Face Forward, a charity that provides pro-bono reconstructive surgery for victims of domestic violence, and human trafficking announces that Grammy winning, diamond selling artist, Nellywill be performing a high energy set at their upcoming gala event.
The famed rapper’s girlfriend Shantel Jackson was a victim and survivor of domestic abuse, and Nelly himself was exposed to domestic violence as a child.
“I have daughters and I wouldn’t want them to go through this,” he said. “I hope I have raised both my sons and daughters to know how to treat people of the opposite sex, and know what healthy relationships look like. It’s up to my generation and the ones that follow, to take a stand against domestic violence and inspire change.”
On September 24th, 2016 Face Forward, an inspirational charity giving survivors a second chance at leaving external scars and stigmas behind by providing complimentary reconstructive surgery, will host its most important fundraising and awareness-building event of the year. The Seventh Annual Gala, “Havana Nights” will take place at beautiful Vibiana, in Historic Downtown L.A., where it will raise funds with a goal of $500,000 to support new patient costs and aftercare expenses for 2017. The evening will feature Cuban infused cuisine by Bravo’s Top Chef Master and Iron Chef, Neal Fraser, Latin inspired music, dance and décor.
CEO/Founder of Face Forward, Deborah Alessi is a survivor of domestic abuse and a true advocate of this worthy cause. To assist other survivors to get a second chance at life, Mrs. Alessi recruited her husband and renowned facial reconstructive surgeon Dr. David Alessi M.D., who said, “Deborah and I are humbled by the continuous and growing support for our annual philanthropic event. Our wish is to draw attention to the atrocity of the worldwide problems of domestic violence and human trafficking. Face Forward’s annual gala fundraising efforts enable us to help even more victims in their journey to achieve both physical and emotional healing and recovery. This year has been exceptional for us with amazing patients and exciting new partnerships which will help us raise awareness and funds to help even more survivors.”
The gala event will recognize all star athlete and NBA head coach Byron Scott as one of the evening’s celebrity athlete honorees for his philanthropic work and his pledge to help recruit athletes to learn and spread the word about domestic violence. Shantel Jackson will receive an honor as a Survivor/Advocate, other special guests and honorees to be announced shortly.
Event Sponsors Include: Etihad Airways, Roberto Cavalli, Alessi Institute, Torrey Pines Bank and Per Aquum Niyama Maldives
Since its creation in 2007, Face Forward has worked with community leaders around the world to identify victims of violence who are working toward recovery yet carry the burdening physical evidence of past abuse. Face Forward does more than just provide pro bono reconstructive surgery to adults and children who have suffered traumatic and severe physical abuse; they also create a welcoming and safe environment for these survivors to start a fresh new life, and reclaim their confidence. The organization co-founders Mrs. Deborah and Dr. David Alessi both donate their time and skills 100% to the organization to provide Face Forward patients with the necessary surgeries and counseling services. Funds raised by the organization help with ancillary costs, travel expenses for patients including air fare, accommodations and transportation, nursing aftercare and more. Face Forward treats patients from around the world, and currently brings all patients for treatment to their office in Beverly Hills.
Domestic violence is a serious issue affecting 1 in 4 women and more than 4 million women in the US alone. The night will focus on celebrating survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking, raising money via donations, and live & silent auctions. The powerhouse-packed event will feature a stunning cocktail reception, complete with entertainment from the moment guests step out of their cars, a seated dinner, silent & live auctions, dancers and live musical performances, and “Havana Nights” inspired ambiance. Following the dinner will be the awards ceremony honoring individuals that have made a significant difference in this arena.
Lily Tomlin – an entertainment maverick whose talents put her at the pinnacle of comedy, acting, writing and producing – has been named the 53rd recipient of SAG-AFTRA’s highest tribute: the SAG Life Achievement Award for career achievement and humanitarian accomplishment.
