2021 HEROES OF HOLLYWOOD AWARDS & FUNDRAISER THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7TH, 2021 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
The Hollywood Chamber Community Foundation was founded in 1972 to provide financial assistance in the form of grants to non-profit organizations that serve the Hollywood Community. Our major fundraiser, the “Heroes of Hollywood Awards,” honors community leaders, executives, business owners, and organizations for their dedication to Hollywood and improving the community for all.
Dwayne Gathers 2021-2022 Chair, Community Foundation
The Foundation promotes non-profit organizations within the community and illustrates the success of a business advocacy group giving financial assistance to the community that it serves. Since 1993, the Hollywood Community Foundation has saluted more than 125 extraordinary leaders and has granted over $900,000 to a variety of organizations in need.
ABOUT THE EVENT The Hollywood Chamber Community Foundation’s Heroes of Hollywood Awards Fundraiser honors individuals, businesses and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional leadership in the Hollywood community. They go above all expectations and continuously inspire others through their generosity and selfless acts. The event also honors an exemplary entertainer who embraces community on an international scale with the Distinguished Service Award in Memory of Johnny Grant. Additionally, we honor an outstanding female performer who is considered a trailblazer within the industry with the coveted Mary Pickford Award. The event proceeds go to non-profit organizations who help those in need within the Hollywood community.
EVENT PLANNING COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS
Craig Darian Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Occidental Entertainment Group
Michelle Sobrino-Stearns President & Group Publisher, Variety
EVENT PLANNING COMMITTEE
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE 2021 HEROES OF HOLLYWOOD!
George Baker, ASAP Talent Agency Dwayne Gathers, Gathers Strategies
Kaylee Kiecker, Hollywood Chamber Chloe Kim, Hollywood Chamber Martha Pelayo, Los Angeles City College
Marty Shelton, NAI Capital Jeff Zarrinnam, Hollywood Hotel
Is Proud to Honor & Congratulate
Greeting from Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell, President Pro Tempore of LA City
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce's
Welcome from Foundation Board Chair, Dwayne Gathers
2021 Heroes of Hollywood
About the Foundation Introduction of Event Emcee, Nigel Lythgoe
2021 HEROES OF HOLLYWOOD AWARD PRESENTATIONS Kevin James, (Past) President, Public Works, City of Los Angeles Stanley Folb, Developer Shannon Geaney, Police Detective III, Los Angeles Police Department St. Vincent Meals on Wheels Louis Abramson, Volunteer
RECIPIENT OF THE 2021 DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD IN MEMORY OF JOHNNY GRANT: Edward James Olmos Actor, Producer, Director, Activist Executive Director of the Lives & Hazard Educational Project
RECIPIENT OF THE 2021 MARY PICKFORD AWARD: Vanessa Williams Multi-Platinum Recording Artist and Star of Television, Film and Theatre Founding member of Black Theatre United Closing from Foundation Board Chair, Dwayne Gathers
A BIG ROUND OF APPLAUSE FOR ALL THE 2021 HEROES OF HOLLYWOOD!
Join us on our mission to raise additional funds for our non-profits who are struggling keep their doors open during the COVID pandemic. You can show your support before and during the program. Donors giving $100 or more will be added to our Foundation’s virtual Wall of Fame, which will be unveiled following the event! https://www.gofundme.com/f/giving-back-to-hollywood-foundation-fundraiser
WELL DESERVED AWARDS TO THE 2021 HEROES OF HOLLYWOOD!
Experience some of the best that Hollywood has to offer by bidding on a silent auction item! Holiday shopping done early and easily while helping others have a better season. https://www.ebay.com/usr/2021_heroes_of_hollywood_silent_auction 100% of all net proceeds from donations and auction items are awarded to local non-profits in the form of grants. Those who have already shown their generous support of 2021 Heroes of Hollywood event include:
Congratulations! 2021 HOH Honorees We're proud to be a part of this tremendous community!
GOLD LEVEL
SILVER LEVEL
A special thanks to our many friends and donors who have contributed personally.
HATS OFF TO ALL THE 2021 HEROES OF HOLLYWOOD!
