Gloria King, Director, Community Development, LA Galaxy/ Director, Los Angeles Galaxy Foundation
In her eleventh season with the LA Galaxy, Gloria King oversees the club’s community development department, in addition to her dual role as director of the Los Angeles Galaxy Foundation. A leader in her field, King created and runs one of the most ambitious and successful community development programs and foundations in Major League Soccer, which aids the club in ticket sales, sponsorship and media exposure. (Photo ID Right: Gloria King and LaFern Cusack)
With the support of the LA Galaxy coaching staff and players, King has coordinated numerous fundraisers such as the Foundation’s annual Day on the Links Golf Tournament and How Suite It Is! Champagne and Wine Tasting in order to fund its many outreach programs and initiatives, including Camps for Kids, Kicks for Kids, the annual Foundations’ Feast and the Holiday Assist Program.
Additionally, King has organized outstanding team and community involvement throughout her tenure including but not limited to visits with children in LA area hospitals and team clinics which assist in growing the sport of soccer by demonstrating not only skills, but also character and sportsmanship to thousands of kids. King has also fostered relationships and partnerships with non-profit organizations such as the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank, City of Hope and the National Education Association (NEA) in order to further the team and Foundation’s philanthropic endeavors.
It is through these efforts by King that the LA Galaxy and Los Angeles Galaxy Foundation are recognized as one of the most responsible community and corporate partners in Southern California.
The Los Angeles Galaxy Foundation is a 501(1)(c) organization dedicated to supporting and creating educational, health and recreational activities and programs for children in Southern California, with a specific focus on assisting underserved and at-risk youth. The Galaxy Foundation is committed to encouraging, educating and empowering the children in our community.
The LA Galaxy are teaming up with the United Nations Foundation’s Nothing But Nets—a global, grassroots campaign to end malaria in Africa. Galaxy midfielder Chris Klein serves as the club’s MLS ambassador to Nothing But Nets increasing awareness and encouraging fans to help kick Malaria out of Africa. MLS W.O.R.K.S., Major League Soccer’s community outreach initiative, has been connecting its teams, players, and fans to send nets and save lives through Nothing But Nets since 2007.
In the lead up to the 2010 World Cup, to be played in Africa for the first time—where 90 percent of malaria deaths occur, Nothing But Nets, the Galaxy and other MLS teams across the country are Uniting Against Malaria to use the momentum around the World Cup while all eyes are on Africa. Malaria infects more than 500 million people around the world each year, killing more than 1 million. Bed nets are an easy and cost-effective method of preventing the spread of the disease. For more information: http://www.lagalaxy.com/
Neil McGuffin, Associate Director, The Corporation for Supportive Housing: Public-Private Partnership to Rescue Stalled Supportive Housing Projects
The Corporation for Supportive Housing is a national nonprofit organization and community development financial institution that helps communities create permanent housing with services to prevent and end homelessness. CSH advances its mission by providing advocacy, expertise, leadership, and financial resources to make it easier to create and operate supportive housing.
$5 Million Initiative Will Fund Housing Projects Halted by Budget Crises and Frozen Credit Markets
The Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) and Conrad N. Hilton Foundation today announced a $5.2 million initiative to continue building permanent supportive housing for homeless people in Los Angeles. With assistance from the Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Los Angeles (CRA/LA), JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Fannie Mae, The Los Angeles Supportive Housing Recovery Initiative, as the new effort is called, will provide a mix of grants, low-interest loans and technical assistance to housing developers in Los Angeles that are experiencing project delays due to state and municipal budget crises and frozen credit markets.
Permanent supportive housing, which combines affordable housing with supportive services, has proven to be a highly cost effective way to end long term homelessness for people facing complex challenges, including mental illness, substance abuse and physical disabilities. The economic downturn has stalled construction of new supportive housing developments and placed a crippling financial burden on many nonprofit housing developers who have been forced to resort to program cuts, hiring freezes and lay-offs.
