Face Forward will host its 8th Annual Gala on Saturday, September 23, 2017 at the Taglyan Complex in Hollywood, with an Arabian Nights themed extravaganza.
Guests will celebrate a magical night alongside A-list celebrities including musicians, actors and actresses while enjoying a hookah bar, cigar lounge, belly dancers and exotic animals. Attendees will gather for a heartfelt evening to celebrate the bravery of survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking and other cruel acts of crime who have overcome adversity and have reclaimed their lives with help from Face Forward and co- founders Deborah and Dr. David Alessi
“Face Forward’s annual fundraising efforts enable us to help even more survivors in their journey to achieve both physical and emotional healing and recovery,” expressed Mrs. Alessi. “This year has been exceptional for us with amazing patients and exciting new partnerships which will help us raise more awareness and the funds needed to help treat even more survivors from around the globe.”
Robin Thicke will hit the stage to celebrate the lives all of survivors of acts of violence. The “Blurred Lines” and “Lost Without You” Grammy award nominee will lift the spirits in the room by performing some of his greatest hits, guaranteed to have the crowd on their feet and feeling good.
The night will include an extravagant live auction with items including a 5-night vacation at Niyama Private Islands Maldives, an African Safari by Micato Safaris, and two return First Class tickets on Etihad Airways. Etihad Airways operates daily flights from Los Angeles to Abu Dhabi with convenient connections to destinations across the Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Asia. The airline also operates daily services to Abu Dhabi from the key US gateway cities of Chicago, Dallas, New York and Washington, D.C, along with three flights a week from San Francisco.
Additional event and auction sponsors include: Alessi Institute, Roberto Cavalli, Kandima Maldives, Syneron Candela, Viking Cruises, Synergy Financial, Alyse Parfums, Mont Blac Executive Car Services, Asombroso Tequila, Vino Direct, BTL Svc and St. Petersburg Vodka.
The evening will honor a versatile group of influential honorees who have impacted the world with their strength and dedication to better other people’s lives. Television personality, musician and Face Forward Honorary Committee Member Kelly Osbourne will be recognized with the Voice Award for her leadership, hard work and strong advocacy against violence.
Once Upon a Time star and Face Forward Global Ambassador, actress Lana Parrilla will be honored with the Beacon of Hope Award for her continuous support of the mission of Face Forward and for using her celebrity platform to be an advocate for change, and inspiring fans from around the globe to give back to support many worthy causes.
Additionally, Face Forward will be honoring London Bridge survivor and hero, Roy Larner for his heroic spring to action efforts that helped save many lives during this heinous act of hate and terrorism. Larner collapsed from severe blood loss, spent 12 nights in the hospital and endured more than 80 stitches in his head, ear, arms, and hands after he physically fought off the terrorists and risked his life. Face Forward does more than just provide pro bono reconstructive surgery to adults and children who have suffered from domestic violence, human trafficking, or other cruel acts of crime; they also create a welcoming and safe environment for these survivors to start a fresh new life, and reclaim their confidence. Mrs. Deborah Alessi is a survivor of domestic abuse and a true advocate of this worthy cause. To assist other survivors with a second chance at life, Mrs. Alessi and her husband, renowned facial reconstructive surgeon, Dr. David Alessi, both donate their time and services 100% to the organization, providing survivors of violence with physical, mental, and emotional aid.
Find out more about the gala here.
