The Children’s Defense Fund Celebrates Outstanding Achievements

Ruth-Ann Huvane, Marian Wright Edelman, Shimica Gaskins

THE CHILDREN’S DEFENSE FUND-CALIFORNIA’S 27th ANNUAL BEAT THE ODDS® AWARDS CELEBRATES OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS BY FIVE LOS ANGELES HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Kate Hudson, Gabourey Sidibe, Jussie Smollett, Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Chiké Okonkwo, and Alfre Woodard Served as Special Presenters

 Event Chair Conan O’Brien Emceed the Evening

LOS ANGELES, CA – The Children’s Defense Fund–California hosted its 27th Annual Beat the Odds™ Awards ceremony on December 7, 2017, at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California.  The celebration honored five Los Angeles high school “stars” – Jackie, Ana, Jerry, Mey, and Ja’Nay – in recognition of their excellence in academic achievement, despite the overwhelming obstacles that stand in their way.

The inspiring evening was hosted by Children’s Defense Fund President Marian Wright Edelman, along with support from co-chairs Jurnee Smollett-Bell & Josiah Bell, Carol & Frank Biondi, Ruth-Ann Huvane, Kevin Huvane, Katie Sharer & Mark Mullen, Liza & Conan O’Brien, and CDF-CA Executive Director Shimica Gaskins.  O’Brien served as the night’s emcee, with co-chair Smollett-Bell pulling double duty as a presenter during the program.  She was joined by additional special guests including presenters Kate Hudson, Gabourey Sidibe, Jussie Smollett, Chiké Okonkwo, and Alfre Woodard, and guests J.J. Abrams & Katie McGrath, Deborah Ayorinde, Kevin Nealon, Timothy Olyphant, Andy Richter, and many more.

The evening was filled with poignant moments, each presenter offering insight into the unimaginable obstacles that have faced these young honorees throughout their lives.  Despite encountering challenges financially, emotionally, and physically, these students were able to overcome, exceed expectations, and find within themselves a hope for a better future.  Presenters and guests alike couldn’t help but be moved by each and every story.

Thanks to generous support, each student honoree will receive a $10,000 college scholarship and support services including: private tutoring, one-on-one college counseling, ongoing mentoring, internship placements, life skills development, SAT prep, and week-long college tours at no cost.

ABOUT CHILDREN’S DEFENSE FUND-CALIFORNIA

The Children’s Defense Fund-California (CDF-CA) is the state office of the Children’s Defense Fund, a national child advocacy organization founded by Marian Wright Edelman that has worked relentlessly for over 40 years to ensure a level playing field for all children. CDF-CA was established in 1998 to meet the needs of underserved children in the state of California.  With offices in Los Angeles, Oakland, and Long Beach, CDF-CA champions policies and programs that lift children out of poverty, ensure all children have access to health coverage and care and a quality education, and invest in our justice-involved youth.

About Doc Herbalist 299 Articles
Hey, I'm Doc Herbalist and I'm the Online Editor-in-Chief as well as the web developer and designer here at One West Magazine. I hope you enjoy the online magazine articles and website that I've put together for your reading pleasure. Peace and Love. ~DoC

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