Mayisha Akbar, Executive Director and Founder of the Compton Jr. Posse (CJP), a non-profit organization providing inner-city youth with a year round after school program that teams them with horses, announced today the award honorees of the 6th Annual Compton Jr. Posse Gala Dinner.
In making the announcement Akbar said, "I am thrilled Patricia Heaton (ABC’s “The Middle”) will receive the 2013 Compton Jr. Posse “Community Visionary Award”. “She has made a lasting impact on our organization in a very short amount of time by her personal commitment to our mission.” Akbar continued, “Patricia’s vision to help us expand our base of supporters so that we can reach more at-risk youth has truly made a significant difference to our program this year. We are deeply grateful to her.”
Akbar also announced Portia de Rossi's (Netflix’s “Arrested Development”) selection as the recipient of the 2013 Compton Jr. Posse “Equestrian Excellence Award”.
“Portia de Rossi knows through personal experience the power of horses changing lives”, she said. “Her journey and growth through horses and her willingness to share her story is a tangible example for our students to witness everyday.” She continued, “We are very appreciative of the powerful example Portia sets for CJP kids as a dedicated rider who challenged herself and changed the direction of her life.”
The Compton Jr. Posse 6th Annual Gala will be held at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center Grand Ballroom on May 18, 2013 at 6:00pm. This year’s theme, “Celebrating Horses in Hollywood”, includes a silent and live auction, dinner program and dancing. Individual tickets are available for purchase at the Compton Jr. Posse website, www.comptonjrposse.org.
The unique mission, track record and grassroots organization of the CJP have attracted many high profile instructors and mentors to its ranks. Among them are Will Simpson, 2008 Olympic Equestrian Gold Medal Winner, Charlotte Bredahl Baker, Olympian and International Dressage Judge, and Mickey Hayden, world-renowned trainer, all of who donate their time.
