ROCKTOBER V: A Tribute to the Powers of Music, Laughter & Love

LOS ANGELES, CA-With the shared goal of ensuring that Vista Del Mar remain the heartbeat of the city’s child and family welfare organizations in 2020 and beyond, a sold-out audience of generous patrons gathered at the AVALON Hollywood theater on October 19, 2019, for the organization’s annual Rocktober fundraiser.

Thanks to the tireless work of Rocktober V event chairs, Eden Alpert, Doug Warner, and Board Chair, Laurie Konheim, in conjunction with the esteemed members of Vista’s Board of Directors and the leadership of President and CEO, Lena Wilson, J.D., Grammy Award-winning singer songwriter, Seal and gifted Special Guest, comedian Preacher Lawson delivered purpose and passion-filled performances, resulting in standing ovations and the most successful Rocktober celebration to date.

Almost as stunning as Seal’s musical performance onstage is the heartfelt work he has rendered offstage when devoting his time, energy, wit and wisdom to Vista’s residents. In the past year, he has offered invaluable support, helping those most in need to find their voices, to tell their life stories, and to feel empowered by recognizing that they are seen, heard, valued and cherished. The impact of such transformative gifts of love is priceless. Seal himself endured turbulent times as a child in England, having been raised in foster care before being brought up by his stepmother and father. His journey from surviving to thriving is an inspiration to all whose life he touches.

Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services has long recognized the positive impact of music and other innovative art enrichment programs for children of all circumstance and ability. The Eden Alpert Therapeutic Music Program, a gift of the Herb Alpert Foundation, reflects an ongoing commitment to cultivating an environment that nurtures compassion and well-being, while providing Vista students with a safe space in which to explore their creative potential, develop a greater appreciation of the arts, and learn career skills. In 2020, the Glorya Kauffman Performing Arts Center and corresponding therapeutic dance curriculum will optimize Vista’s ability to continue rendering unique life-enhancing programming for the community.

Thanks to the boundless generosity and compassion of this year’s Rocktober V attendees, Vista Del Mar will accomplish their steadfast mission to provide excellence in comprehensive, family-centered social, educational and behavioral health services that encourage children, adolescents and their families to lead self-reliant, stable and productive lives…music to everyone’s ears.

Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services, a Four-Star Charity Navigator rated organization and national role model, has cared for Los Angeles' most vulnerable children for over 100 years, providing a range of exceptional programs in education, mental health, autism, adoption, residential care, prevention and early intervention, wrapping love and support around the entire family. VISTADELMAR.ORG