Nigel Lythgoe is a three-time Emmy winner has been a pioneer in television and a driving force in the world of performing arts as the creator, executive producer and judge on SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE as well as the producer of the highly acclaimed AMERICAN IDOL. Lythgoe spearheaded and produced IDOL GIVES BACK, which raises millions for worthy causes and distinguished with the prestigious Governors Award, the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ highest honor. Also recognized with the International Emmy Founders Award, for his work that crosses cultural boundaries and speaks to our common humanity. Lythgoe has dedicated himself to providing access to the performing arts for underserved youth and communities. Lythgoe co-founded the Dizzy Feet Foundation to increase access to dance education in underprivileged communities throughout the U.S. and has partnered with the American Heart Association with the school program “Kids Heart Challenge.” The U.K.’s University of Bedfordshire awarded Lythgoe with an honorary Doctor of Arts for his outstanding contribution to the performing arts in television. He created National Dance Day which is held on the last Saturday in September as an annual celebration promotes dance and an active lifestyle. Lythgoe was elected Chairman of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts Los Angeles in 2010 and created the BAFTA Los Angeles Nigel Lythgoe Television Scholarship providing financial aid and access to educational opportunities for British students studying in the United States. To champion the creative fusion between the United Kingdom and California, Lythgoe created BritWeek, an annual series of events celebrating British and American collaboration in film, television, music, art, fashion, design, business, sports, and philanthropy. Lythgoe has been awarded with the Ellis Island International Medal of Honor, was nominated for a Tony Award for the Broadway Musical sensation “On the Town” and was named on Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth’s Birthday Honors List and awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) for his work in Education, Charity and the Arts, and was recently honored with a start on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE 2021 HEROES OF HOLLYWOOD!
He serves on the Board of Directors for The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Turnaround Arts, LA’s Best, and the USC Kaufman Board of Councilors. He created the Nigel Lythgoe Endowed Dance Scholarship for USC’s Glorya Kaufman School of Dance.
Edward James Olmos has achieved extraordinary success as an actor, producer and humanitarian. The Tony, Emmy and Academy Award® Nominated actor, is known for his work on “Battlestar Galatica” as Admiral William Adama. He directed the HBO movie “Walkout” in 2007, for which he earned a DGA Nomination in the Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Movies. Olmos’ career in entertainment spans over 50 years of working in the business. He created a signature style and aesthetic that he applies to every artist endeavor, often grounding his characters in reality and gravitas. Originally a musician, Olmos branched out into acting, appearing in many small theatre productions until portraying the iconic El Pachuco in “Zoot Suit.” The play moved to Broadway and Olmos earned a Tony nomination for the role, which he revised in the 1981 film version. Olmos went on to appear in the films Wolfen, Blade Runner, and the Ballad of Gregorio Cortez before starring in his biggest role to date, that of Lieutenant Martin Castillo in the iconic 80’s television series “Miami Vice” opposite Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas. During the series, Olmos earned two Golden Globe and Emmy Award nominations, resulting in a win from each. Olmos was nominated for an Academy Award® and won the Golden Globe for his portrayal of Jaime Escalante in Stand and Deliver. He directed and starred in his first motion picture, American Me, in 1992. Other credits as an actor include the motion pictures My Family/Mi Familia; Selena, which was a breakout film for Jennifer Lopez; and In the Time of Butterflies, in which he played Dominican Republic dictator Rafael Leonidas Trujillo. In television, he is bringing gravitas to Mayans, M.C., in its second hit season. He enjoyed a recurring role as U.S. Supreme Court Justice Roberto Mendoza in the NBC drama “The West Wing,” portrayed a widowed father in the PBS drama American Family: Journey of Dreams, and “Dexter.” He recently Directed the YouTube phenomena “The Short Film BP Doesn’t Want You To See,” featured on Larry King/CNN. CHEERS TO ALL OF THE 2021 HEROES OF HOLLYWOOD HONOREES!
Olmos’ is an international advocate, spokesman, and humanitarian working with organizations such as Thank You Ocean, Project Hope Foundation, Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, The Boy’s and Girl’s Club of America, The River Keepers, Dr. Andros’ Diabetic Foot Global Conference and he speaks up to 150 times a year in schools, universities, and corporations.