“The LA Supportive Housing Recovery Initiative is critical to ensure that the permanent supportive housing industry isn’t permanently hurt by the recession, which would have long-term and devastating results for the city, nonprofit developers and homeless and disabled people in desperate need of this housing,” said Ruth Teague, CSH Los Angeles Director.
Reports show a significant drop in homelessness in Los Angeles County over the last few years due, in part, to an unprecedented rise in the production of permanent supportive housing. The initiative will restore momentum to an effort that CSH, the Hilton Foundation and other partners began five years ago to address chronic homelessness in Los Angeles. That initial effort stimulated the development of more than 2,000 new units of permanent supportive housing and attracted dozens of new developers into the permanent supportive housing field. Approximately 600 of these units are shovel-ready but have not been built due to the difficult economic environment and lack of access to public and private financing commitments that were previously made.
“In order for the supportive housing sector to weather the current economic storm and ensure earlier successes and momentum continue, the initiative also will foster broader collaboration among government, foundations, banks, and Community Development Financial Institutions. This will allow the community to address the recession in a more proactive, coordinated manner, enabling stalled projects to move forward, while promoting greater collaboration as an industry-wide solution to this crisis,” Teague noted.
By providing chronically homeless people with a way out of expensive emergency public services and enabling them to get back into their own homes and communities, supportive housing not only improves the lives of its residents but also generates significant tax savings. For more information: http://www.csh.org/
Kellie Roberts, Playwright, "Transitions" and Ben Guillory, Producing Artistic Director, Robey Theatre Company
Robey's mission is, through the creative process, to explore and develop relevant provocative, and innovative new plays written about the Black experience, as well as to reinterpret established works.
Robey creates a nourishing environment of understanding and support in which multi-cultural theatre artists are compelled to take risks in the search for artistic fulfillment. It provides time, educational opportunities, and encouragement for such growth and contributes to high standards of excellence in the Black theatre in America.
“Transitions.” World Premiere engagement of a new show. Written by Kellie Roberts. Directed by Dwain A. Perry. Produced by Ben Guillory for Robey Theatre Company in association with Los Angeles Theatre Center. Los Angeles Theatre Center, in the intimate Theatre 4, 514 S. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90013. Previews Thursday, June 17 at 8 p.m. Opens Friday, June 18, 2010 at 8 p.m. Regular show times Fri. at 8, Sat. at 3 and 8, Sun. at 3 and 7. Closes Sunday, June 27. ADMISSION: $30. Students $20. RESERVATIONS: (213) 489-0994 ext. 107. ONLINE TICKETING: http://www.thelatc.org/
Kellie Roberts is a versatile talent who is not only an actress but a writer and ballroom dancer as well. Last year Kellie performed in the Robey Theatre Company’s West Coast Premiere of “A House With No Walls,” in the role of Cadence Lane. As a member of the Robey Theatre Company’s Playwrights Lab, Kellie has written a series of one-acts.
Ben Guillory is a revered veteran African-American actor and theatre producer and director of both the stage and screen. Raised in San Francisco, California, Guillory co-founded the Robey Theatre Company in honor of pioneering actor, public speaker, and opera singer 'Paul Robeson' with actor Danny Glover (of Lethal Weapon (1987) fame in Los Angeles in 1974, and serves as its artistic director. He received an Ovation Award nomination for Featured Actor in a Play in 2008, for his performance as Wining Boy in "The Piano Lesson" produced at The Hayworth Theatre in Los Angeles.
A highly sought-after supporting actor on the large and small screen, he has appeared in such films as the Oscar-Winning film The Color Purple (1985), and the biographical TV film The Tuskegee Airmen (1995) (TV). His television credits include guest spots on television shows such as "Dynasty" (1981), "The Jeffersons" (1975), "JAG" (1995), and numerous other programs. Guillory is slated to appear in the film The Harimaya Bridge (2009), which is post-production as of May 2009.
For more information: http://www.robeytheatrecompany.com/
Bill Duke, "BLACK DIAMONDS" The Evolution Of Blacks In Baseball and D. Channsin Berry, "BOXING DIARIES" One Ring Six Men.
