Malibu supermodel Amber Valletta took a turn on the catwalk with some fashionably clad, pint-sized pals. It was all part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles Accessories for Success Luncheon Fashion Show. Amber is a longtime supporter of the event. Lloyd Boston and Jenna Fredrique Aponte emceed. Actress and Activist Yara Shahidi presented.
The flashy fling honored leaders in the entertainment industry including Tracy D. Underwood, Laurie Zaks and Martha Henderson. Actress and activist Yara Shahidi (“Black-ish” and “Grown-ish”) presented the “Excellence in Mentoring Award” to Tracy D. Underwood, senior vice president of ABC Signature, and to Laurie Zaks, president of Mandeville Television. Board Chair Laura Lizer presented the “Innovator Award” to Martha Henderson, executive vice president of entertainment banking at City National Bank.
They were lauded for outstanding leadership and support for children facing adversity in Los Angeles. The event also presented a record 108 scholarships to college bound youth from the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.
The Beverly Wilshire was all abuzz when it came to the afternoon’s highlight. There was a stylish and adorable fashion show featuring Big Brothers and Sisters (“Bigs”) with their Little Brothers and Sisters (“Littles”) modeling outfits and accessories they selected in a Goodwill store, with a budget of $30. “Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles relies on an extraordinary group of Bigs who invest time, energy and guidance to positively impact the lives of our Littles” said Olivia Diaz-Lampham, CEO. “The Accessories for Success Luncheon allows us to recognize those in our community who go above and beyond as champions for our children.” Part of the education initiative is to develop self-sufficiency and even the importance of shopping on a budget.
“It’s a tremendous honor to have been chosen to mentor and provide leadership to such outstanding young women,” said Laurie Zaks.
The program is designed to change lives for the better, forever. A lot of the kids come from challenging circumstances at home or school, yet they have enormous potential. With the support of their mentors, these students are beating the odds in BIG ways—many are the first in their family to go to college. Ninety-six percent of the kids who have a Big Brother or Big Sister are graduating from high school and 94% of them are going on to pursue higher education. But best of all, the event raised a record breaking $302,650! Sounds like a stellar report card to me.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ROMA!
Congrats to our birthday beauty Roma Downey, who held her annual all-girls bash on May 4, complete with Mariachi bands, close friends and all the guacamole you could eat on the sweetest piece of paradise in Malibu. Her two Irish wolfhounds (well behaved) were there to greet us and lilies, peonies and orchids were all around. Fashion ranged from fancy jean jackets to red carpet wear. Roma is also celebrating the release of her new book “Box of Butterflies,” which contains gems of inspiration. Seen says check it out.
Two other longtime icons are also celebrating birthdays. Our own Barbra Streisand and Shirley MacLaine blew their candles out on April 24.
Good wishes to all!