts made called “Burning Shadow” IT’s about a guy that sees his exact double, but his exact double is blind and homeless, it’s a drama. I have written several comedies, but the first drama script and it gets made.”
THT: Is the movie currently in the film festival arena?
Brian Swinehart the HaHa Cafe
BS: “Yes and the producers are working on that now. Julie Delpy a famous French actress is in it.
THT: How did you get into the business
BS: “Three days after I came into town, a good friend of my acting teach in Ohio, named Bernette, who lives in Pasadena just happen to have an attic room for rent. I still go and visit her and she is in her 80s now. She took me to the paramount studios and to show me around and showed me the ropes and I got on the show “Freaks and Geeks.” I figured I would stay and it is challenging and especially comedy. I believe we spend as much getting to the gigs as we make doing them.”
THT: Where do you see yourself in five years?
BS: “I would like to get one script a year made and I think me and writing partner, who is awesome, can get that accomplished. I would like to get a few parts in the scripts we write, not the main star, just in it. I want be a headlining stand-up comic around the country.”
“I did the Disability Film Challenge the past couple of years, and my last film was called “wheels” which is actually about my friend, who is in a wheelchair. What happened there was we were all hanging out and at the end of the day, I had to left him out of his wheelchair and put him into the car. That changed my perception on everything, because getting into a car is not something I ever thought about doing, your just do it without a thought and take it for granted. That fact that he has to have someone left him into the car every time he gets into a car, so I started out with the thought when they gave up the topic to write our script. It was a short film with Wheels being put into the car. I the Hollywood business, you get a little worried about things that matter to you, but they’re not really like that big. When you see stuff like Wheels having to have someone put him in a car, I wanted to capture that struggle he has to deal with on film. Most people will not ever have that experience. “
You can see this short on the easterseals YouTube page.
Brian Swinehart is an American actor, writer, stand-up comedian, and award winning producer. He was born and raised in a small country town in Ohio. Brian was raised by his parents Howard and Susan Swinehart. In 1999 his father Howard died. In 2000 with the blessing of his mother Brian left Ohio to go to California to pursue a career in acting. Brian had studied with some of the best acting teachers and acting schools in Hollywood. In 2009 his training was about to get even deeper when he got a job as the stand-in for Matthew Mcconaughey in the movie Lincoln Lawyer. On the set of Lincoln Lawyer Brian watched Matthew closely, read lines with him and threw a football with him at lunch. Brian worked on a Mccongnahey impression which many people consider to be the best Mcconaughey impression out there today. In 2012 Brian was in the movie about last night where he got to work with Steve Pink a director Brian greatly admires Swinehart was in several scenes playing Kevin Hart’s co-worker. In 2013 Brian booked a role in the TV Pilot Broken Dreams where he acted with academy award nominee Danny Aielo. Danny saw Brian at the audition and said “Who is that kid we need him on the project I want to work with him.”In 2014 after the passing of Paul Walker Brian was hired to be a stand-in and hand double for Paul’s character. Whose character name was coincidentally Brian. In 2015 Brian stood in for Josh Holloway on the TV show Colony and was in two national commercials one of which played during the Super Bowl. In 2016 Brian is scheduled to headline a national comedy tour and has a script called Rehabbers he co-wrote with Alex Nahon in production.
It was a beautiful Saturday morning with many runners, walkers and sponsors giving away cool stuff and delicious protein bars, bananas, apples and plenty of bottled water.
Strides4disability 5k they’re off No 448 is Anthony Gallo who was the first runner to cross the finish line
They had a raffle drawing for a cruise or $6,000 cash, $3,000 and an Ipad Pro.
Strides4disability grand prize winner of $6000 with Nic Novicki and Mark Whitley, President and CEO (THT)
Strides for Disability honors diversity, promotes inclusion and shows what disability means today. This unifying and spirited event brings together a diverse group of people – with and without disabilities – to break down barriers and show what’s possible with the right access, opportunities and support.
Together, we celebrate the strides we’re taking to change the way the world defines and views disability while making positive, meaningful differences in people’s lives.
