LaFern Cusack Takes "A" to the Fourth Power: Awards, Autism, Art and an All-Star Carnival

53rd Annual Genii Awards Honored:
LaFern Cusack, Betty White, Mary Hart,
Alana Stewart, Lindsay Soto, Lisa Foxx,
Rosemary Hernandez, Karla Keller, Wendy Burch,
Pat Harvey, Christine Devine, Dorothy Lucey and Ana Garcia

Special Guest Appearances by Ann Cusack, Maria Shriver, Jay Leno, Dr. Laura, Steve Edwards, Carole Bayer Sager and Bill Denton

American Women in Radio and Television Southern California (AWRT SoCal) 2010 Genii Awards, which was held Wednesday, April 14 at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. The 2010 Show marked the 53rd year of the Genii Awards produced by the non-profit organization AWRT SoCal and dedicated to recognizing the 'Best of the Best' within the media industry.

THANK YOU!!!
AWRT SoCal, SCBA, 710 ESPN Radio and Radio Disney AM1110

     

                      

   

For More Photos and Event Videos Go To AWRT SoCal's Facebook Page!

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Tune in Sunday, April 18, 2010 (5a-6a PST)
Southern California Experience with LaFern Cusack
710 ESPN Radio Los Angeles
listen live online HERE: http://bit.ly/aABxWF

8th Annual Walk Now For Autism in Los Angeles
Saturday, April 24th at the Rose Bowl

Dr. Paula Pompa-Craven, Easter Seals Southern California Photo ID l to r: Joey Travolta, Inclusion Films, Phillip Hain, Autism Speaks, Scott Siegel, Arrest My Sister and Michael Siegel.

Tune in Sunday, April 18, 2010 (5a-6a PST) to the Southern California Experience with LaFern Cusack or listen live online HERE: http://bit.ly/aABxWF 


Dr. Paula Pompa-Craven, Easter Seals Southern California:  Dr. Paula Pompa-Craven works directly with adults who live with autism. She believes that early diagnosis and treatment are keys to success for people with autism and that these individuals may not have been institutionalized if their autism had been identified in their formative years. Every person who wants to is encouraged to participate in the April fundraising campaign at all Vons and Pavilions stores across Southern California. All monies raised go directly to services and programs that help people with disabilities and special needs. http://www.southerncal.easterseals.com/

Phillip Hain, Los Angeles Chapter of Autism Speaks: Phillip Hain is the Executive Director of the Los Angeles Chapter of Autism Speaksthe nation's largest autism advocacy organization, which funds research, promotes advocacy, raises awareness and empowers families and helped create the Walk Now for Autism Speaks program, which has raised more than $7 million over seven years in Los Angeles. The 8th annual Walk Now For Autism in Los Angeles takes place on Saturday, April 24th at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Last year the Walk attracted 17,000 participants and raised $1.27 million for families with autism. Local community members can come out to walk and bring the whole family; for more information visit http://www.walknowforautism.org Everyone can also visit our website to make a donation of your money or time at http://www.autismspeaks.org/

Joey Travolta, Inclusion Films:  Born into a show business family, Joey Travolta has been drawing extensive media attention for helping kids and adults with neuro-developmental disabilities. As a former special education teacher, blended with his vast experience over the years in the film industry, Joey has made it his mission to combine his two passions by developing film workshops and camps for kids and adults with disabilities to inspire and educate students about filmmaking. In an environment conducive for alternate learning styles, Joey's unique teaching style and expertise enables those with special needs alongside their typically developing peers the opportunity to learn about filmmaking and themselves as individuals. That emergence is now known as Inclusion Films. Everyone is invited to attend our next event on April 29 in Laguna Beach; visit http://www.diversitydances.org for more information and http://www.joeytee.com

