LOS ANGELES, Nov. 25, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CoachArt (www.CoachArt.org), a Los Angeles-based non-profit organization that provides therapeutic programs for chronically ill children and adolescents, announced today that it raised more than $400,000 at its annual Champions Awards Dinner held last week at the Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, Calif. The event honored Sean Moriarty, President, Ticketmaster Entertainment, Inc., and CEO, Ticketmaster, for his philanthropic efforts that have significantly improved CoachArt's ability to serve its young clients. Michael Urie, star of ABC's Ugly Betty, was also recognized as the volunteer coach who epitomizes CoachArt's dedication to children in the Los Angeles community. The event, in its fourth year, brought together corporate and community leaders to recognize their support for CoachArt's mission.
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"We are extremely grateful for the tremendous turnout we received at this year's event and are so appreciative of the support from Sean and Michael, two truly outstanding individuals who embody the spirit of CoachArt," said Zander Lurie, chairman, CoachArt. "We are big believers in the power of hope, and strive to instill this in our young patients we serve through recreation and athletics. We aim to brighten their lives and raise their spirits to help these fighters forget, even for a moment, the battles they face on a daily basis."
"This night was truly a celebration of the children we help and the thousands of talented volunteers who change lives daily," said Carol Belfield, Champions Awards Dinner event chair.
About CoachArt
CoachArt is a non-profit organization that works to improve the quality of life for underprivileged children and adolescents with life-threatening illnesses by providing free, personal lessons in the arts and athletics.
The art and recreational therapy provided by CoachArt enhances patients' self-esteem, confidence, optimism and hope. CoachArt's program is unique in that it is currently the only organization that matches patients with volunteer coaches and teachers who are professionals in their fields, in the communities where the patients reside.
CoachArt works primarily with the physicians and child-life specialists at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles and other hospitals throughout LA; CoachArt has already served thousands of children and adolescents through our various programs, and has provided more than 8,000 individual lesson hours this year in art and athletics. For more information, please visit www.coachart.org.
The photo is also available via AP PhotoExpress.