Tune in Sunday, March 28, 2010 (5a-6a PST) to the Southern California Experience with LaFern Cusack or listen live online HEREhttp://bit.ly/aABxWF
Bill Duke: With a wide range of credits to his name in almost every film discipline, including directing, producing, acting and writing, Bill Duke has founded Duke Media, formerly Yagya Productions, which has been in existence for approximately twenty years.
For three years, Mr. Duke served as the Time Warner Endowed Chair in the Department of Radio Television and Film at Howard University in Washington, DC. He was then appointed to the National Endowment of the Humanities by former president Bill Clinton. Mr. Duke has also been appointed to the California State Film Commission Board by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Mr. Duke now serves on the Board of Trustees at the American Film Institute.
Bill Duke has also directed several award-winning, high-profile dramas and two teleplays for PBS, which received an NAACP Image Award nomination: "The Meeting" and "A Raisin in the Sun," which also earned Duke an Emmy nomination. His direction of The Killing Floor for American Playhouse garnered a total of 10 awards from film festivals across the globe and was chosen to compete in the Critic's Week of Judging (Director's Fortnight) at the 1985 Cannes Film Festival. Although Mr. Duke's work behind the camera has expanded into every conceivable genre, he has continued to be a presence in front of the camera. Duke has been seen in memorable roles, including American Gigolo opposite Richard Gere, Predator and Commando, opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bird on a Wire opposite Mel Gibson and Goldie Hawn. He received an NAACP Image Award nomination for his role in Action Jackson and had a starring role in the highly praised Alex Haley television series "Palmerstown, USA."
Duke has since continued to divide his time between appearing both in front of the camera and behind it, and remains a dynamic, stimulating and creative talent in Hollywood. Bill Duke is now producing and directing independent projects and content for multiple platforms. These projects serve to focus on morality and redemption and emphasize cultural history and family values. In addition to acting and directing for both film and television, Bill Duke is committed to making time for the mentoring of young African-Americans aspiring to work in the performance arts. "Black Diamonds."
D. Channsin Berry: A modern day Renaissance man, is a filmmaker, as well as a prolific songwriter, and painter. Mr. Berry's career has moved seamlessly through the movie and music industries.
Mr. Berry started his career in New York radio at WBLS (FM) (under the leadership of mentor and friend Frankie CrockerChaka Khan and Dionne Warwick to name a few. Mr.Berry also directed the PRAME Awards (Blacks in Advertising).
Mr. Berry, then used his music talent to write songs for Pop/R&B Diva Chaka Khan, Jazz vocalist Mary Stallings, Prince/Rosie Gaines, and Jazz Legend Nancy Wilson (2006 Grammy Award Winning CD "Turned to Blue").
In between his music endeavors, he worked in television as an Executive Producer/Director and sometimes hosts for various shows such as BET's, NY/LA Entertainment magazine, All The People (talk show Fox-Bay Area), Shaq Jam (Hip Hop concert, Direct TV/Fox), Remixed (BET) and the Fox entertainment show "Poker Dome." Mr.Berry, moved on to direct independent films and documentaries such as "A Different Shade of Love," "My Father's Music&Jazz" (Documentary PBS/Cable) and "The Black Line&" (A Profile of the Black Male...Parts 1, 2 and 3).
He is currently working on several Film and TV projects for Urban Winter Entertainment with business partner Mark Cohen. Mr. Berry is also the founder of the D.Channsin Berry Foundation (which raises money for LUPUS awareness). http://www.urbanwinter.com/
Also airing on The SoCal Experience:
Enrique C. Zaldivar, Director and Salvador Miranda, Division Mgr, Bureau of Sanitation City of Los Angeles.
The City collects refuse, recyclables, yard trimmings, and bulky items from more than 750,000 homes. That's an average of 6,652 tons per day. The City of Los Angeles provides residents, including those who live in apartments, townhomes, condominiums & other multi-family homes, with FREE bulky item pickup. Bulky items are discarded items that are too large to fit into a regular trash container.
