27th Annual Theater Benefit
On Sunday April 15, 2012 the Center hosted an elegant benefit at the Los Angeles Music Center. Loyal and dedicated supporter, Larry A. Ginsberg, served as the evening’s dynamic MC, welcoming nearly 300 guests to celebrate the Harriett Buhai Center for Family Law and the night’s honorees. The event raised over $360,000 to support the Center’s programs and featured a Patina-catered reception and a performance of the first rock opera of the 20th century, “Green Day’s American Idiot”. Center supporters in attendance were also treated to a surprise musical performance by actress and singer Jenifer Lewis, who dedicated her moving tribute to the night’s honoree Judith R. Forman.
Along with Judith R. Forman, who received the Zephyr M. Ramsey Award, top honors went also to Ellen Peck, who received the Harriett Buhai Community Service Award.
Other honorees included the Center’s 2011 volunteer award recipients: Denise Nardi, Frances Wender Kandel Award; Louise Nixon, Pro Bono Panel Award; Melissa McNair, New Volunteer of the Year; Ellin Palmer, 25 Years of Service; Liza Cunanan, 10 Years of Service; Linda Morra, 10 Years of Service. Click here to watch our 2011 Volunteer Honorees share the impact they make through volunteering at the Harriett Buhai Center.
“I was homeless. My car was my home. I had no place to go. It was a cold winter; so cold at night that I got sick. I was terrified of my husband. I could not find a job. I had no one to help me. I was totally alone until the Center entered my life.” – Dolores, former Harriett Buhai Center client and 2012 Theater Benefit speaker.
“The Harriett Buhai Center stands as a beacon of hope for those enslaved by poverty and domestic violence. Its mission embraces the fabric of values which unite all of us and is so much more: the Center is a catalyst for change and personal empowerment. I thank the Center for the opportunity to play a role in its work and for this lovely honor today.” – Judith R. Forman, Zephyr M. Ramsey Award
“I have experienced the Center’s desire to always serve their clients with the highest level of professional responsibility and ethics. I feel honored to assist the lawyers, staff and volunteers in this important mission. They have become my heroes — they embrace their work passionately, championing their clients’ causes, with empathy and compassion.” – Ellen Peck, Harriett Buhai Community Service Award
For more information about the event, contact events@hbcfl.org or 213-388-7505 ext. 317. Please visit the Harriett Buhai Center on Facebook for more event photos. Keep checking this site for information about the 2013 Theater Benefit!