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PHOENIX HOUSE HONORS MATTHEW PERRY AND HONORABLE ANTONIO VILLARAIGOSA AT 12TH ANNUAL TRIUMPH FOR TEENS AWARDS GALA
Lisa Kudrow Presents; CBS-TV's Kaj Goldberg Hosts
Los Angeles, CA (June 16, 2015) – Actor and humanitarian Matthew Perry received the “2015 Phoenix Rising Award” and former Los Angeles Mayor and civic leader the Honorable Antonio Villaraigosa, the “2015 Public Service Award” at the 12th Annual Triumph for Teens Awards Gala, Monday, June 15th, 2015 at the Montage Beverly Hills. The sold out event celebrated the victories of young people in overcoming their addiction and related ailments and recognized the contributions and accomplishments which have positively influenced the health and welfare of our communities, especially our at–risk youth.
KCBS/KCAL weather anchor/reporter Kaj Goldberg hosted the dinner and award ceremony with Don Felder, former lead guitarist for The Eagles, performing. Phoenix Houses of California Board members, Michael Dwyer, DeeDee Gordon and Michael Kraus Co-Chaired the event.
The evening opened with phenom violin prodigy Lee England, Jr. performing his rendition of David Bowie’s “Hero.” England has been cheered internationally and is the first non-athlete signed by Michael Jordan’s management company.
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Host Kaj Goldberg welcomed the more than 250 guests noting that “in classic mythology, the Phoenix was a rare and mysterious bird who, even after facing death, had the strength and conviction to rise from the ashes, renewed with a youthful vigor that allowed him to live again, better and stronger.” He then likened the fable to the success of Phoenix House which “for 35 years has given new lives to thousands of young people who fought their way back from the grips of addiction.”
Tim Noonan, President of the Board of Directors for Phoenix House, California was joined on stage by fellow Board member Brad De Koning who paid tribute to the late Scott Dunham, Board member and integral member of the Phoenix House family whose contributions to the organization over the years were immeasurable. In recognition, the Scott Dunham Memorial Garden will be dedicated at the Phoenix House Lakeview Terrace facility. Dunham’s widow Barbara was on hand to accept a commemorative plaque on behalf of the family.
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Pouria Abbassi, President and Chief Executive Officer, Phoenix Houses of California, enumerated the stellar success rate of Phoenix House in reintegrating teens, many of whom come from the juvenile justice system and foster homes back into the community in a way that improves both their prospects for success and society at large. He then introduced teens “Edgar” and “Jasmine” who spoke movingly of how their experiences at Phoenix House had changed their lives and set them each on a course for a bright future.
Internationally recognized businessman, philanthropist and former Phoenix House board member Marc Nathanson presented the “2015 Public Service Award” to former Los Angeles Mayor and civic leader Antonio Villaraigosa. Describing his good friend as “all about new beginnings and overcoming great obstacles to rise to the top of the leadership of our city, our state and our nation,” Nathanson described Villaraigosa’s hard fought early years and his eventual determination to turn his life around. “He’s a fighter who never has forgotten his roots,” he continued, “and has always been a good friend to our youth in his policies, his actions and his heart. Antonio has risen like a Phoenix to become one of the most respected leaders in our state and, in my opinion, he will make an outstanding governor.”
The Honorable Antonio Villaraigosa has been a respected voice in American politics, a prominent policymaker and savvy strategist for more than 20 years. As two-term Mayor of the City of Los Angeles, he is credited with making major strides in transportation, crime reduction, infrastructure, energy and resource sustainability, right-sizing government, business development and education reform. Prior to his election as Mayor, Villaraigosa served as a member of the Los Angeles City Council for two years. As a member of the California State Assembly from 1994 through 2000, he served as Democratic Whip, Majority Leader and Speaker of the Assembly, overseeing landmark state issues including an historic $9 billion school rebuilding bond, the toughest assault weapons ban in the country, the largest urban neighborhood parks initiative in U.S. history and creation of the “Healthy Families” program that provided healthcare for more than three quarters of a million children. Currently, Villaraigosa is a fellow at Harvard University and a professor in public policy at the University of Southern California. He is also a senior fellow at the Bipartisan Policy Institute in Washington, D.C.
Emmy-winning actress, writer and producer Lisa Kudrow presented the “2015 Phoenix Rising Award” to her former “Friends” cast mate, Matthew Perry. Lauding the actor for his “quick wit…sizzling instinct and intellect…creativity and humor,” she noted that working with Perry “was like shooting hoops with Shaq. It raises your game.” She went on to describe his personal and often public battle with addiction and sobriety, “facing the reality of his situation with characteristic resilience, stamina and grace. Not only did he handle it all,” she continued, “he showed outstanding generosity and compassion by turning his Malibu home into a post-treatment sober house for others in recovery.”
One of the entertainment industry’s most versatile and accomplished actors, Matthew Perry came to national prominence for his ten year run as Chandler Bing in the highly-rated and critically acclaimed NBC-TV series, “Friends.” His diverse talents in a wide range of projects has continued to captivate audiences world-wide…on the big screen alongside Bruce Willis in “The Whole Ten Yards,” sequel to the box office hit “The Whole Nine Yards,” in which he also appeared, as well as featured roles in “Three to Tango,” “Almost Horses,” “Fools Rush In,” “Serving Sara” and his debut film, “A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon.” On television, Perry captured Emmy, Golden Globe and SAG Award nominations for his moving role as the title character in the true life drama, TNT’s “The Ron Clark Story.” He has starred in and executive produced NBC’s “Go On” and ABC’s “Mr. Sunshine” as well as scored rave reviews for his guest-starring turn in “The Good Wife.” Currently, Perry stars in and is co-executive producer of CBS-TV’s remake of Neil Simon’s classic sitcom, “The Odd Couple.” Off screen, Perry has made it his mission to help others with sobriety. An active advocate for the drug court system in conjunction with the National Association for Drug Court Professionals, he has been named an Ambassador to the Court. His efforts have helped raise more than $45 million for the Courts. Perry has been honored by the Obama Administration’s Office of National Drug Control Policy with the Champion of Recovery Award, the highest ranking honor he could receive.
About Phoenix House
For more than 35 years, Phoenix House has been a beacon of hope in Southern California for the most vulnerable men, women, and teens - rebuilding lives, reuniting families, and creating stronger communities. Today, Phoenix Houses of California serves over 6,000 individuals a year plus their family members and reaches more than 30,000 community members through outreach, volunteerism, and prevention and education services. www.phoenixhouse.org/california
The Awards Gala was produced by Scott Mauro Entertainment, Inc.