Face Forward Credits Celebrity Supporters And Sponsors For Raising Over $500K For Domestic Violence And Human Trafficking Survivors

Making It The Highest Selling Gala To Date. End Quote

Los Angeles-Long Beach, CA (1888PressRelease) October 11, 2018 - Face Forward's 9th Annual La Dolce Vita themed gala brought Italian flair and entertainment to Beverly Hills. Surprise performances were in store and Grammy award winning artist, NE-YO got all the guests onto their feet bringing down the house with four hit songs and left the audience wanting to hear more. NE-YO then graciously wowed everyone with two encore songs while survivors and founder Deborah Alessi joined him on stage. During the event, Christine Devine opened and emceed, Jeremy Piven hosted and kicked off with his hilarious stand-up comedy. The Philanthropist Award was given to Christopher Bollenbach, owner of Bottega Louie and Jay McGraw was awarded the Voice Award for using his platforms to shed light on DV and HT. Caitlyn Jenner gave a heartfelt inspiring speech after she received the Beacon of Hope Award from Lana Parrilla, who was the previous year recipient of the honor. Caitlyn spoke on the LGBTQ population with regards to sex trafficking and violent crimes.

Sara Gilbert introduced newcomer Willa Amai, who performed her original song "Scars" while the Face Forward doctors and patients took the stage behind her for an emotional tribute followed by a powerful ten minute documentary about the services Face Forward provides.

The live auction this year was incredible and included ultra-luxurious vacation packages from: Niyama Private Islands Maldives, The Private Suite LAX, Jumeirah Al Naseem, Crystal Cruises, Micato Safaris and Etihad Airways. Guests could also bid on a chance to attend Milan Fashion Week with Roberto Cavalli and a shoot with celebrity photographer, Tony Duran. Mikimoto provided a diamond and pearls earrings and necklace set while Colombian artist Mr. Bling contributed a one of a kind Swarovski encrusted masterpiece entitled “Magic Butterfly” that dazzled the crowd. Celebrity Chef Conny Anderson offered an exclusive dinner party for 8 and the Founders Penthouse provided a chance for a lucky guests to live like a billionaire for 3 nights at the top of the Palms Hotel in Las Vegas and included flights on JetSuite X and a dinner prepared by celebrity Chef Manousshka Guerrier and flowers from celebrity florist George Ortega of Square Root Designs. Guests that night also had a chance to enter to win a gorgeous 18KT white gold and platinum diamond flower double knuckle ring donated by JN Jewels, as well as a 4 Night Stay at the Four Seasons Bora Bora.

All the amazing new and returning sponsors helped raise over $500k for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking through this incredible fundraising event known as “THE” best charity gala in L.A. Other celebrities in attendance and showing their support for the cause included, actress and Face Forward Chairwoman Christina DeRosa, AnnaLynne McCord, Gretchen Rossi, Peta Murgatroyd, Max Chmerkovskiy, Brigitte Neilson, John Savage, Mario Van Peebles and more.

“Face Forward couldn’t do what we do without the generosity of our sponsors and donors and our Gala night brings out the best in everyone!” said CEO/Founder Deborah Alessi, “This year did not disappoint- new sponsors MOIA Entertainment reached Premier Donor status with their generous contributions and we are so incredibly grateful!” MOIA Entertainment is a creative incubator for film & television production (co-founded by Mohamed A. Salih & Gaia Melikian.) Ms. Melikian & Mr. Salih’s combined 40 years of expertise successfully drives projects from development to financial funding to creative execution.

Returning sponsors included: Etihad Airways, Niyama Private Islands Maldives, Alessi Institute, Crystal Cruises, Micato Safaris, Roberto Cavalli, Mont Blac Executive Car Service, Alyse Parfume, Square Root Designs, Viking Cruises and Kandima Maldives. Face Forward was also so excited to announce new sponsors Ardor Designs, Adva-Net, Bottega Louie, Curve Vodka, Beverly Hills Rolls Royce and Beverly Hills IV Therapy.

Contact:
Juliette Harris/ itGirl PR
julietteh ( @ ) itgirlpublicrelations dot com
(818) 321- 2317

About Face Forward
Since Face Forward’s inception in 2007, the organization has worked with community leaders around the world to identify victims of violence who are working toward recover, yet carry the burdening physical evidence of past abuse. Face Forward does more than just provide pro bono reconstructive surgery to adults and children who have suffered traumatic and severe physical abuse; they also create a welcoming and safe environment for these survivors to start a fresh new life, and reclaim their confidence. The organization co-founders Mrs. Deborah and Dr. David Alessi both donate their time and skills 100% to the organization to provide Face Forward patients with the necessary surgeries and counseling services. Face Forward is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and funds raised by the organization help with ancillary costs, travel expenses for patients including airfare, accommodations, transportation, nursing aftercare and more. For more information go to http://www.faceforwardla.org/.

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