They include furniture such as mattresses, sofas, cabinets; blinds, carpets, toilets, bundled wood, refrigerators, BBQs, stoves, microwaves, washers/dryers, water heaters, computers, computer monitors, laptops, stereos, TV sets, etc. It is illegal to abandon bulky items on the sidewalk, street or other public property. The fine for illegal dumping is $1,000. Anyone can call to report abandoned bulky items in the neighborhood. For more ways you can help log on to: http://www.lacitysan.org/
Airing on Radio Disney AM1110 - 6:30am-7am (PST) No Limits, Richard Martinez, Director of Development
No Limits is to meet the auditory, speech and language needs of deaf children and enhance their confidence through the theatrical arts and individual therapy as well as provide family support and community awareness on the needs and talents of deaf children who are learning to speak.
In 1996, Michelle Christie-Adams, M.S. ED, a teacher for the deaf with over 18 years experience in the entertainment industry, founded No Limits. Ms. Christie- Adams recognized the lack of opportunities for oral deaf children to improve their speaking abilities in a fun and non-academic setting. Knowing these children can often be lost in the shuffle of the hearing world, Ms. Christie-Adams designed an after-school theater program to help develop communication skills, expand vocabulary and grammar, and understand character development. Through role- playing, cultivating creativity and developing public speaking skills No Limits children began to confidently move in to the hearing world.
After witnessing dramatic improvements in the children No Limits expanded to become a national program. Shows have included oral deaf children in over 10 states with 49 original productions and 30,000 people witnessing the accomplishments and talents of these inspiring children.
With No Limits growing success rates, the program was extended beyond the theatrical arts. In 2002, No Limits began to provide free auditory, speech and language training year-round. Donated by JP Morgan Chase, formerly Washington Mutual, the No Limits Educational Center provides free services to lower-income deaf children in the greater Los Angeles area. As a result of its comprehensive program, oral deaf children are learning essential skills that will allow them to attend college and become productive citizens of society.
The future of No Limits is focused on reaching out to more children across the country and providing services to all in need. In order to continue expansion No Limits would like to thank their generous donors and encourage you to invest in a child's life. http://www.kidswithnolimits.org/
Hemophilia Foundation Southern California Tours ESPN Radio with LaFern Cusack
Each year families affected by Hemophilia are invited to a day packed full of training, medical updates, product seminars, workshops, and peer support groups specifically geared towards meeting the current needs of the hemophilia community. Past sessions have included topics such as updates in medical treatment, gene therapy, Hepatitis, Creuzfeldt-Jacob disease, and HIV, Stress Management, Blood Safety, Insurance Reimbursement / Policies, and the importance of exercise and fitness.
LaFern Cusack gave the future broadcasters a behind the scene look at what it takes to be in radio and Steve Pailet provided useful editing and board tips. The group was also given the opportunity to express their vocal talents on-air! The Hemophilia Foundation of Southern California has been serving the community for fifty years providing quality programs and services to individuals affected by Hemophilia and other bleeding disorders.
Their mission is to improve the quality of life and build community for families and individuals living with hemophilia or other bleeding disorders by offering a variety of programs and services that educate, advocate and support the needs of the bleeding disorders community in Southern California. October 9, 2010 is the Hemophilia Walk in Southern California at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. For more information: Hemophilia Walk
Hemophilia is an inherited blood clotting disorder, occurring primarily in males, in which one or more of the 15 vital clotting proteins, called clotting factors, are either deficient or inactive.
If you will, imagine a set of dominos lined up on end, in a row, placed a little less than one domino length apart. Normally, if you pushed the first domino, you would have a cascade effect. However, if a domino is missing the sequence will be interrupted and some of the dominos will be left standing. The same is true of the clotting process. If one of the elements in the clotting process is missing or inactive, the next clotting factor in the sequence will not be triggered and the clotting process will stop.
