The first annual “Hollywood Heals: Spotlight on Tourette Syndrome” hosted by the national Tourette Syndrome Association (TSA) was an incredible success, with over 400 guests gathering at the Conga Room at LA Live on February 27.
Incredible awareness was raised for the Association and the misunderstood, life tormenting disorder, Tourette Syndrome. The event also raised much needed funds for TSA’s research and support programs.
With hors d’oeuvres catered by Wolfgang Puck, a silent auction, and dozens of celebrity supporters and vast media coverage, the event was an extraordinary and spirited one to be remembered.
Sponsored by CBS, and emceed by actor Dash Mihok (“Ray Donovan”) and jazz musician Michael Wolff (who also serves as national TSA’s Chairman of the Board of Directors), the event featured performances by individuals living with (and some without) Tourette Syndrome including both Michael (who was joined by all all-star jazz band) and Dash (who performed a rap); Michael’s sons, singers Nat and Alex Wolff; 2013 “X-Factor” contestant Carlos Guevara, accompanied by fellow “X-Factor” contestants Sweet Suspense; and “American Idol” season 9 finalist James Durbin who closed the evening with an acoustic performance, before the crowd danced to the tunes of Hollywood DJ Michelle Pesce.
Arriving on a teal carpet (Tourette Syndrome’s awareness color) to dozens of paparazzi, celebrity guests and supporters included the cast of Showtime’s "Ray Donovan: including Liev Schreiber, Jon Voight, Eddie Marsan, Pooch Hall, Steven Bauer, Austin Nichols, Devon Bagby, Kerris Dorsey, Octavius Johnson, and Johnathon Schaech; Ellen Pompeo; Harold Perrineau; Doris Roberts; Nia Vardalos and her husband Ian Gomez; Andie MacDowell; Polly Draper; Josh Hopkins; Sal Masekela; Amy Aquino; Costas Mandylor and dozens more.
In addition, TSA presented a Lifetime Achievement Award to producer Jeffrey Kramer, for “nearly two decades of dedication and commitment toward shining the spotlight on raising positive awareness and understanding about Tourette Syndrome,” as well as two “Shining Star” awards to Dash Mihok and Carlos Guevara, for “outstanding personal and professional contributions toward shining the spotlight on positive awareness and understanding about Tourette Syndrome during the past year.”
After a dozen years of hosting successful fundraising events in Beverly Hills, this was TSA’s first West Coast event since 2010, and plans are underway for the “Hollywood Heals: Spotlight on Tourette Syndrome” second annual event scheduled for February 2015.