The Hollywood Times caught out with some of the runners and they caught threw breathe to talk with us.
Strides4disability Andrew Gallo 1st person to cross the 5k finish line (THT)
Anthony Gallo – 1st male winner of the 5k at 17:58.
THT: How many 5k’s do you run?
AG: “A great amount. I used to run them in college as my main event. The last time I race it was down at the San Diego Marathon and I placed 33rd. So this is my getting back for Boston, which is my first time. I train five to six days a week, 4 to 8 miles and a long run on Sundays of upwards to 15 miles and even more when it gets closer to the marathon.”
THT: What do you eat the night before a run?
AG: “Lots of carbs, I love pasta and eating that the night before a race because it gives you energy to burn off during the race. I flew in with my, who is actually in the race as well, and we actually came down here for a normal run and we saw that there was a 5k and said let’s do it.
Nic, Brian, Johnny and Anthony Gallo (THT)
We love hoping into stuff like this and especially when it is a charity event like this one. We love contributing and getting everyone hipped up.”
What a great way to train and raise money for Easterseals, thanks to Anthony and all the runners this past Saturday morning in Long Beach at the shoreline.
Strides4disability Joel 1st female to cross the 5k finish line (THT)
Joella Leskovits – 1st Female winner of the 5k 22:00
THT: How did you get involved in this race?
JL: “My company helped sponsor this event, James and Gable Insurance brokers.”
THT: Are you an avid runner?
JL: “Yes, I like to run marathons and I heard they were doing this and I was happy to be able to support them and get a 5k in as well.”
THT: So you have ran a marathon before?
JL “Yes, it was the San Diego marathon and I have done a couple of half marathons. I do want to run the Boston marathon one day.”
THT: How do you train for these 5k and 10k runs?
JL: “Doing these types of 5k helps me to prepare and running with my friend, who is running today as well. I left her because she did not want to run with me.
Evelyn and her dog Lucas crossing the finish line (THT)
Evelyn De Robles, dog Lucas and husband Issac.
1st dog to cross the finish line
THT: Are you a 5k running family?
EDR: “We did actually train from this one, I said let’s just go do it and I knew about it a while back. 3.1 miles and I think believe our times was 33 minutes.”
THT: Is this the first time Lucas has run with you?
EDR. “Yes this is the first time he has run. He did really well, he beat me actually, and he kept dragging me along, he was leading me on.”
THT: do you plan to do a half marathon?
EDR: “Maybe down the line, we run for fun and our health.”
THT: Do you run for charity events like this one?
EDR: “Yeah, we are actually sponsored through my company, Medical Specialties Managers (MSM), they do the medical billing for Easterseals, so this was a team event. My husband is actually a tri athlete and has many medals already.”
(THT)
Walk sponsors are … CVS Pharmacy, Century 21, Amway, SpecialCare (Mass Mutual), Mark Bertrand, Fraternal Order of the Police, Medical Specialties Managers, Inc., T-Mobile, US Bank, Autism Learning Partners, Behavioral Health Works, CBS Entertainment Diversity, Packaging Corporation of America (PCA), Armanino LLP, James + Gable Insurance Brokers, Inc., Netsmart, Ultimate Software, Banana Boat, barkTHINS, Dasani, ENM Sales & Services, Faraon, Grocery Outlet, Journeys Martial Arts Academy, KRAVE, Los Angeles Chargers, Lyft, Mike Thompson RV Superstores, Minute Clinic, Nature’s Bakery, Pepsi, South County Photo Club, Tacos & Co., The Ms. Wheelchair California Foundation and TruMoo.
