Malibu Seen: For Kids’ Sake

0
312
As ExtraordinaryFamilies steps up to the plate, CEO Sarah Boone, honoree Shane Brennan and presenter Chris O’Donnell gather for accolades at The Beverly Hilton.

Malibu has many outstanding supporters who work with organizations that help kids in need, and now you  can add another one to the list.

ExtraordinaryFamilies recently honored Shane Brennan, Stacie and Philip D’amour, Jason Peers, and Eric Pelovello at its first annual awards gala.

This nonprofit is dedicated to improving the lives of kids in child welfare. The gala took place a few weeks back at The Beverly Hilton. The evening honored Shane Brennan, creator and executive producer of “NCIS: Los Angeles,” with the 2016 Visionary Award. Stacie and Philip D’Amour, Jason Peers, and Eric Pelovello were presented with the 2016 Sylvia Fogelman Founder’s Award. Actress Renee Ridgeley and comedienne Sheila Chalakee hosted the whole splashy shindig. Singer and songwriter Judith Hill performed and actor Chris O’Donnell was on hand to present the awards, while Brooke Kaufman Halsband took on the role of chairwoman.  

“ExtraordinaryFamilies” was formed in 2015 with the merger of two incredible nonprofits:  Southern California Foster Family and Adoption Agency and Child Welfare Initiative.  The merger of the two organizations resulted in new synergies, improved efficiencies, reduced costs, complementary services, and in-field learning that significantly leveraged resources and greatly increased the organization’s impact on the community. This organization is out to change lives, and they’re not kidding around. 

SPACED OUT

Local science buffs (Bill and Cheryl Chadwick are fans) are looking forward to the 18th annual Discovery Ball, scheduled to take off Friday, May 20, to raise money for the California Science Center. This year, it celebrates the arrival of the ET 94. This ET is the last remaining flight-ready external tank for Space Shuttle Endeavour’s ultimate display in launch position in the future Samuel Oschin Pavilion Air and Space Center.

Three-and-a-half years ago the world watched as Space Shuttle Endeavour made its final flight atop the Boeing 747-123 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, then completed its historic journey through city streets from LAX to the California Science Center in Exposition Park. The arrival of ET-94 is the next exciting chapter as the center advances one of the most significant educational and civic projects in California: the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center.

Guests of the first-ever, off-site Discovery Ball in Marina del Rey will retrace the External Tank’s journey home. Cocktails and jazz will transport guests to the heart of the French Quarter, then follow the Second Line to the dinner tent where jungle meets carnival for a spectacular Panamanian-style dinner and dancing and finally join in a midnight send-off for ET-94 through the streets of LA to the California Science Center. Far out!