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L.A. Family Housing Awards 2007
Event
L.A. Family Housing 8th Annual Awards Dinner
On October 10th, L.A. Family Housing celebrated its 8th annual awards dinner with 400 supporters and guests. The event, held at Universal Studios Globe Theatre, raised nearly $500,000 to support the programs and services of LAFH. Danny Glover, David Fleming, and Oakwood School were honored for their commitment to social justice and building a better community for all.
Colorful and imaginative art work painted by children at L.A. Family Housing
shelters decorated the 
outdoor
cocktail area. The theme for the night, “create a dream,” resonated
in the beautiful pieces that were also available for purchase through silent
auction.
Former
clients Roosevelt Redmond and his three children began the program with
a moving message of gratitude for the help they had received while at LAFH.
A true “success story,” Roosevelt now holds a full-time job
at HOWS Market, and has moved his family into an apartment at LAFH’s
newest development, Cecil Younger Gardens in Van Nuys. (You may read more
of the Redmond family story under Testimonials.)
Giuliana
Rancic, Anchor for E! Entertainment, served as Master of Ceremonies for
the evening, praising L.A. Family Housing for its 24 years of service helping
homeless families who are so often overlooked in our society. Presenting
sponsors were The Audrey and Sydney Irmas Charitable Foundation, Washington
Mutual and Century Housing. LAFH board members Betty and Ross Winn served
as dinner co-chairs.
Danny
Glover, graciously accepting the Sydney M. Irmas Outstanding Humanitarian
Award, remarked on the story told by the Redmond family: “Mr. Redmond
remained steadfast, he had courage. He represents but one of the hundreds
and hundreds of thousands of people who face the dilemma of homelessness…
Tonight we celebrate his victory, but are reminded of the need to find ways
to address the systemic and structural issues that lead to homelessness.”
David Fleming, who received the L.A. Family Housing Legacy Award
,
reiterated Glover’s reflections on the pressing demand for housing,
“We all hear the old adage: ‘Home is where the heart is.’
That is a big challenge in Southern California. Housing for the needy has
never been in shorter supply than it is today.”
The final award of the night, the Friend of the Family Award, was given to Oakwood School in North Hollywood. Oakwood’s students, parents and faculty have provided nearly 20 years of volunteer support to LAFH, including the Oakwood School Jazz Band, which performed during cocktails, and students who had guided the LAFH children’s art work that was auctioned at the dinner.
Reflecting on the evening, Stephanie Klasky-Gamer, LAFH President and CEO,
remarked, “I am so very proud of L.A. Family Housing. It was a beautiful
event and a genuine celebration of the great work that we do. Stories like
that of Roosevelt Redmond and his family are truly what it is all about.”
We welcome all to join us as we commemorate L.A. Family Housing’s
25th anniversary at our next awards dinner on May 13th, 2008.
To make a donation to support the work of LAFH, please click here.
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