Annual Benefit Celebrates Past, Looks to the Future
Posted: April 21, 2015
April 21st, 2015 | Beat the Streets Los Angeles hosted it’s 2nd Annual Benefit on Friday, April 10th in Downtown Los Angeles. The event supports BTSLA’s mission of youth development through wrestling and attendees were treated to fantastic food & drink, dessert by local gourmet ice cream maker Coolhaus, silent & live auctions, a photo gallery, a live donor wall, and the world premiere of ‘Move Your Feet’ a short film by Director Shawn Frederick, written and produced by Brian Guerrero.
The nearly 225 guests were welcomed by Executive Director Yero Washington and Board President Andy Barth, whose messages were in concert with the goal of the evening; to raise money benefiting BTSLA’s dynamic programs.
“We are here tonight to celebrate all that we’ve accomplished in the short time since our inception, but moreover, to look toward the future of what’s possible for BTSLA with the support of all of you.”, stated Washington.
Executive Director Yero Washington addresses guests of the 2nd Annual Benefit.
“I can envision us impacting tens of thousands of kids in the future. Imagine that, tens of thousands of kids that are positively impacted by Beat the Streets programs! But we cannot do it alone.”, added Barth.
President of the Board, Andy Barth addresses guests of the 2nd Annual Benefit.
Event supporters responded and enabled BTSLA to meet fundraising goals, including raising over $25,000 from the live “Camp Scholarship Wall” from which 50 kids will receive summer camp scholarships. The unique wall display, sponsored by Thornton Tomasetti, served as a donor activation station where pledge amounts were displayed and then turned to reveal a mosaic image and message announcing the achievement.
The Camp Scholarship Wall
Pledges to the Camp Scholarship Wall were made frequently throughout the evening.
50 Camp Scholarships raised at the 2nd Annual Benefit
Guest were further treated to the premiere of “Move Your Feet”, BTSLA Board Member and Creative Director Brian Guerrero’s short film about an adolescent girl facing life’s challenges through her mother’s guidance and the sport of wrestling. The film starred BTSLA wrestler and Mt. Gleason Middle School student Mercedes Rodriguez who gave a moving speech to attendees.
“Not only has learning the art of wrestling opened new doors for me in sports, such as starring in the short film and competing at State, it has enabled me to take the competitive aspect of the sport into the classroom and challenge myself even more academically.” shared Rodriguez.
Mercedes Rodriguez gives a speech after the premiere of ‘Move Your Feet’.
The festivities were capped with the silent and live auction with special contributions from élevée, Cliff Keen Athletic, Sheraton Pasadena Hotel, Dana Barsuhn, Humanscale, USA Wrestling and more.
MC and the Event’s Auctioneer Bino takes opening bids for LA Clippers tickets.
The event successful by all measures and ensures BTSLA programs will continue to grow and thrive, positively impacting Los Angeles youth long into the future.
Event photos provided by Dana Barsuhn (http://www.danabarsuhn.com/) and red carpet photos by Jonathan DeRing.