Scott Siegel, Arrest My Sister Lead Vocalist and Keyboard Player:  Scott Siegel, who is a twenty-three year old musical savant, and Crazy Tomes, an amazing guitar player with endless soul, Arrest My Sister has an extensive repertoire of original music influenced by an assorted collection of musicians. Arrest My Sister is the centerpiece of Diversity Dances, an all-inclusive multimedia event that provides opportunities for employment, education, recreation, socialization, and community building for people with and without disabilities. http://arrestmysister.com/

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SEGMENT II
Tune in Sunday, April 18, 2010 (5a-6a PST) to the Southern California Experience with LaFern Cusack or listen live online HERE: http://bit.ly/aABxWF

Randy Tat and Ella Rose Tat- The Zimmer Children's Museum's showANDtell: the art of knowledge April 29- June 3, 2010

The Zimmer Children's Museum's showANDtell: the art of knowledge will be exhibiting in the Bell Family Gallery from April 29- June 3, 2010. This years' theme of "knowledge" inspired our artists and many chose to incorporate objects associated with school and education: a globe, book, pencil, ruler, light bulb, a dictionary. The collection is original, thoughtful and often playful.

Randy Tat is a graduate of the Cornish Institute of the Arts in Seattle, where he studied art and design as well as architecture. Specializing in mixed media, including water colors, oils, pastels, pencil and acrylic, using oversized, 6 ft. x 5 ft. canvases, Randy's "Tat on the Wall" multimedia exhibits have been shown at prestigious galleries such as the Blueprint and King Road Art Galleries in W. Hollywood, The Art Gallery in Beverly Hills, The Studio in Sherman Oaks, the Retrospective Galleries in La Jolla and San Diego and the Matsky Gallery in Seattle, WA.

Tat works in geometric, abstract graphics and collages, with moving shapes and pieces, presented in a three-dimensional setting with a depth, substance and intrigue emphasizing his architectural studies. He has sold more than 150 individual pieces to collectors, along with countless commissioned works. His limited edition '90s lithograph, "Living on the Ceiling," sold 250 out of 300 in the series.

The mission of the Zimmer Children's Museum is to provide interactive learning opportunities for children and families that incorporate core Jewish values and traditions and that encourage visitors from varied backgrounds to discover shared ideals.

http://www.zimmershowandtell.org/

http://www.tatonthewall.com/

http://www.tagmyspace.tv/  

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SEGMENT III

Tune in Sunday, April 18, 2010 (5a-6a PST) to the Southern California Experience with LaFern Cusack or listen live online HERE: http://bit.ly/aABxWF

Leticia Rhi Buckley Children's Cancer Research Fund, Kids 4 Kids 5k Run/walk and All-Star Carnival, Sunday, April 25, 2010 at L.A. LIVE
(across from STAPLES Center)


Benefiting the Children's Cancer Research Fund, the Kids 4 Kids 5k Run/Walk and All-Star Carnival was created in response to the incredible generosity of children wanting to help other children with cancer. The Kids 4 Kids Run/Walk empowers them to take immediate action to help find a cure while bringing together friends and family for a fun day of activity an entertainment.

National Spokespersons Team for the
5th Annual Kids 4 Kids Run/Walk

The All-Star Carnival includes finish line entertainment, rides and game booths staffed by celebrities and athletes. National Spokespersons Team for the 5th Annual Kids 4 Kids Run/Walk include: (Photo ID: Left to Right) Emma Roberts, "Valentine's Day;" Jordan Farmar, Los Angeles Lakers; Luc Robitaille, President, Business Operations for Los Angeles Kings Hockey Club; Landon Donovan, LA Galaxy; Michael Cooper, Head Coach,USC Women's Basketball, Former Head Coach, Los Angeles Sparks, Former NBA Player, Los Angeles Lakers; Noelle Quinn, Los Angeles Sparks Guard and Former UCLA All-American; and Rafael Furcal, Los Angeles Dodgers.

