Los Angeles, June 07, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Los Angeles, CA, June 7, 2017 --- Advocates for foster children’s nonprofit organization CASA of Los Angeles concluded its 5th Annual Evening to Foster Dreams Gala in fine fashion, welcoming 700 sponsors, donors, board members and celebrity guests to the Beverly Hilton Hotel May 16th. The evening’s honorees included Emmy award-winning actress and CASA Volunteer Advocate Mary Beth Evans, Freeform’s “The Fosters” and SHARE, Inc.
CASA was able to raise just under $1 Million from the event, which will go directly to the organization’s advocacy and support services for abused and neglected children in Los Angeles’ foster care system, of which there are over 30,000. The evening included silent and live auctions, featuring amazing travel experiences and other items provided by Monarch Beach Resort, Princess Cruises, Hawaiian Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and OjO Scooters, to name a few. Former Daily Show correspondent and comedian Al Madrigal began the night’s entertainment, which culminated in a performance by SNL legend Dana Carvey.
Celebrities in attendance at the 5th Annual Evening to Foster Dreams Gala included “The Fosters” own Teri Polo, Sherri Saum, Hayden Byerly and Cierra Ramirez as well as Executive Producers and creators Peter Paige (Co-Creator/EP), Bradley Bredeweg (Co-Creator/EP), and Greg Gugliotta (EP). Additional celebrity guests in attendance were James Marsters, Haley Pullos, Tammy Townsend, Jen Lilly, Carolyn Hennesy, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Bai Ling, Elizabeth Frances, Alan Dale, Graham Patrick Martin and others.
“This event is aptly named, as every dollar raised leading into and during the gala goes towards changing and saving the lives of foster children in our community so they may live their dreams,” said CASA/LA CEO Wende Nichols-Julien. “Some of those dreams are simple – a family, a home, or to find a stable environment. We can’t thank our attendees, volunteers and donors enough for giving these kids a chance.”
Images from the 5th Annual Evening to Foster Dreams are available upon request. Contact: Brian McWilliams / SpellCom For more information, to volunteer or to donate visit www.casala.org
ABOUT CASA/LA
Founded in 1978, CASA of Los Angeles is a community-supported 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to mobilize community volunteers to advocate on behalf of abused and neglected children in the overburdened foster care system of Los Angeles County. Through committed, highly trained everyday citizen volunteers, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) brings the voice of a concerned community into the child welfare system. Studies have shown that children with CASAs receive more assistance and support than children without, and are more likely to be adopted or returned to their families and less likely to reenter the child welfare system. For more information, please visit the CASA of Los Angeles website: www.casala.org