Tomlin will be presented the performers union’s most prestigious distinction at the 23rd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards, which will be simulcast live nationwide on TNT and TBS on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2017 at 8 p.m. (ET), 7 p.m. (CT), 6 p.m. (MT) and 5 p.m. (PT). The SAG Life Achievement Award will join Tomlin’s extraordinary collection of preeminent industry and public honors, which includes a 2014 Kennedy Center Award, the 2003 Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, two Peabody Awards, multiple Emmys (including this year’s Lead Comedy Actress nomination), numerous American Comedy Awards, two Tony Awards, a Grammy, a Writers Guild of America Award and both the Crystal Award and the Lucy Award from Women in Film. That Tomlin embodies the SAG Life Achievement Award’s “finest ideals of the acting profession” is amply celebrated by these and her numerous other professional and philanthropic commendations.
In making the announcement, SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris said, “Lily Tomlin is an extraordinary actress, as equally adept at narrative drama as in comedy roles. But it is through her many original characters that Lily’s creative genius fully shines. She has an ability to create diverse and distinct characters that are at once familiar, eccentric and oh so honest – in a way that illuminates life’s hidden corners. From Edith Ann to Frankie, her characters are wholly unique, and by exposing every nuance of human behavior they widen our scope of understanding. On behalf of nearly 160,000 SAG-AFTRA members, we are honored to bestow our SAG Life Achievement Award on the truly amazing Lily Tomlin.”
Tomlin has been a cherished star in the entertainment firmament since she joined the groundbreaking television series Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In in 1969, when it was rated the No. 1 show and watched by over 25 percent of all American television viewers. She and the colony of characters she created have continued to evolve, grow, deepen and adapt to this day, as Tomlin expresses her talents in nearly all forms of media.
Tomlin is well-known for supporting philanthropic organizations, particularly those focused on animal welfare, civil rights, health care, overcoming homelessness and supporting the LGBTQ community in all aspects of life. She has given countless fund-raising performances for organizations across the country, including The Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders, Rosie’s Place in Boston, Project Home in Philadelphia and many, many other community action groups. Tomlin has contributed in other ways to improve conditions for all living things, such as co-founding the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Lily Tomlin/Jane Wagner Cultural Arts Center. Tomlin and Wagner together also founded the Goosebump Garden at the internationally knownLGBT Fenway Health Center in Boston and have been involved in its growth for over 25 years.
As part of her concern for animals, Tomlin earned an Emmy for her narration of the documentary An Apology to Elephants. She has worked with elephant activists all over the country to take elephants out of zoos, is on the boards of Actors and Others for Animals and the Shambala Sanctuary. She also works with Paws Elephant Sanctuary in California. She has received the Petco Foundation’s Hope Award for being a leader in animal welfare, and she established the Voice For The Animals Foundation’s Lily Award, to highlight just a few of her interests.
Tomlin’s humanitarian efforts earned her the Honickman Foundation’s Golden Heart Award for her impact in breaking the cycle of homelessness and poverty. To name just two of many organizations she supports, Tomlin devotes her time to Smile Train, the international charity that provides cleft palate/lip surgery to children, and PAWS/LA, which assists low-income elderly and people living with catastrophic illness keep and care for their pets.
Aug 08, 2016 10:30 am
Celebrity motorcycle riders came together last week for the New York celebration of the 7th annual Kiehl’s LifeRide for amfAR, an 11-day, multi-state, charitable motorcycle ride throughout the Northeast that raises funds and awareness for amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research.
Gilles Marini attends NY Celebration of Kiehl’s LifeRide for amfAR
Among those who took part were:
Anthony Carrino, TV host (HGTV’s America’s Most Desperate Kitchens)
· Ben Cohen, Activist and former pro rugby player
· Gilles Marini, Actor (Teen Wolf; Sex and the City; runner-up of Dancing with the Stars)
· Grant Reynolds, TV host (Science Channel’s What Could Possibly Go Wrong?)
· Ian Bohen, Actor (Animal Kingdom, Chicago P.D.)