Advance registration fee: $10 (under 18) and $25 (18 and over) On-site registration fee: $20 (under 18) and $35 (18 and over) Online registration available at http://www.ccrf-kids.org/

Established in 1987, CCRF is dedicated to providing national support for clinical research in pediatric cancer, while improving the medical environment for all children. A Healthier and Happier tomorrow is the mission and promise of Children's Cancer Research Fund to children and their parents everywhere. http://www.ccrf-kids.org/

to see self-progression and to serve others.   Jason David's Corner Foundation mission is to increase the awareness about the treatment, research and ultimate cure of Kidney diseases and conduct related fundraising events.

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Jason David's Corner Foundation: 2nd Annual Celebrity Golf Classic, Friday, June 25, 2010 in Simi Valley at the Lost Canyons Golf Club

5th Annual NFL Youth Football Skills Camp, Saturday, June 26, 2010 at Charter Oak High School
REGISTER NOW! After two years in the NFL Jason David realized that other than his high school coaches, mother and sister who guided him along his way, he never had anyone speak to him and influence his life giving him hope to follow his dreams and not give up when things did not go as planned.

He felt that it was his obligation as an NFL player and magnified role model to reach out to as many children as possible and give them this guidance and hope. He saw a youth football skills camp as a perfect opportunity to utilize his strengths as an attempt to impact his community. Jason is a determined, strong willed and charismatic individual who lives

** New this year...the Golf Ball DROP Fundraiser!**

Volunteers wanted for the Celebrity Golf Classic and/or the Youth Football Skills Camp!!

Individual Golfers / Foursomes / Celebrity Foursomes
Golfers will sign up as 3 and the 4th person will be an assigned celebrity.

Last year's celebrities were NFL players Jason David, Kevin Kaesviharn, Courtney Roby,
Von Hutchins, William R. Smith, Mike Doss, and JoLonn Dunbar.  Phillip Palmer, ABC7 news anchor, Jay Johnstone, former major league baseball, Troy Grant, Golf Pro, Ken Greene, former NFL/Amazing Race Finalist, Tina Greene, Amazing Race Finalist,
Tracy Muray, NBA and Nicky McCrimmon WNBA.

*LISTEN NOW: JASON DAVID'S INTERVIEW- Segment 1

*LISTEN NOW: JASON DAVID'S INTERVIEW- Segment 2

The main goal of JDCF's camp is to host an annual free of charge football skills camp in order to demonstrate football fundamentals and the importance of a hard work ethic and service learning on and off the field. The main goal of the Annual Celebrity Golf Classic is to bring attention to local and surrounding community businesses and individuals who like to golf, network and give back to their community. Covina is a small town and we would like to get the city members involved in a big cause! For more information contact us on Facebook Jason Davids Corner or visit http://www.jasondavidscorner.org/

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Kevin Wall, The Dow Live Earth Run for Water, April 18, 2010

Events are taking place in more than 100 cities worldwide including 5 in the U.S. (Atlanta, Los Angeles, Chicago, Minneapolis, New York)

Founded by Emmy-winning producer Kevin Wall, Live Earth was built upon the belief that entertainment has the power to transcend social and cultural barriers to move the world community to action.

* LISTEN NOW: KEVIN WALL'S INTERVIEW

A for-profit company, Live Earth seeks to leverage the power of entertainment through integrated events, media and the live experience to ignite a global movement aimed at solving the most critical environmental issues of our time. More information can be found at http://www.liveearth.org/

What: The Dow Live Earth Run for Water is a series of 6km (3/7 miles) run/walks featuring water education villages and live music performances taking place in more than 100 cities around the world to help raise money and awareness to solve the global water crisis

Why: The global water crisis is an issue that affects all of us today nearly one billion people lack access to clean, safe drinking and by 2025 it's predicted that 2/3 of us will be living in water stressed areas but there are things we can do to manage this crisis

Where: Events are taking place in more than 100 cities worldwide including 5 in the U.S. (Atlanta, Los Angeles, Chicago, Minneapolis, New York)

Who: We have support of some of the biggest names in the music business who will be performing and/or running on April 18th - Alexandra Cousteau, Collective Soul, Melissa Etheridge, Jenny Fletcher, Kara Goucher, Carl Lewis, Sam Moore, Rob Thomas, and Pete Wentz.

