Phoenix House Event Raises $250,000 To Help Fight Teen Addiction
LOS ANGELES, CA, April 18, 2005—Phoenix House, California’s leading non-profit substance abuse services organization, raised $250,000 during its second annual “Triumph For Teens” Awards Gala. Held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills on April 18, more than 200 people gathered to honor this year’s recipients, the cast and creators of “Joan of Arcadia” and Lynn Pike, President of Bank of America California and the bank’s national Business Banking group.
The cast and creators of “Joan of Arcadia” were honored for their sensitive and accurate portrayal of the difficult issues that teens face today. Executive Producer Stephen Nathan accepted the award on behalf of all those connected to this People’s Choice Award-winning and Emmy â-nominated drama.
Lynn Pike, President of Bank of America California and the bank’s national Business Banking group, received the 2005 Public Service Award for her professional accomplishments, philanthropic endeavors, and service in the community.
“We are honored to present awards each year to those entertainment and business leaders who inspire young people to make positive life decisions as well as support treatment programs to fight teen substance abuse,” says Winnie Wechsler, Executive Director of Phoenix Houses of California.
Mark Steines of “Entertainment Tonight” was master of ceremonies of the event. In addition to the cast of CBS’s “Joan of Arcadia,” including Joe Mantegna, Mary Steenburgen, Jason Ritter, Michael Welch, Becky Wahlstrom, and Chris Marquette, other celebrity friends who attended the event were Rachel Boesing, Rikki Kleiman, Mathew St. Patrick, Lauren Mayhew, Ed Begley, Jr., Bonnie Sommerville, Lindsey Sloane, and Llewellyn Wells.
Some of Los Angeles’ most prominent entertainment and business executives who attended the event include Michael Lynton, Chairman and CEO, Sony Pictures Entertainment; Steve Mosko, President, Sony Pictures Television; Peter Schindler, Executive Producer, “Joan of Arcadia;” Police Chief Bill Bratton; Bruce Karatz, Chairman and CEO, KB Home; and Christopher Frank, Market President and Private Bank Executive, Bank of America.
Serving as co-chairs for the evening were Christopher Frank, Market President, Westside-South Bay, Bank of America; Tom Freston, Co-President and Co-Chief Operating Officer, Viacom; Steve Mosko, President, Sony Pictures Television; and Nancy Tellem, President, CBS Paramount Network Television Entertainment Group. Bank of America, the Handtmann Family Foundation, Viacom and CBS were “Benefactor” sponsors.
“Triumph for Teens” celebrates the victories of young people over substance abuse. It is an evening of recognition for adolescents who have learned the lessons of honesty, responsibility, and concern for others on their road to recovery. Previous honorees include directors Catherine Hardwicke (“Thirteen”) and Betty Thomas (“28 Days”) and two outstanding television shows, the WB series “7 th Heaven” and Lifetime Television”s “The Division.”
Proceeds from the event will help support Phoenix House programs, which help Southern California”s most troubled teenagers stop using drugs and helps them regain the confidence and drive to complete their schooling.
Renowned for its effective long-term residential treatment programs, Phoenix House has touched the lives of California adolescents, adults, and their families for 25 years, helping them overcome the problems associated with substance abuse and empowering them with the skills to lead healthy, productive and rewarding lives. More than 2,500 individuals each day receive treatment at 29 Phoenix House programs throughout Southern and Central California. Phoenix House serves Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego counties with facilities located in Lake View Terrace, Los Angeles, Santa Ana, Santa Fe Springs, Encinitas, Monrovia, and Venice.
————————————————————————————————————–
Media contact:
Linda O’Hanlon
818-386-1916