Child Welfare

CHILDREN’S DEFENSE FUND–CALIFORNIA HOSTS 21ST ANNUAL BEAT THE ODDS® AWARDS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 1, 2011

 

For More Information Contact:
Andy Gelb / Stephanie Samson
Slate PR
(310) 461-0111
andy@slate-pr.com / stephanie@slate-pr.com

 

Who:

Children’s Defense Fund President Marian Wright Edelman, along with Hollywood supporters and co-chairs Katie McGrath & J.J. Abrams, Jurnee Smollett & Josiah Bell, Carol & Frank Biondi, Ruth-Ann Huvane & Kevin Huvane, Stacey & Charles King, Liza & Conan O’Brien, Reese Witherspoon & Jim Toth, and Laura & Casey Wasserman, will join Zoe Saldana, Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Elisabeth Shue, Anton Yelchin, John Cho and more to honor five deserving students.

What:

The Children’s Defense Fund–California will host its 21st Annual Beat the Odds Awards honoring John Jimenez, Nancy Kannampuzha, Britany Lewis, Caylin Moore and Jeanette Wright, five incredible Los Angeles area high school students who “beat the odds.” Children’s Defense Fund President Marian Wright Edelman and Hollywood’s supporters will celebrate these high school “stars” for overcoming tremendous personal obstacles in order to achieve academic excellence.

Each student honoree will receive a $10,000 college scholarship and other services including mentoring, internship placements, leadership and job training, general support from the Children’s Defense Fund–California, college counseling, SAT prep and a weeklong college tour provided by the Fulfillment Fund.

Since its inception in 1990, the Children’s Defense Fund Beat the Odds program serves to identify and reward remarkable high school students who have surpassed their full potential in their overall academic performance, community participation and personal goals. These impressive scholars have clearly demonstrated the qualities necessary to become future leaders. The Beat the Odds program further enhances student’s leadership abilities by awarding them through support, training and the honor of recognition at this high profile event.

When:

Thursday, December 1, 2011
Media Check-In – 5:30 PM
Red Carpet/Cocktail Reception – 6:30 PM
Dinner – 7:30 PM

Where:

Beverly Hills Hotel
9641 Sunset Boulevard
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

More:

The Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) is a non-profit child advocacy organization that has worked relentlessly for over 35 years to ensure a level playing field for all children. We champion policies and programs that lift children out of poverty; protect them from abuse and neglect; and ensure their access to health care, quality education and a moral and spiritual foundation. Supported by foundation and corporate grants and individual donations, CDF advocates nationwide on behalf of children to ensure children are always a priority. For more information visit www.childrensdefense.org.