February 1, 2006
Walt Disney Concert Hall - The site for the 2006 “Celebration 1” Graduation Ceremony
Los Angeles, Ca - United Friends of the Children hosts their star studded “Celebration 1” scholarship gala, June 15, 2006, at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, where Youth of Los Angeles County will receive college scholarships from a long list of corporate donors.
UFC provides over $375, 000 in scholarships to LA County high school graduates in foster/probation for academic excellence. Youth receive the royal treatment. They are provided with suits/dresses, shoes, socks, tailoring, make up, and hair care for the event. In addition the youth are provided transportation to the fittings and the event.
Celebration 1 attracts a number of celebrities, and politicians. Many times the youth and the audience in attendance are surprised to find out that some public figures who speak at the event were in foster care also. Celebrities in attendance have ranged from Whoopie Goldberg and Kobe Bryant to Regina King, Andrew Fisher, Richard Riorden and Antonio Villaraigosa.
Celebration 1 has been held at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, the Kodak Theatre and has returned to Downtown Los Angeles at the Los Angeles Music Center’s Walt Disney Music Hall.
The event has proven to be a huge sense of pride for the youth given the opportunity to be the center of attention at these facilities.
“It was great to get credit for being positive. It was a shining example that hard work pays off,” says Christina Guevara, Community College Foundation - Out Reach Advisor, previous Celebration 1 participant.
“The Independent Living Program, CCF, and UFC gave me a chance to live up to and beyond my potential,” Sonia Davis, ESTEP Deputy Program Manager, previous Celebration 1 participant.
“I have attended the past eight Celebration 1 events and I have been blown away year after year,” says Norman Feazell, III, Founder of Pacifiq Mass Media Services.
The sponsors and facilitators for Celebration 1 are the United Friends of the Children, The Community College Foundation, The Department of Children and Family Services, The Department of Probation, The Teague Family Foundation, Casey Family Programs and The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.
Contact:Louise Grasnehr
Director, Office of Public Affairs, County of Los Angeles
213 351 5779 office
213 738 9257 fax
grasml@dcfs.co.la.ca.us
www.unitedfriends.org