· Jay Ellis, Actor (The Game)
· JR Bourne, Actor (Teen Wolf)
· Luke Wessman, Tattoo Artist (Miami Ink, NY Ink)
· Kurt Yaeger, Actor (Quarry)
· Milissa Sears, Actor (Masters of Sex)
· Scott Patterson, Actor (Gilmore Girls, The Event)
· Teddy Sears, Actor (24: Legacy, The Flash, Masters of Sex)
Jackie Cruz attends NY Celebration of Kiehl’s LifeRide for amfAR
Special Guest: Alex Newell, Actor (Glee, Vinyl) & Atlantic Records Recording Artist
DJ Set by: The Misshapes
Additional VIP guests: Christian Siriano, Designer; Deborah Ayorinde, Actor (Barbershop); Hill Harper, Actor (Limitless); Ian Mellencamp, Musician, Model; Jackie Cruz, Actress (Orange is the New Black), Josh Mario John, Model; Laura Osnes, Broadway Actress; Louisa Warwick, Model; Patina Miller, Actress (Madame Secretary); Summer Rae, Pro Wrestler; Theo Rossi, Actor (Sons of Anarchy, Luke Cage) and others…
Guests met this year’s riders and learned more about amfAR’s efforts
· In celebration of LifeRide, every customer that visited Kiehl’s NYC flagship on August 3 received a 15 percent discount on all purchases, with the exception of charitable products and value sets. Kiehl’s will donate that 15 percent difference to amfAR, up to $125,000.
· Complimentary beverages by FIJI Water, SUJA Juice, Chameleon Cold Brew, Pique Tea, and healthy snacks provided by Perfect Bar and Go Raw
· Complimentary mini facials or hand massages were offered, along with free rapid HIVtesting, provided by AIDS Healthcare Foundation.
· The cure is in your hands: 100 percent of Kiehl’s net profits from the sale of the Limited Edition Ultimate Strength Hand Salve, up to $25,000, will benefit amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research.
Following news that House of Blues Entertainment President Ronald Bension has joined SeaWorld’s board of directors, iconic Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee — a longtime SeaWorld foe — sent a letter on PETA’s behalf this week asking Bension to urge the company to follow the National Aquarium’s lead and build coastal sanctuaries for the animals currently held captive at its theme parks.
“I’m glad that SeaWorld has stopped jacking off orcas since my appeal, which came before the release of Blackfish. But for the 29 orcas and countless other animals who are still being kept in tiny tanks, it’s the same ol’ situation,” writes Lee. “Please, save the orcas and your reputation by urging SeaWorld to build sanctuaries where these animals could feel ocean currents, hear wild pods, and still be cared for as long as they need.”
PETA’s motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to use for entertainment,” and Tommy Lee’s full letter on PETA’s behalf is available here.
Jerry’s House, the global initiative that carries out activities to teach sick children the connection between laughter and healing, was introduced by 13-year-old Australian boy Lochie Graham at Melbourne International Film Festival this past Saturday.
Lochie spoke in honour of Jerry Lewis’ 90th birthday year at MIFF’s comprehensive retrospective program. A video message from Jerry Lewis was introduced by Lochie about Jerry’s passion for raising money to find ways to help sick children: Donate Here.
After walking the MIFF2016 red carpet gala opening, Lochie introduced the featured Jerry Lewis film classic The Nutty Professor.
A 7-Year-old Boy Inspires a Vision of Hope & Healing
Lochie inspired the Jerry’s House charity when he first met Jerry Lewis at the final Muscular Dystrophy American Telethon. Jerry held a picture of them as he spoke to the American public about how Lochie Graham understood his legacy – carrying it into the future with Lochie’s vision for a house where children who live with chronic illness find joy and learn to heal using humour.
Speaking to a full house at MIFF2016 Lochie explained his philanthropic involvement. At 13 Lochie has been a foster brother, worked overseas in children’s charities, is a young ambassador to The Foundation for Young Australians and is often seen helping Sam Lipski at The Pratt Foundation.
“As a foster brother, it seems to me that every child’s world is better when they can laugh–despite the terrible things in their lives. It’s my hope that one day children around the world will have a place where they can learn to heal through laughter,” says Lochie Graham.
Jerry has inspired Lochie’s show-business acting career too, garnering many comedic accolades for various roles in commercials (AFL) and recently in a leading role for a children’s TV comedy show.
Aug 08, 2016 08:20 am
Actress Vanessa Redgrave takes on the plight of unaccompanied children stuck in the Calais ‘Jungle’ camp by delivering a letter to Downing Street urging Prime Minister Theresa May to take immediate action.