Vanessa Williams is one of the most respected and multifaceted performers in the entertainment industry today. Having sold millions of records worldwide, Vanessa has also achieved numerous #1 and Top 10 hits on various Billboard Album and Singles charts: Pop, Dance, R&B, Adult Contemporary, Holiday, Latin, Gospel and Jazz. Her critically acclaimed work in film, television, recordings and the Broadway stage has been recognized by every major industry award affiliate including 4 Emmy nominations, 11 Grammy nominations, a Tony nomination, 3 SAG award nominations, 7 NAACP Image Awards and 3 Satellite Awards. Her platinum single “Colors of the Wind,” from Disney’s Pocahontas, won the Oscar, Grammy and Golden Globe for Best Original Song. A graduate of Syracuse University, Vanessa is a strong advocate for equal rights, especially concerning the gay community and minorities. She was honored with the Human Rights Campaign “Ally for Equality” Award for her humanitarian contributions. Vanessa also achieved a career pinnacle with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2007. Vanessa’s autobiography, You Have No Idea, co-written with her mother Helen Williams, was a New York Times Best Seller in 2012. In 2020, Vanessa released Bubble Kisses, her first picture book for children, which tells the story of a young girl with the ability to transform into a mermaid. This effervescent, lively tale is based on a song which is also available with the book and as a download. Bubble Kisses was honored with The American Book Fest Award, The National Indie Excellence Award and The International Book Award in the Category of Best Children’s Picture Book – Hardcover Fiction. Vanessa’s recent Broadway credits include co-starring with Cicely Tyson in The Trip to Bountiful, (the #1 play of the 2013 season), After Midnight (2014), and a special limited engagement in Hey, Look Me Over at New York City Center in 2018. Vanessa also recently starred in the revival of City of Angels on The West End in London. Vanessa is the mother of four - Melanie, Jillian, Devin and Sasha. Her charitable endeavors are many and varied, embracing and supporting such organizations as Black Theatre United, The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, Special Olympics, Broadway Cares-Equity Fights AIDS and several others. Vanessa is one of the world’s most accomplished concert artists, appearing regularly with the most prestigious symphony orchestras in the world, including the National Symphony Orchestra at The Kennedy Center.
Kevin James may be best known for his public service throughout the community and his many accolades within the City of Angels. He sat on the Board of Public Works as the President of Los Angeles and worked hard to create opportunities for women and tminority-owned businesses to aid them during the critical time of the pandemic. He built electric vehicle infrastructures, protected water quality, and expanded city contracting opportunities to provide critical city services. During the pandemic, Kevin focused on critical CityServices so that they would not be interrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Aside from the passion he puts into her public service, Kevin also has deep roots with community service. He volunteers with the AIDS Project Los Angeles food bank, which serves people in underserved communities and people living with and affected by HIV. Kevin is a high-level Civil Servant, and an early member of the Board of Directors for AIDS Project LA. Kevin is also a Board member for the First-in Fire Foundation, connecting citizens to their local fire stations through building gardens at the stations. He put his efforts towards raising funds for fire station improvements to ensure quality within communities.
CHEERS TO THE 2021 HEROES OF HOLLYWOOD HONOREES!
Kevin is committed to elevating the world around him. Along with all his ongoing efforts, he advocates for the rights of the LGBTQ community to serve openly in the military. As an early member of the Campaign for Military Service, a coalition of the LGBTQ, he amplifies the voices to bring forth opportunities that may have been otherwise missed.
6515 Sunset
6565 Sunset
Stanley Folb Starting over 60 years ago, developer and entrepreneur Stanley Folb decided to take a chance on building much needed office space in the heart of Hollywood. From Motown Records and Cannon Films in his early days, Stan's buildings have been home to many of Hollywood's most successful creators, and have shaped both the skyline and the economic trend-line of what has now become the world's capital of content creation: our much beloved Tinseltown.
Hollywood loves you Stan!
Stanley Folb was a pioneer office building developer in the 1960’s/ 1970’s and has made his imprint in the Hollywood community. He branched out supporting all avenues within the community, supporting many causes such as the Local YMCA, Gay and Lesbian Center and Project Angel Food. The Stanley Folb office buildings provided needed studio and office space for several of the largest music producers and filmmakers in Hollywood during the 70’s and 80’s including Berry Gordy’s corporate offices. These buildings started with about 1000 sq. ft. and eventually built several recording studios and additional offices totaling approximately 60,000 sq. ft. This helped retain at least some of the major entertainment industry businesses in Hollywood. As a pioneer in the community, he did not want to stop there, he found time to serve on the Board for the Hollywood Chamber Community Foundation while supporting other local nonprofits such as the Hollywood Police Activities League, Hollywood Police Support Association and Friends of Hollywood Central Park.