Behavorial Health Works (BHW) sponsor booth (THT)
About Easterseals Southern California
For nearly 100 years, Easterseals has been an indispensable resource for individuals and families with developmental disabilities or other special needs. The services provided by Easterseals Southern California (ESSC) – in Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, Imperial, Kern, San Bernardino, Riverside and Ventura counties – make profound and positive differences in people’s lives every day, helping them address life’s challenges and achieve personal goals so that they can live, learn, work and play in our communities. With 2,300 employees, 60+ service sites and hundreds of community partnership locations, each year ESSC assists more than 10,000 people, providing adult/senior day services;
Easterseals Autism Therapy Services booth (THT)
autism therapy; child development/ early education; employment services, veteran employment support; independent living options; and more. At Easterseals, 87% of our income is spent on services. Join us in changing the way the world defines and views disabilities.
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 10/23/17 – “Because she stood in her truth, I’m able to stand in my truth”, said Marsha P. Johnson Trailblazer Award recipient, Jazzmun Crayton.
Jazzmun Crayton (The 40-year-old Virgin), transgender actor for over 30 years and honoree of tonight’s Eleganza event, the culminating gala event that closed this year’s 2nd Annual TransNation Festival, used those words in speaking of the namesake of her award, Marsha P. Johnson. Marsha’s legacy was a major theme of this year’s festival as one of the “mothers of the movement”, coined by both Jazzmun Crayton and Laverne Cox. Continue reading “The Colors and the Message Shined Bright at Eleganza “
Freddie Highmore visiting with guests at Into the Blue Fashion Gala (Photo: THT)
By: Audrey Rock
Photos: THT
DTLA, CA (The Hollywood Times) 10/23/17 – One of the most beautiful and inclusive events of the year took place Saturday night at Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles. A courtyard covered in blue, the moody hue beloved by individuals on the autism spectrum all over the world, greeted guests supporting Autism Speaks, the organization at the forefront of supporting research into causes and better treatments for the disorder. Into the Blue also did a dazzling job of increasing awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorders, through a blue carpet featuring A-list celebrities; an Escada fashion show on the blue runway; a glamorous awards ceremony, and an auction.
The deep blue carpet, the harbinger of a gorgeous evening, included host Keltie Knight of Entertainment Tonight, Evan Handler of Californication, Whitney Carson of Dancing With the Stars, model/actress Garcelle Beauvais, Logan Shroyer of This is Us, Cameron Boyce of Descendants, Becca Tilley of Scrubbing In With Becca Tilley, Tamara Taylor of Bones, Massi Furlan of Live By Night, and Courtney Paige Nelson of America’s Next Top Model, and Erin Murphy of Bewitched, among others. Continue reading “Into the Blue Fashion Gala for Autism Speaks”
Thelma Houston special guest performer with Pete Escovedo Latin Jazz Orchestra
10th annual CARRY gala set for Nov. 17 at Beverly Hilton Hotel
LOS ANGELES, CA (October 18, 2017) – Favorite actors and lauded activists Angela Bassett (American Horror Story) & Courtney Vance (The People v. OJ Simpson) will be honored at the 10th annual CARRY benefit, a star-studded event on Friday, November 17, 2017, 6::30PM at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, (Beverly Hills Ballroom), 9876 Wilshire Blvd., at a star-studded event benefitting the prestigious C.A.R.R.Y. organization founded by esteemed celebrity dermatologist, Dr. Pearl Grimes. C.A.R.R.Y. is dedicated to improving the lives of foster and at-risk youth by providing life-changing social skills, scholarship programs and pro-bono dermatological services. Continue reading “Angela Bassett & Courtney Vance to be Honored by Coalition for At-Risk Youth”
Leading the Way are Actor/Comedians Nic Novicki, Johnny Cardinale & Brian Swinehart; the Los Angeles Chargers; and Former Ms. Wheelchair California, Actress/Singer Jennifer Kumiyama
Run, Walk or Roll … And Join Us in Taking Strides in the Right Direction to Change the Way We View Disability
Easterseals Southern California (ESSC) – which assists more than 10,000 people with disabilities – will hold its 17th annual Strides for Disability walk, Saturday, Oct. 21 in Long Beach.
Hosting this year’s event as emcees are actor/comedians Nic Novicki (Boardwalk Empire, Gotham Comedy Live), an Easterseals board member and founder of the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge; Johnny Cardinale (Chelsea Lately); and Brian Swinehart (Key & Peele, Conan). Also “in the house” will be the Los Angeles Chargers with plenty of games and giveaways.
