A Place Called Home announced its honorees for the 2009 “Gala for the Children” earlier this week and the list included Ned Colletti, Tyrese Gibson, and Modi Wiczyk and Asif Satchu. The “Gala for Children” event is set to take place at the Beverly Hills Hilton on November 19 at 6 p.m. Co-chairing are Bob Israel and Louise Hamagami, members of the A Place Called Home Board of Directors who have dedicated their precious time over the years.
A Place Called Home
Debrah Constance founded A Place Called Home in 1993 as a Non-Profit Organization offering the gang-affected youth of Central Los Angeles a safe place to do their homework, get a snack and play with friends. Now home in a 10,000 square foot space on South Central Avenue, APCH has helped serve as many as 4,000 youth, annually, proving that what started out as just 12 kids in the basement of a local church has grown into an effective program for the youth.
APCH offers numerous services including tutoring, counseling, and mentoring. They even have a high school drop-out recovery program through Los Angeles Unified School District. APCH also helps to expand the curriculum through activities in music, dance, art, theater, computer lab, fitness, civics, and community outreach. Members are empowered to become the authors of their own lives and to make a positive difference in their communities and the world. In 2003, A Place Called Home received the President’s “America’s Promise Award” and was recognized as one of the “Top 50 Teaching Examples” in the United States at the President’s Summit in 2007.
The “Gala for the Children” recognizes men and women who have demonstrated a unique and inspiring dedication towards helping youth realize their dreams and this year’s recipients are no different helping the youth in Central Los Angeles.
This Year’s Honorees
Writer and director of movie “Akeelah and The Bee,” A Place Called Home Board of Directors Chairman Doug Atchison had nothing but positive words for this year’s recipients. He stated, “I’m truly inspired by the generosity of these extraordinary individuals who find time in their demanding lives to support the young people of South Los Angeles.” Then he went on to say, “by championing APCH – and our programs in arts, education, and mentoring – our honorees infuse our kids with hope and courage that will lead them to productive, self-reliant lives.”
Ned Colletti has spent the past three seasons as General Manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers and recently agreed to an extension. As the GM, he is responsible for overseeing the team’s baseball operations, including all scouting, player personnel and development. The first Dodger GM to do so, Colletti, in his three years at the helm of the club, has witnessed the team reaching the postseason twice.
At this year’s ceremony, Ned Colletti will be receiving the “Debrah Constance Humanitarian Award”.
Tyrese Gibson might best be known for his latest role as United States Air Force Tech Sergeant Epps, one he reprised earlier this year for the summer blockbuster “Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen”. He was also seen in Universal Pictures’ “Death Race”, a live action film opposite Jason Stratham and John Allan. Gibson is not just an actor, but he has managed to successfully conquer feats in the music and fashion industries as well.
“The Children’s Inspiration Award” is set to be given to Gibson at the upcoming event.
Modi Wiczyk and Asif Satchu are co-chairmen and co-CEOs of Media Rights Capital, the industry’s largest independent film, TV and digital studio. Media Rights Capital is a diversified media business with operations in filmed entertainment, television programming and original digital content. MRC specializes in the creation of premium entertainment content, partnering directly with leading creative talent and custom building distribution for each of its projects.
Wiczyk and Satchu will be awarded “The Angel of the Children Award” at the event later this month.
For more information on tickets to the gala, as well as APCH programs and services, please visit www.APCH.org.
