On July 25, Sheila E. and Lynn Mabry hosted the 2nd Annual Elevate Hope Foundation Event “An Evening with Angels 2” at Boulevard 3 in Hollywood with special guests Justin Chambers, Katharine McPhee, James Pickens Jr. and Sofia Milos.
James Pickens Jr., Lynn Mabry, Sheila E, Katharine McPhee, Justin Chamber and Barry Bonds
Founded in 2001 by music legend Sheila E. and business partner Lynn Mabry, the Elevate Hope Foundation (EHF) has worked diligently in securing a place for abused and neglected children to study and learn the arts, whether it’s singing, acting or drawing. EHF raises funds and awareness for existing programs of their beneficiaries that support this cause; also, donations are made of equipment like computers, keyboards and software.
After knowing each other since they were teens and beginning work together in 1991, Mabry and Sheila discovered they had another similarity.
“We discovered that we had this common interest and common bond, which was that we were both abused when we were young,” Mabry told LA’s The Place about her and Sheila E. starting the organization. “We talked about it and talked about what it was that got us out of it, and it was music.”
Lynn Mabry and Sheila E, founders of the Elevate Hope Foundation
After Sheila’s abuse as a young child, she too found strength in the arts.
“I just know that music is one of the tools that can help you maintain your sanity,” Sheila explained to LA’s The Place. “[Lynn and I] know how powerful that is.”
‘Grey’s’ Stars Support Cause
In 2002, Elevate Hope hosted its first “An Evening with Angels” event, and it was time for a new installment, so the ladies called on their friends to help out, and they answered the call with open arms.
“Grey’s Anatomy” stars James Pickens Jr. and Justin Chambers served as co-host and presenter respectively, both hearing of the foundation and event through friend Sheila E.
“Sheila E is a friend, and it’s a great cause, an interesting cause,” Chambers told LA’s The Place. “They’re not giving [kids] a teddy bear, they’re giving them some real help through music, and that is always beneficial.”
Of the latest story arcs on his hit ABC television show, Chambers agreed, “They’re good at keeping the audience interested.”
Sarah Drew and Justin Chambers from "Grey's Anatomy"
A newbie to “Grey’s Anatomy” was also on hand, actress Sarah Drew who found the “Angels” event close to her heart, as it works with foster care systems as well.
“My husband, actually, his family has fostered several children over the last decade or so,” Drew revealed to LA’s The Place. “I’m passionate about kids, especially kids coming from those kinds of backgrounds, so I’m really excited to be here.”
As far as what’s up with Drew’s “Grey’s Anatomy” character this coming season, Drew did not give too many details.
“They don’t tell me anything! I wish they did,” she said. “I know that one thing that is happening for all of the characters is we’re all sort of dealing with the aftermath of when the shooter came to the hospital [in the season finale]. Everybody is so different on the show, and they all react to it in different ways.”
‘Idol’ Provides Musical Entertainment
With music being a central part of EHF, the event definitely included a musical guest, this year being “American Idol” runner-up Katharine McPhee.
“For me, it was like a perfect thing to get involved with because I’ve been so involved with Feeding America and the ConAgra Food Foundation, so I’ve been on this whole summer hunger tour to help hunger for children, so for me it was just a continuation of what I’m doing, and I am more than happy to lend my time.”
Also involved in the event was Sofia Milos (“CSI: Miami”) who served as a co-host alongside Pickens Jr. Milos has known Sheila for many years, and when she learned about the organization, she instantly became excited for the cause.
“I am always interested in alternate methods for children rather than psych drugs or anything that is more aggressive and actually more damaging,” Milos told LA’s The Place. “So I was very happy to hear that she had taken it upon herself to co-found the foundation.”
Jeannie Mai ("How Do I Look?") and Sofia Milos ("CSI: Miami")
Sports Star, Television Host, ‘Glee’ Member and Hero Join Event
Along with those directly involved in the “An Evening with Angels” philanthropic gala, sports star Barry Bonds, television host Jeannie Mai, actress Charlotte Ross and actor Jack Coleman (“Heroes”) also attended in support of the cause.
Mai met Sheila E and Lynn Mabry for the first time on the red carpet, and the “How Do I Look” host was starstruck.
“I’m still shaking about it,” Mai laughed. “Ever since the ‘80s…I learned to back-comb my hair because of Sheila. Meeting her right now and then seeing that she’s so humble, it’s amazing.”
Her show on Style Network will air 20 episode straight, making over everyday people who just need a little bit of self confidence.
“The great thing is, these women have something that identifies with every single woman that you know,” Mai said. “It’s not really about fashion—it’s about gaining self belief.”
Ross’s career continues to grow with her place on the huge FOX hit “Glee” and coming up next, she co-stars with Nicholas Cage in the action flick “Drive Angry 3D,” where her character is, “this white trash, very insecure, very slutty girl,” a complete departure from her primetime gig.
“It’s so bizarre because I was talking to the makeup artist and asked, ‘What’s the difference between HD and 3D,’ and she said, ‘3D is HD times 100,” Ross said. “But I had to do full frontal for the first time in my career, so that’s all I could think about.”
Ross—most known for her part on “Glee” as Quinn Fabray’s mom, Judy—is new to the Elevate Hope cause, but instantly found herself identifying.
“I know that my childhood had some tough times, and I know that acting and singing was a major outlet for me, so I believe highly in kids being exposed to that,” Ross explained to LA’s The Place. “I think it’s a really awesome cause and really important.”
For more information on the Elevate Hope Foundation, visit