How can people register See our registration site www.liveearth.org  

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Henry K. Priest, "Beyond the Mat"

Beyond the Mat is the next classic sports movie. It has the best elements of an edge of your seat sports movie, where the underdog must rise to the challenge, but with a new modern twist.

Imagine Friday Night Lights but on the wrestling mat. Not just a sports story... Not just a love story... Beyond the Mat was chosen out of thousands of scripts in 2007 to be an official selection at the Tribeca Film Festival All Access Program. Currently in the final stages of post production, the target completion date for Beyond the Mat is April of 2010. Tribeca Film Festival will host the World Premiere in New York.

*LISTEN NOW: HENRY K. PRIEST INTERVIEW

The wrestling community in the US is 30,000,000 strong! Our project is endorsed by USA Wrestling, the governing body of the US Olympic Wrestling Team. The organization produces over 1,700 wrestling tournaments across the country, per year. We are also proud to be endorsed by the National High School Coaches Association which produces the Freshmen, Sophomore, Junior and Senior National Championships, among many other high profile sports tournaments. We are very grateful to the southern California wrestling community and the entire wrestling community across the country! Check Out Beyond The Mat On Facebook!

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Scott Tanner, Director of Sport Development and Splashball-
Youth Water Polo Program Brings Fun and Teamwork for Beginning Swimmers.

USAWP and Disney Sports will present the inaugural Splashball TM Festival scheduled for June 18-20 in Anaheim, California.

USA Water Polo announced the national roll-out of Splashball TM a new recreational program for young people designed to foster strong aquatic skills for beginning swimmers in a safe, fun environment. Aimed at children aged 5-9, Splashball TM uses flotation, shallow pools and other kid-friendly elements to allow players to graduate to a friendly version of water polo directly from swim lessons.

*LISTEN NOW: SCOTT TANNER'S SPLASHBALL TM INTERVIEW

A key component of Splashball TM is its partnership with the Positive Coaching Alliance. PCA is a nationally recognized program that emphasizes the value of sport to teach life lessons as well as competitive experience. Through PCA principles, Splashball TM will promote the values of effort and learning necessary to achieve mastery. Splashball TM also adopts the PCA magic formula of surrounding every constructive criticism with at least five positive ones.

Unlike highly competitive water polo programs for older players, Splashball TM emphasizes: - Mastering skills and having fun over keeping score - The joy of exerting effort to improve - The fun of learning new things and mastering them - Positive reinforcement to reward effort. Teaching that mistakes are "OK" if we learn from them USA Water Polo, Inc. is the national governing body for water polo in America, overseeing our United States Olympic program as well as 20 different championship events annually, such as Junior Olympics and Masters Championships. With more than 35,000 members, USAWP is also the sanctioning authority for more than 500 tournaments nationwide.

USAWP is committed to the development of the sport nationwide. It fosters grass-roots expansion of the sport, providing a national system of affiliated clubs, certified coaches and officials. For information on how to register teams and players visit http://www.splashballusa.org/

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COME ON AND GET CONNECTED!
Twitter: http://twitter.com/laferncusack 
Facebook Page: SoCal Experience Facebook Group
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/laferncusack
ESPN Radio Los Angeles: ESPNLosAngeles
Did You Miss the Show?!!: Podcasts

LaFern Cusack currently produces and hosts 710 ESPN's Experience (Sun. 5a-6a) and Radio Disney AM1110 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.

Baseball and Boxing: Bill Duke and Chan Berry Discuss the Business of Strength with LaFern Cusack

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 HERE http://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

Championship Ring Raffle benefitting Lakers Youth Foundation

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

TICKETS:
http://www.awrtsocal.org/
Click Here for more information.