Now that the hazy, lazy days of summer are past, time to get ready for a slew of social events. Chronicled below are some choices to consider:
Hip Hop Superstar Nelly will perform at Face Forward Gala, September 24 at the fab Vibiana in historic Downtown L.A. Funds will be raised to provide pro-bono reconstructive surgery for victims of domestic violence. This “Havana Nights” gala will honor NBA head coach, Byron Scott, for his pledge to help recruit athletes to spread the word about domestic abuse.
Some of the past attendees include Chaka Kahn, Macy Gray, Marcia Gay Harden, and La Toya Jackson to name a few. Kudos to Founders of Face Forward, Dr. David Alessi and his beautiful wife Deborah for creating an organization that treats patients with the necessary surgeries and counseling services around the world. For ticket info: check out faceforward.ticketleap.com /HAVANA
Famed philanthropist Joni Berry will be honored by the Nancy Painter Home, September 25 at The Sheraton Hotel in Universal City. Joni is an avid supporter of a myriad of causes, including SHARE, The Actors Fund, and the Professional Dancers Society. The Nancy Painter Home for Mothers with Children provides housing for homeless families in Glendale, CA, for up to two years.
Recording Artist, Monica Mancini, two-time Grammy nominee, will perform at the Gala and tickets start at $150. Check out their website for ticket info: nancypainterhomen.com.
Art aficionados keep Thursday, September 8 for a VIP Reception at the Fine Arts Gallery in Culver City, from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. You can view some of America’s fine artists in “California Landscapes” curated by award winning art icon, Molly Barnes. Some of the artists include Gil Garcetti, Lucas Reiner, and Gayle Roski, to name a few.
Many celebs including The Carl Reiner family, former D.A. Gil Garcetti, and actors and art collectors like Lou Ferrigno, Ken Davitian and Renee Taylor and Joe Bologna are scheduled to attend.
And last, but not least, September 19, Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks host the Simply Shakespeare benefit at the Freud Playhouse on the UCLA Campus. Smokey Robinson will join the star-studded cast including Martin Short and Christine Applegate, through a very condensed version of Much Ado About Nothing.
Included is a pre-show cocktail reception,
followed by a post-performance party with the cast. Proceeds from the event support life
changing programs for at risk youths and veterans in our community. For ticket info, contact Harvin Rogas at 310.559.9334 or visit shakespearecenter.org.
