Los Angeles-Long Beach, CA (1888PressRelease)
May 08, 2008 - Phoenix Houses of California, one of the state’s leading non-profit substance abuse treatment organizations, gathered Los Angeles’ top entertainment and business leaders at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills yesterday for its fourth annual “Triumph For Teens” Awards Gala. The gala honored this year’s award recipients—the cast and producers of ABC’s family comedy George Lopez, actress and advocate Lorna Luft, and Paramount Pictures’ Freedom Writers—as well as raised funds to support Phoenix House programs for teens.
“Phoenix House is committed to offering troubled youth, regardless of economic status or ability to pay, the chance to turn their lives around,” says Winnie Wechsler, Executive Director of Phoenix Houses of California. “We believe the success these kids achieve in our residential treatment programs is the result of a partnership among many members of our community, and it is wonderful they have joined us this evening to honor these kids who so deserve our support.”
The cast and executive producers of George Lopez were honored with the Phoenix Rising Award for the power and poignancy of the show, which captures real life struggles of a Latino family and features characters with whom the teens at Phoenix House can identify. Actor Mario Lopez presented the award to George Lopez, who plays the leading role and is one of the show’s producers. Lopez was later joined on stage by producers Bruce Helford, Deborah Oppenheimer, Mark Torgove, and Luisa Leschin as well as cast members Constance Marie, Belita Moreno, and Valente Rodriguez.
Actress Marlee Matlin presented Ms. Luft with the Achievement Award for her humanitarian efforts and dedication as an advocate for drug rehabilitation. Through her autobiography “Me and My Shadows: A Family Memoir” and public appearances, Ms. Luft speaks regularly about the devastating impact of substance abuse on her family and her personal struggles on the way to recovery, a personal account that has helped change the lives of many. One highlight of the evening was a surprise video tribute from Barry Manilow, who spoke candidly about his friendship with Ms. Luft and her selflessness in helping others who seek recovery, giving them hope that treatment is available.
Henry Jones, one of the teens portrayed in Paramount’s Picture Freedom Writers, presented the Public Service Award to executive producer Stacey Sher and director Richard La Gravenese for advancing Phoenix House’s cause and inspiring youth to change their lives. Cast member and R&B singer Mario joined Ms. Sher and Mr. La Gravenese on stage to accept the award. Freedom Writers is a film that offers hope to troubled teens faced with fears, social and economic issues by sharing the power of writing and self-discovery as a way they can cope and understand themselves.
Actress Lauren C. Mayhew who has been a longtime friend of Phoenix House hosted the evening’s program, which raised $250,000 for the organization.
Serving as event co-chairs were Nathan “Sonny” Golden and Scott E. Brown of Lexington Financial Management, LLC, Garry C. Kief of STILETTO Entertainment, Gary LeMel of Warner Bros. Worldwide Music and Sunset Records, Barry Manilow, Bruce Rosenblum of Warner Bros. Television Group, and Ryan L. Tarpley of Creative Artists Agency. Warner Bros. Television President Peter Roth was among the prominent guests attending.
Major sponsors included The Handtmann Family Foundation, Timothy J. Noonan of Lockton Insurance Brokers, LLC, and Security Pacific Bank as “Benefactors,” and Bank of America, Creative Artists Agency, Neil Kadisha of Omninet Capital, STILETTO Entertainment, and Grant A. Tinker as “Patrons.”
“Triumph for Teens” celebrates the victories of young people over substance abuse. It is an evening of recognition for adolescents who have learned the lessons of honesty, responsibility, and concern for others on their road to recovery.
Renowned for its effective long-term residential treatment programs, Phoenix Houses of California has touched the lives of adolescents, adults, and their families for 25 years, helping them overcome the problems associated with substance abuse and empowering them with the skills to lead healthy, productive and rewarding lives. More than 1,750 individuals each day receive treatment through 25 Phoenix House programs throughout Southern and Central California. Phoenix House serves Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego counties with facilities located in Lake View Terrace, Los Angeles, Santa Ana, Santa Fe Springs, Encinitas, Monrovia, and Venice. For more information please feel free to visit http://www.phoenixhouse.org/California
Koren L. Kordes
Omninet Capital
Phone: 310-300-4100
Fax: 310-300-4131
Email: Koren ( @ ) Omninet dot com