Leading the way as well are founder/owner of the Ms. Wheelchair California Foundation, 2010 state crown holder (and first runner-up in the 2011 national competition), Long Beach resident, actress and singer Jennifer Kumiyama (“Carmen” in The Sessions, Forever Beautiful, “Wheelchair Girl” in MTV’s Awkward, Popstars 2), who will sing the national anthem; and Strides AmbassadorQiana Hicks, whose children each had developmental delays and who have blossomed with early education services from ESSC.
The walk, which drew more than 1,300 participants last year, raises money to support ESSC services. Participants will be treated to complimentary snacks, drinks, games, giveaways, live music and more.
WHAT: ESSC’s 17th annual Strides for Disability 5k Run & 3k Family Fun Walk
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 21
On-site registration/bib & t-shirt pickup, 7 a.m.; National anthem, 7:40 a.m.; Zumba warm-up, 7:50 am.; 5k Run begins, 8 a.m.; 3k Family Fun Walk begins, 9:30 a.m.; Awards presented, 10:15 a.m.
WHERE: ShoreLine Aquatic Park, 200 Aquarium Way (@ Pierpoint Landing), Long Beach Parking at 99 Aquarium Way (across from Aquarium) for $8 with ESSC parking validation.
Strides for Disability honors diversity, promotes inclusion and shows what disability means today. This unifying and spirited event brings together a diverse group of people – with and without disabilities – to break down barriers and show what’s possible with the right access, opportunities and support. Together, we celebrate the strides we’re taking to change the way the world defines and views disability while making positive, meaningful differences in people’s lives.
Walk sponsors are … CVS Pharmacy, Century 21, Amway, SpecialCare (Mass Mutual), Mark Bertrand, Fraternal Order of the Police, Medical Specialties Managers, Inc., T-Mobile, US Bank, Autism Learning Partners, Behavioral Health Works, CBS Entertainment Diversity, Packaging Corporation of America (PCA), Armanino LLP, James + Gable Insurance Brokers, Inc., Netsmart, Ultimate Software, Banana Boat, barkTHINS, Dasani, ENM Sales & Services, Faraon, Grocery Outlet, Journeys Martial Arts Academy, KRAVE, Los Angeles Chargers, Lyft, Mike Thompson RV Superstores, Minute Clinic, Nature’s Bakery, Pepsi, South County Photo Club, Tacos & Co., The Ms. Wheelchair California Foundation and TruMoo.
About Easterseals Southern California
For nearly 100 years, Easterseals has been an indispensable resource for individuals and families with developmental disabilities or other special needs. The services provided by Easterseals Southern California (ESSC) – in Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, Imperial, Kern, San Bernardino, Riverside and Ventura counties – make profound and positive differences in people’s lives every day, helping them address life’s challenges and achieve personal goals so that they can live, learn, work and play in our communities. With 2,300 employees, 60+ service sites and hundreds of community partnership locations, each year ESSC assists more than 10,000 people, providing adult/senior day services; autism therapy; child development/early education; employment services, veteran employment support; independent living options; and more. At Easterseals, 87% of our income is spent on services. Join us in changing the way the world defines and views disabilities.
West Hollywood, CA (The Hollywood Times) 10/16/17 – Just before the weekend kicked off, Tom Arnold hit the red carpet in West Hollywood at Peppermint Club in support of Imagine L.A, which aims to combat homelessness in Los Angeles with a unique mentoring model. He was hosting the Imagine Ball, and he had words for youth who might be struggling. Particularly youth with a dream.
