May 11, 2013

Gala raises funds for LA foster children

The Court Appointed Special Advocates of Los Angeles hosted their first annual "Evening of Dreams Gala" to benefit foster children in Los Angeles at the Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire Hotel on May 1. The event honored business leaders and community activists who have displayed extraordinary commitment to foster children and raised over $800,000 from a silent and live auction. "It is incredible to see the outpouring of support from the community for our program and for the foster children of Los Angeles," said CASA LA Executive Director Dilys Garcia. "We couldn't have asked for a more wonderful start to what will become a tradition." The evening's award recipients included CASA volunteer Allison Addante and Rubicon Project CEO and CASA LA Board Member Frank Addante, who received the Bob Frandzel Memorial Award. The Robert Morrison Community Service Award was accepted by NBC4 President and General Manager Steve Carlston on behalf of the television network. And the CASA Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to 28-year CASA volunteer Jan Brice. The more than 620 guests in attendance were treated to host Dax Shepard, star of the NBC drama Parenthood. The evening was chaired by James M. Rishwain Jr., firm chair of Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP. - Caitlin Johnson