Many believe that an individual with hemophilia will bleed harder or faster than normal, or that they can bleed to death from a small cut. THIS IS NOT TRUE! However, individuals with hemophilia, because of their inability to form a blood clot, will bleed longer. Small surface cuts and bruises are usually not a problem and normally clot on their own. Internal bleeding into a muscle, joint, organ, or head is more serious and typically requires treatment. Head injuries resulting in brain hemorrhage can also be life threatening. (more)
The Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation's goal is to assist nonprofit community organizations based on need. With the Foundation's focus on the use of sports to promote education, teamwork and self-esteem among Los Angeles area youth, our fundraising directly supports these initiatives by providing financial assistance to children and local youth programs. Please Note: Raffle open only to residents of Los Angeles, Orange Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura Counties, who are eitheen (18) years of age or older at the time of entry and have a tax identification number. For More Info Contact: Roberta Mariani Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation 555.N.Nash St. El.Segundo,CA 90245
Ann Cusack to Present Tracey Miller Merit Award to LaFern Cusack at the American Women in Radio & Television Southern California 2010 GENII AWARDS
Actress, Singer, Writer and Producer Ann Cusack will present the prestigious Tracey Miller Award to Past AWRT SoCal President, LaFern Cusack, during the American Women in Radio & Television Southern California (AWRT SoCal) 2010 Genii Awards, to be held Wednesday, April 14 at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. The 2010 Show, marks the 53rd year of the Genii Awards produced by the non-profit organization AWRT SoCal and is dedicated to recognizing the "Best of the Best" within the media industry.
Ann Cusack has been in films such as The Informant with Matt Damon, Accepted with Justin Long, Sensation of Sight starring David Straihairn, Ace Ventura Pet Detective Jr. HBO’s Earth to the Moon as Jan Armstrong, Tank Girl starring Lory Petty and Niami Watts, Multiplicity with Michael Keaton and Andie McDowell, and What Planet are You From opposite Annette Benning and Gary Shandling for director Mike Nichols. She has worked with her siblings John and Joan in Gross Pointe Blank, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil and Americas Sweetheart. She can also be remembered in Birdcage, Renaissance Man, Cannes Man, and Stigmata starring Patricia Arquette and Gabriel Bryne to name of few. On television a few of her credits include Criminal Minds, Trauma, Private Practice, The Unit, Boston Legal, HBO’s Little Britain, Greek, Brothers and Sister, Army Wives, Grey’s Anatomy, The Ghost Whisperer, t ABC’s movie of the week, Fatal Contact, Six Feet Under, Ally McBeal, Fraiser, Star Trek Enterprise, Charmed, and One Tree Hill. She has also starred in Lifetime’s Maggie, NBC’s The Jeff Foxworthy Show and the critical acclaimed David E. Kelly’s The Brotherhood of Poland New Hampshire as Chris Penn’s wife.
LaFern Cusack serves as the Director of Community Affairs for the Southern California Broadcasters Association. She works closely with local community groups, acting as the liaison between the broadcasting stations and these organizations in order to better serve the community at large.
LaFern Cusack also produces and hosts 710 ESPN's "Southern California Experience" (Sun. 5a-6a) and Radio Disney AM1110 "Community Playground" (Sun 6:30a-7a). With these shows LaFern delivers an inspiring, dynamic and insightful experience to listeners. She brings her humor, warmth and talent for tackling topical community issues with her unique style connecting with every aspect of the show.
As an AWRT SoCal board member, LaFern served as Job Bank Director, Newsletter Director, Corresponding Secretary and President. She was awarded with the AWRT National Rising Star BELL Award for Excellence in 2004 and produced the 2006 Genii Awards which was awarded the BELL Award for Outstanding Fundraising- Financial. LaFern Cusack organized and facilitated fundraising events, diversity educational workshops, mixers, and various Radio and Television educational panels.
Cusack serves on the Board of Directors for Print Interactive Radio and Television Educational Society (P.I.R.A.T.E.S), Advisory Board for American Women in Radio and Television Southern California Chapter, LA36 Public Access Committee and the Mayor's Office of Census 2010 Communications Steering Committee. LaFern is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Screen Actors Guild, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and Actors Equity Association.
The Tracey Miller Award honors an AWRT Southern California Chapter member who has shown an outstanding commitment to AWRT, the Southern California Chapter of AWRT, and who has made positive contributions to the industry.
