Face Forward Presents Its Seventh Annual Fundraising Gala At The Vibiana

The Star Studded Event Aims to Raise Awareness for Victims of Domestic Violence Giving Them a New Lease on Life. End Quote

(1888PressRelease) June 10, 2016 - On September 24th, 2016 Face Forward, an inspirational charity giving survivors a second chance at leaving external scars and stigmas behind by providing complimentary reconstructive surgery, will host its most important fundraising and awareness-building event of the year. The 7th annual gala will be held at the Vibiana at 214 S. Main St., Los Angeles, CA 90012. The theme for this year's gala is Havana Nights.

Since its creation in 2007, Face Forward has worked with community leaders around the world to identify victims of violence who are working toward recovery 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. Funds raised by the organization help with ancillary costs, travel expenses for patients including air fare, accommodations and transportation, nursing aftercare and more. Face Forward treats patients from around the world, and currently brings all patients for treatment to their office in Beverly Hills.

Deborah Alessi is a survivor of domestic abuse and a true advocate of this worthy cause. To assist other survivors to get a second chance at life, Mrs. Alessi recruited her husband and renowned facial reconstructive surgeon Dr. David Alessi M.D., who said, "Deborah and I are humbled by the continuous and growing support for our annual philanthropic event. Our wish is to draw attention to the atrocity of the worldwide problems of domestic violence and human trafficking. Face Forward's annual gala fundraising efforts enable us to help even more victims in their journey to achieve both physical and emotional healing and recovery. This year has been exceptional for us with amazing patients and exciting new partnerships which will help us raise awareness and funds to help even more survivors."

The Seventh Annual Gala, "Havana Nights" will take place at the beautiful Vibiana, in Historic Downtown L.A. where we will raise funds with a goal of $500,000 for 2017 to support new patients and aftercare expenses. The evening will also feature Cuban infused cuisine by Bravo's Top Chef Master, Neal Fraser, Latin inspired music, dance and décor.

Past performers, hosts and attendees have included: Chaka Kahn, Macy Gray, "Sugar" Shane Mosley, Brian McKnight, Marcia Gay Harden, Lana Parilla, Gloria Allred, Sharon Stone, Tom Arnold (host), Entertainment Tonight's Kevin Frasier, KTLA's Lu Parker, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Jennifer Coolidge, Luiz Guzman, Nelly and La Toya Jackson.

The night will focus on celebrating survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking, raising money via donations, and live & silent auctions. The powerhouse-packed event will feature a stunning cocktail reception, complete with entertainment from the moment guests step out of their cars, a seated dinner, silent & live auctions, dancers and live musical performances, and "Havana Nights" inspired ambiance. Following the dinner will be the awards ceremony honoring individuals, along with Byron Scott, that have made a significant difference in this arena, who will be announced shortly.

The 7th annual Face Forward gala is graciously sponsored by Etihad Ariways, Per Aquum Niyama. Maldives, The Alessi Institute, Roberto Cavalli, and Torrey Pines Bank.

About Face Forward:
Face Forward founder and CEO Mrs. Deborah Alessi founded Face Forward in 2007. Mrs. Alessi is a survivor of domestic violence and a true advocate of this worthy cause. To help other survivors get a second chance at life, Mrs. Alessi recruited her husband and renowned facial reconstructive surgeon Dr. David Alessi. The couple work constantly to help victims 'face forward' to the rest of their lives. Face Forward is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Since its creation, Face Forward has worked with other advocates around the world to identify victims of domestic violence and human trafficking who are working towards recovery, yet carry the physical evidence of past abuse. Face Forward does more than just provide pro bono reconstructive surgery to adults and children who have suffered from traumatic and physical abuse; they also create a welcoming and safe environment for the victims to start a new life and reclaim their confidence. Domestic violence occurs every 9 seconds in the United States, and 75 percent receive battering to their face and head area. Victims of human trafficking are subject to physical and psychological abuse on a daily basis, including broken bones, burns and brain injuries, 75 percent suffer from mental health issues such as depression and PTSD. Face Forward strives to alleviate the internal and external scars of victims and those affected, and provides treatment to victims who are not otherwise able to afford medical assistance. For more information log on to http://www.faceforwardla.org/

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