Sherri Shepherd, author, host of “The Newlywed Game,†and co-host of “The View;†Marianne Williamson, New York Times best-selling author and international lecturer; actress and animal rights activist, Tippi Hedren; Dr. Kristi Funk, renowned breast cancer surgeon & founder of the Pink Lotus Breast Center and Avante Garde vocalist/composer, Sussan Deyhim were honored with a 2010 Brave Heart Award on Saturday, October 9, 2010, at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel in Century City, CA.
1000 women came from all over the world to celebrate female empowerment and to honor five fabulous women who have made a huge difference in the world through conversation, compassion and community.
Ellie Drake, founder of the Brave Heart Awards, said, “I am honored and inspired to recognize these five empowered ladies who are encouraging women of all ages to discover their own voices because the burden of wasted potential is the biggest burden of all.â€
Presenters included Yvette Nicole Brown, Frances Fisher, Shannon Tweed, Billy Zane and Rolanda Watts. Other celebrities who attended included Marla Maples, Sheila Kelley, Forbes Riley, Master P, Cymphonique Miller, Tanya Newbould, Erin Murphy, Suzanne DeLaurentiis and Tionne Williams.
Congratulations were sent via video tape from Sheryl Crowe, a breast cancer survivor, who called Kristi Funk “a real rock star,†in speaking about her surgeon. Barbara Walters, Joy Behar, Elizabeth Hasselbeck and Whoppie Goldberg recognized Sherri Shepherd as their real inspiration on a daily basis.
Actor/Producer Paul Ryan hosted and produced the awards for the second time.
Launched in May 2009 by author and motivational speaker, Ellie Drake, www.braveheartwomen.com has recently been recognized as the Number One online women’s social networking site.