Known for her rich contralto voice and quick wit, Miller, four-time Los Angeles Press Club Golden Mike Award winner, was among the first female hosts in Los Angeles, helping KFI establish itself as a drivetime leader with the popular "TNT in the Morning." Due to her countless contributions to the broadcasting industry, in June of 2005, the Southern California Chapter of AWRT established a Genii Merit Award in her name.
American Women in Radio and Television, Southern California 2010 Genii Awards, hosted by Sam Rubin
AWARD WINNERS BEING HONORED:
Lifetime Achievement Award in Acting
Betty White, Actress "The Golden Girls", "Boston Legal", "The Proposal"
Excellence in Television On Air Award
Mary Hart, Host for "Entertainment Tonight"
Excellence in Documentary Award
In honor of her work with Farrah Fawcett
Alana Stewart, Producer, "Farrah's Story"
Excellence in Sports Reporting Award
Lindsay Soto, Reporter and Host, NFL Network
Excellence in Radio On Air Award
Lisa Foxx, On Air for Clear Channel Radio, 104.3MYfm Los Angeles, Star 101.3 San Francisco, and Star 94.1 San Diego
Excellence in Radio Management Award
Rosemary Hernandez, General Sales Manager at CBSNewsRadioLA, KNX1070 NEWSRADIO, and KFWB NEWS TALK 980
Excellence in Advertising Award
Karla Keller, Senior Account Executive for Anheuser Busch
Tracey Miller Merit Award
LaFern Cusack, AWRT SoCal Past President and Director of Community Affairs for Southern California Broadcasters Association, 710 ESPN, and Radio Disney AM 1110
Inspiration Award The Good News Foundation
Wendy Burch, Founder/Chairperson; and Reporter, KTLA
Pat Harvey, Co-Chair; and Main Anchor, KCAL
Christine Devine, Co-Chair; and Main Anchor, KTTV Fox 11
Dorothy Lucey, Secretary; and Host, "Good Day LA", KTTV Fox 11
Ana Garcia, Board Member; and Anchor/Investigative Reporter, KNBC-TV
WHEN:
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
5:30 - 7:00 p.m. Cocktails and Silent Auction
7:00 - 9:00p.m. Dinner and Awards Ceremony
WHERE:
Skirball Cultural Center
2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles,CA 90049
Coming Up Next On The Experience 710ESPN Los Angeles...Lori Gay, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Housing Services, provides foreclosure solutions as Dr. Peter Schick, The Surgeon, The Scientist, The Survivor-reveals his dedication to finding a permanent cure to HIV/AIDS.
One million families face losing their homes to foreclosures. Don't let it happen to you! Find out how, visit: NEW CENTER FOR FORECLOSURE SOLUTIONS
Lori Gay, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Housing Services, is able to help keep you in your home and calls on your financial accountability. The Los Angeles Neighborhood Housing Services serves as a catalyst for local residents, business and government representatives to work together to build stronger neighborhoods, improve the quality of life for families of modest means and to revitalize communities into neighborhoods of choice. LA NHS strengthens communities through the development and maintenance of quality affordable housing, creation and preservation of affordable homeownership opportunities, support of local leaders, providing financial education and increasing the financial independence of families and people in need. http://www.lanhs.org/
Dr. Peter Schick, The Surgeon, The Scientist, The Survivor...dedicated to finding a permanent cure to HIV/AIDS. Dr. Schick delves into protocols. The first protocol involves a drug that accelerates viral decay. The second method uses adult stem cells to attack the inflammatory process that causes many diseases. Find out what he has discovered. http://www.schickresearch.com/ and http://www.schick-foundation.org/
Kellie Roberts is a versatile talent who is not only an actress but a writer and ballroom dancer as well. Last year Kellie performed in the Robey Theatre Company’s West Coast Premiere of “A House With No Walls,” in the role of Cadence Lane. As a member of the Robey Theatre Company’s Playwrights Lab, Kellie has written a series of one-acts.
