On Monday, February 15, 2016, Community Inspiring Today's Youth (CITY) — a 501c3 non-profit organization that supports and mentors underserved teens and young adults in developing their own small businesses in Los Angeles — hosts its second CITY Gala Fundraiser at the Playboy Mansion in Los Angeles, immediately following The 58th Annual GRAMMYs.
Keynote speaker is entrepreneur and philanthropist Sir Richard Branson (founder, Virgin Group), who was knighted for his “services to entrepreneurship.” Emcee for the night is Jeff Timmons of the Grammy-nominated pop group 98 Degrees. The event is an exclusive, invitation-only black tie fundraiser featuring an open bar, open buffet, honor ceremonies, live musical entertainment, a charitable poker tournament, tours of the Playboy Mansion grounds, celebrity meet and greets, as well as a live and silent auction. Sponsors include JetSmarter and AirVuz.
Sir Richard Branson says, “It is my privilege to speak at CITY GALA 2016 in support of these at-risk young adults that are starting on a similar challenging entrepreneurial path as I did at their age. To see that they are successfully harnessing their potential through CITY’s 46-week micro entrepreneurship program and how they are launching their own start-up businesses, that is a true testament to the brightness that is emerging from this next generation.”
CITY founder and executive director Chandra Stovall says, “We are beyond honored that Sir Richard Branson is helping us bring awareness to these young budding entrepreneurs and CITY’s business development programs. As one of the worlds most renowned and innovative business leaders, he is the perfect fit to inspire at-risk and underserved youth to take a more directed path in life.”
Funds raised at the charity gala will support CITY and its non-profit programs for LA youth, as well From the Heart Productions, Fire Life Foundation, The Scheer Foundation and Supporting Our Servicemen (SOS).
The first CITY Gala took place on Oscars night in 2014, featuring keynote speaker James Cameron and special guests Charlize Theron, Sean Penn, Halle Berry, Tyrese Gibson, Gene Simmons and Paris Hilton, as well as live musical entertainment provided by Ne-Yo. The event raised over $350,000 for charitable causes.
For more details and event admission information, click here or email info@citygala.org.