“If you’re a young person, and you’re on the streets, there is help for you,” Arnold told THT. “You don’t have to be alone. It’s a dangerous place; and it’s addictive being on the streets…Best case scenario, you let people like us help you, you get out, get on your feet, and you’re going to have great stories to tell when you’re promoting your movies down the line. You can say, ‘hey, back when–man, I was homeless, and I was struggling, and look at me now.’ And those are the best kinds of stories.” Continue reading “4th Annual Imagine Ball Honored Russell Simmons, Hosted by Tom Arnold”
The Point Foundation L.A. Honors Wanda Sykes, Wilson Cruz, and Jill Soloway
By: Audrey Rock
Beverly Hills, California (The Hollywood Times) 10/10/2017 “Oh, really, a household name?” she asked, taken aback. “Wow! Like, Tide, I guess. You know. Wanda Sykes, Tide, and Corn Flakes. That’s pretty awesome.” Wanda Sykes’ response to being informed by THT that she has achieved the status of household name.
Wanda Sykes Point Legend nominee (THT)
The Point Foundation held its fall fundraising Gala at the Beverly Hilton Saturday night with a dual purpose–to raise funds for LGBTQ scholarships, and to honor Wanda Sykes, Wilson Cruz, and Jill Soloway for their contributions to the LGBTQ community.
Michelle Collins – Host, comedian (THT)
It was a grand and somehow still pleasantly relaxing affair, with comedian Michelle Collins hosting, and presenter Kathryn Hahn and recipient Wanda Sykes interjecting continued levity throughout the evening.
Greg Louganis, Olympic Medalist, past honoree (THT)
On the red carpet, five time Olympic medalist and 2016 Point honoree Greg Louganis had words for young LGBTQ students just beginning their futures. “Especially given this administration, it’s just so challenging, and we’re going to have so much damage control.” he told THT. “Just hang in there, be strong. There are days when I see the news, and I just want to bury my head in my pillow and hide. We’ve got to all come together and support each other.”
Judith Light, actress, honorary Board Member
Honorary Board Member Judith Light of Transparent showed up in a starkly regal Narciso Rodriguez dress and nearly stole the entire carpet.
Director, Point Impact Award honoree Jill Soloway and Kathryn Hahn holding hands (THT)
Jill Soloway and Kathryn Hahn posed for photos, hand-in-hand. Onstage, Hahn would later introduce the director as ‘Jill mother f—ing Soloway,’ and admit the two actually met at the Silver Lake Farmer’s Market before working together on “Afternoon Delight” and “Transparent.”
Singer Adam Lambert told reporters that The Point Foundation has “been on the radar” as an organization to support. “It’s my honor to be here,” he said before going into the ballroom for the ceremony.
Adam Lambert, musician (THT)
Inside, a formal dinner was served at tables purchased by patrons supporting The Point Foundation. Point scholars themselves were periodically featured as well, or had opportunities to speak or present alongside their Point Mentors. Collins was an outstanding, whip-smart, and energetic host, keeping the audience entertained and alert throughout the event.
The first award, the Point Courage Award, was given to Wilson Cruz. He was unable to attend due to work obligations with “Star Trek Discovery.” Via video, Cruz, a longtime LGBTQ activist, commented on the honor, and his slight discomfort with the term “courage.” Because, he said, “I have done none of this alone. I’ve had mentors, and guides, I’ve had teachers who encouraged me because they saw in me a modicum of talent.” He said the most courageous thing he’d ever done was simply ask for help; something he needed, given that he was the first openly gay teenager on network television as Ricky Vasquez in 1994’s “My So-Called Life”. Cruz also paid tribute to Sykes and Solloway, who he stressed he was honored to be recognized alongside.
Wanda Sykes accepting Point Legend Award (THT)
An entertaining auction was held, headed by the fantastically, devastatingly effective auctioneer Gabriel Mulholland of Christie’s, (backed by relentlessly funny Collins), who managed to get 100,000 from one extremely generous guest in one electric round. A trip to Aspen, a Hilton Hotel Travel Package, and a VIP “Will and Grace” on-set experience were also auctioned off; an intense bidding war for the Hilton Travel Package between a 16-year-old and another guest finally ended at $26,000.