JOYCE AND STANLEY BLACK FAMILY FOUNDATION
Shannon Geaney, a Police Detective at LAPD for 23 years and former Major in the United States Marine Corps for over 14 years, has taken it upon herself to help support and better the lives of the youth and many homeless within the Hollywood community. After serving 11 years in the Marine Corps, where her missions included disaster relief, she decided to continue her efforts in serving the people through the LAPD. Officer Geaney knows the streets of Hollywood as well as anyone, and she is trusted by community leaders and homeless advocates. Shannon champions for the betterment of Hollywood, not only by dedicating herself to the police force but by taking a stance on the side of justice and mending the trust between youth and officers such as herself. She has embraced the Rooms for Success Program by taking students under her wing and mentoring them through academics, health, and finances. She continues to dedicate herself to the youth by guiding them towards a better future of sustainable living. Shannon has helped paint over twenty-five murals with Arts Bridging the Gap to help create messages of positivity while forging relationships within communities. Shannon champions for the betterment of Hollywood, not only by dedicating herself to the police force but by taking a stance on the side of justice and mending the trust between youth and officers such as herself.
Sister Alice Marie Quinn, Daughter of Charity and a Registered Dietitian, was the founder and Executive Director of St. Vincent Meals on Wheels until her death in 2017. Under her leadership, St. Vincent Meals on Wheels became the largest privately funded Meals on Wheels program in America. CONGRATULATIONS 2021 HEROES OF HOLLYWOOD!
Sister Alice Marie grew a program that was rooted in love for the seniors she served. Immediately prior to founding St. Vincent Meals on Wheels, Sister worked with the St. Vincent Medical Center as assistant director of its dietary department. She found that many poor and elderly people who lived in apartments near the hospital didn’t eat properly or regularly. And she noticed that their physical and mental well-being suffered as a result. Following the Vincentian charism and values of advocacy for the poor and compassionate service, made a pot of stew one evening in 1977 for 83 seniors at a local church hall. That single selfless act led to the St. Vincent Senior Citizen Nutrition Program, which after serving 100 meal clients each day, expanded into St. Vincent Meals on Wheels. During COVID, St. Vincent Meals on Wheels served the families and victims who were inbound and infected with the virus by delivering meals, grooming supplies, games and entertainment, and even pet food and supplies.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE OUTSTANDING EFFORTS OF OUR 2021 HEROES OF HOLLYWOOD!
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Louis Abramson is the founder of Hollywood Harvest, which provides food deliveries to local seniors. Along with creating a sustainable way to continue grocery deliveries, this Hollywood Harvest food exchange has - in cooperation with the Hollywood Food Coalition - already supported the recovery and redistribution of 300,000 lbs of food that would otherwise have gone to waste. Louis also helped launch Hollywood4WRD, to bring committed community members and organizations together to collaborate, to communicate and to forge a unified voice aimed at system change, effective policy and coordination of resources to end homelessness in greater Hollywood. When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, Louis stepped up with several other local stakeholders to lead an effort to reach out to every local senior in central Hollywood, putting together a team of 150 volunteer callers that made 5,055 calls to local seniors 65+. When it was determined that a lot of these residents had no support network, Louis and the team launched a grocery delivery program to keep these seniors supported and safer at home. Through the next eight weeks, they delivered 16 tons of food to an average of 400 households a week with an active support hotline taking calls in multiple languages until they were able to orchestrate a warm handoff to city and county services.
OFFICERS
Dwayne Gathers, Board President Donelle Dadigan, Immediate Past Board President Michael Gargano, Board Treasurer
DIRECTORS
George Baker Scott Blakeslee Mario Ceballos Craig Darian Vaughn Davis Shannon Geaney John Gile Sofia Gresen
Rolando Gomez Spencer Hillman Fariba Kalantari Roger Neal Peyton Nealis Martha Pelayo Carole Sarian
Marty Shelton Michelle SobrinoStearns Kim Sudhalter Berj Tashjian Jolie Tu Star Tomlinson Jeff M. Zarrinnam