EL NIDO FAMILY CENTERS CHAMPIONS FOR FAMILIES AWARDS DINNER

Belita Moreno, Actress and Acting Coach, Emcees and Directs Youth Performances

Los Angeles, CA October 8, 2014, El Nido Family Centers, a Los Angeles non-profit agency providing services for at-risk youths and families since 1925, will present its Eighth Annual Champions for Families Awards Dinner at the Skirball Cultural Center on Thursday, October 16, 2014, from 5:30 to 9:00 pm. The evening will salute those who have made a difference in the lives of children, families and communities.

The Power of Transformation: A Showcase of El Nido Clients Talents

Champions for Families will showcase El Nidos young clients personal creative expressions across a variety of mediums including photography by members of El Nidos Gang Reduction and Youth Development (GRYD) program and live musical performances by El Nidos children in partnership with the Harmony Project. There will also be dramatic readings performed and written by current and former clients that represent the different pivotal stages of their journeys with El Nido. The presentation from a former client who now is a wonderfully successful and contributing member of society will conclude the dramatic readings.

Actress and acting coach Belita Moreno, who will serve as emcee for the evening, shared her professional and life experiences prior to the event by coaching and preparing the youth for several weeks. She guided them in creating, expressing and performing their dramatic presentations that will be performed at the Awards Dinner.

Belita Moreno, who also serves as Champions for Families emcee, is perhaps best known as comedian George Lopezs salty mother on the popular sitcom George Lopez. She began her career in the theatre and has appeared in many films and TV shows. Over the years, Ms. Moreno has coached actors including Chris Hemsworth, Diane Keaton, Renee Zellweger, Kate Hudson, Aaron Eckhart, Lindsay Lohan, Zac Efron, Chris Tucker, Eminem, Britney Spears and Usher.

As El Nido begins its 90th Anniversary, it reflects on its beginnings and how far its programs and services have come. The evolution of El Nido and the tireless work of its leadership, program staff and supporters have created a safe haven and beacon, transforming the lives of 11,000 children, youth and families each year in L.A.s highest-need communities. El Nido has provided their clients with assistance and lifes essential tools, skills and education, but has also guided them to opportunities that transform their lives. Watch this video to learn more about El Nidos impact: El Nido Video

El Nido will Award Former Clients

El Nido Alumni Executive Committee, the Champions Award. El Nidos Alumni Executive Committee, former clients themselves, founded and championed El Nidos Alumni Association and its mission. The Associations mission is to empower young adults and families to reach their full potential by sharing their experiences, and providing support, guidance, and advocacy. The Champions Award will be presented to the co-founders of the El Nido Alumni Executive Committee, Xiomara Pea, Zuly Quezada and Joe Celguera

The Evenings Program

5:30 pm: Cocktails, silent auction, Gang Reduction Youth Development photography exhibition, live jazz by Max Kaplan and the Cayuga Quartet

7:00 pm: Dinner, awards presentations, musical performances, dramatic readings

Tickets: $150 per person; purchase by visiting El Nidos website at www.eldnidofamilycenters.org) or calling 818.830.3646

Sponsors

Growth Sponsors: Susie and Stuart Berton, Gibson Dunn, Kaiser Permanente, Rose Norton and Phil Savenick, and Valley Presbyterian Hospital

Trust Sponsor: Grifols, Rob Beltch and Scott Matula-Beltch

Hope Sponsors: Anonymous, Rob Beltch and Scott Matula-Beltch, Bill Canup, Linda and John Coleman, Crystal Property Management, Hugos Restaurant and Kern Wooley P.C.

ABOUT EL NIDO FAMILY CENTERS

El Nido Family Centers is a 501(c) 3, non-profit organization founded in 1925. Last year El Nido served over 11,000 children, youth and family members with its child abuse prevention and treatment, youth development, teen parenting and parent education programs in Los Angeles County. El Nido serves a wide area of Los Angeles County, from the Antelope and San Fernando Valleys, to Central/South L.A., Inglewood, Compton and Wilmington/San Pedro. El Nido Family Centers offer numerous, diverse services at their sites as well as outreach programs located in schools, housing projects, health and community centers, and in-home counseling and visitations.

Social media: Facebook, Twitter: @elnidofamily

For information on El Nido, please visit (www.elnidofamilycenters.org).

The Skirball Cultural Center is located at 2701 North Sepulveda Boulevard, Los Angeles, 90049 (Map)