Kathryn Hahn gave the second honor, the Point Impact Award, to her longtime friend and director Jill Soloway, creator of Amazon’s “Transparent.” “This heartachingly real series and consciousness-shifter has recieved 2 Golden Globes, 21 Emmy Nominations, and 8 Emmy Awards including 2 for Jill’s directing, and it’s not enough in my humble opinion,” said Hahn.
Kathryn Hahn Actress and Presenter (THT)
The two danced briefly onstage before Soloway accepted her award, adding to the humor of the night, and stressing the importance of self-care. “Self-care, which I say is just a couple of words for what straight white men have been doing for decades,” she quipped to laughter and applause. “We have to call it self-care, they just call it Monday. But for queer people, it really does mean that it’s okay to spend quite a few hours relaxing, chilling, caring for each other. Loving each other.” Soloway directed the attention to Point scholars, who receive leadership training and mentors along with scholarships, and commented on the changes she hopes to see in the world.
“That’s what I hope the most, that we can change the narrative of the world with this idea of love, and this room is filled with people who are changing the narrative.”
Judith Light gave a speech remembering Herb Hamsher, Honorary Board Member and Point Mentor, who died last October. She described him as “a man of great clarity and vision and purpose.” He was convinced, she told guests, that through these scholars, “a new generation of leaders would be born. And that they would create positive change in the world.”
Anthony Anderson presenting award (THT)
Comedian Anthony Anderson of “Black-ish” was given the duty of presenting the final honor to Wanda Sykes; the Point Legend Award. “I’m honored just to be here,” said Sykes. “The scholars, and the mentors, you’re the heroes. You’re the ones who are doing all the work. We’re here to say ‘thank you’ for what you’re doing.” Sykes said everybody had been asking if she would be on a new season of “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” and the answer is no. She jokingly commented “we’ll see how that works out for them.” Ever the comedian, Sykes jabbed United Talent for only taking out a one-page ad in the program congratulating both herself and Jill Soloway on their awards.
Adam Lambert Performing Whataya Want From Me (THT)
Adam Lambert finished out the evening with a celebratory three-song set including his smash hit “What do You Want From Me,” “What’s Up,” and, calling himself a “Queen”, he led into a swaggering and exceptionally theatrical rendition of Queen’s “Somebody to Love.”
Dessert was served, gift bags were handed out; and by the end of the gala, over $450,000 was raised toward the college educations of LGBTQ students of merit. That in itself felt like the perfect closing number.
Pete Norwalk, producer, past honoree (THT)Jorge Valencia, CEO Point Foundation (THT)
Celebrities went “Over the Edge” yesterday to raise money to build homes for veterans through the Homes 4 Families organization. These celebs rappelled 25 stories down the side of the Hilton Universal City Hotel, helping to raise over $142,000.
The funds raised will go toward the completion of the remaining 24 veteran homes in Santa Clarita – Phase 3 of a 78-home veteran family community in Palmdale and North Hollywood.
Participating celebrities included:
Clayne Crawford and Keesha Sharp (Photo by Crown Photos)
Clayne Crawford
Clayne Crawford
Keesha Sharp
Keesha Sharp, Fox’s Lethal Weapon
Liza Snyder
Liza Snyder, CBS’ Man With a Plan
Tanner Buchanan
Tanner Buchanan, ABC’s Designated Survivor
Elvy Yost (photo Crown Photos)
Elvy Yost, ABC The Catch
Ceciley Jenkins, YouTube Influencer
Carly Steel, correspondent for Entertainment Tonight
Carly Steel, Entertainment Tonight, Lisa McRee, host of Good Day
Lisa McRee and Carly Steel
L.A., and Anna Konkle, co-star of Rosewood, served as announcers for the event which launched with an LAPD SWAT helicopter flyover and members of the SWAT team setting the tone by being the first to rappel to the pool below. Veterans rappelled as well to help raise money to build their homes. Live entertainment was provided by Oscar-nominated actress Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Broadchurch, Blindspot) who sang with a jazz ensemble. Also dropping by were music artist Meaku and current season Project Runway designer Batani Khlafani.
Homes For FamiliesTM took a unique approach to fundraising today and raised more than $142,000 to build homes for low-income veterans and their families. Eighty celebrities, veterans, business leaders, and SWAT team members took part, rappelling 25 stories from the roof of the Universal Hilton Hotel at the charity’s annual “Over the Edge for Veterans.”
Money raised at “Over the Edge for Veterans” will be used to complete the final 24 homes of the new 78-home Enriched Neighborhood® in Santa Clarita. The Enriched Neighborhood model provides more than just a home – it includes services such as financial literacy workshops and veteran-specific trauma informed services. This model has shown measurable outcomes in the neighborhoods built by Homes 4 Families for more than decade.
“Homes 4 Families has created an innovative model that provides full-equity home-ownership for veterans with key social services that help them transition to civilian life,” said Donna Deutchman, President and CEO of Homes 4 Families. “We strive to help veterans get back on their feet after serving our country and continue to grow and succeed.”
Over the Edge logo
Sponsors at the event included Duct Testers, Drexel Hamilton, First Bank, O.C. Concrete, and Pacific Coast Civil. Lunch Sponsors were Prime Realty, Rosenheim and Associates, and Melissa & Hugh Roberts. Other Sponsors were FX Networks, Lionsgate Entertainment, Century Housing, California United Bank, and Sam, Joyce & Ben Wolfson and Family. Breakfast Sponsors were Century Housing, Barbara C. Oberman Insurance Services and Legacy Wealth Partners. Media Partners were RB Creative and Coast to Coast Radio. Additional sponsors were Weyerhauser, Underhill Insurance, and Hunt Braly.
Over the edge of the buidling event
The rappelling aspects of the event were produced by Over the Edge, a special events company that provides signature events for non-profit organizations anywhere in the world. Participants are invited to raise pledges in exchange for the once-in-a-lifetime experience of rappelling over the edge of a prominent building.
About Homes 4 Families:
Homes 4 FamiliesTM empowers low-income veterans and their families to enter the middle class through affordable, full-equity homeownership and sustainable housing combined with holistic services that build resiliency, self-sufficiency and economic growth. Through its outcome-proven Enriched Neighborhood® model, the nonprofit provides servicemen, servicewomen and their families with comprehensive wraparound services that equip them to succeed in civilian life, including financial education, therapeutic workshops, trauma-informed programs and veteran-to-veteran support. With more than ten years of research-backed experience and success, Homes 4 Families works closely with the California Department of Veterans Affairs and others to build permanent, thriving veteran communities.
About My Friend’s Place
Thirty years later, My Friend’s Place has grown into a dynamic resource center that offers a comprehensive continuum of services to more than 1,350 homeless youth between the ages of 12 and 25, and their children, each year.
The Run for Hope is the only event of its kind in the nation- a day dedicated to celebrating and honoring the memory of loved ones who have died.
With registration, participants can personalize t-shirts with their loved ones’ photos commemorating and celebrating their memories, and on Sunday, April 29 take part in three key events: The In-Memory Ceremony, 5K, and Festival.
The Presenting Sponsors – The Hollander Family, and Karma Rescue– are further exemplifying community commitment by bringing smiles to participants with a dog-kissing booth where all can receive a smooch by a pooch. Karma Rescue will also bring some of their rescue dogs, as many who are mourning the death of a loved one are often calmed and reassured by the loving companionship of a pet.
By: A. Redding
This year’s Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards will be hosted by 
Chief Development Officer, Darrell Tucci is excited about this year’s entertainment. “I think we’re going to see a room full of friends singing along to the hits of headline entertainment 
By Elizabeth Carbé
An Evening of Laughter, heart-warming stories, and fundraiser auction, put on by the Associate Board of Our House at the Palace Theatre, Los Angeles last week
The OUR HOUSE mission is to provide the community with grief support services, education, resources, and hope. Since 1993, OUR HOUSE has helped thousands of grieving children, teens, and adults as they embark upon their journeys to hope and healing.
Thelma Houston special guest performer with Pete Escovedo Latin Jazz Orchestra
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