AFABW Holiday Show & Commendation Event

December 18, 2006 – Hollywood: Celebrating another year of expansion, Artists For A Better World International hosted their end-of-the-year Holiday Show & Commendation Event. Held in the holiday-festooned, Garden Pavilion, the evening kicked off with the LA Dance Company, a group of lively teens and young adults who energized the crowd with their infectious and upbeat hip hop performances.

AFABW member, Barbara Cordova, gave a presentation about this year’s AFABW activities, with an additional peak into future events. She also performed her original song entitled, “Say It”.

Guitarist Willman Morcillo performed original Latin music while accompanied by gypsy dancer, Vanessa Guerrero.

President of Artists For A Better World International, George Alger, was the MC for the evening and spoke about AFABW Int properties, including music CD’s, poetry books, and short story books. He introduced Petrina Sharp, who presented the 2007 AFABW Fine Art Calendar, which was themed, “Joy.” Ms. Sharp presided over this year’s international fine art submissions and co-produced the calendar with Jerry Keane. She also announced the theme for the 2008 calendar, which will be “Freedom,” as inspired from the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, and the campaign to raise awareness of Human Rights by Artists For Human Rights.

Celebrity Centre International Host, Desiree Grenier, gave an introduction about Celebrity Centre and the services offered to help artists achieve their career goals. Ms. Grenier also showcased several of the Public Service Announcement Videos promoting Human Rights, as sponsored by Artists For Human Rights.

One of the main purposes of tonight’s event was to commend those who helped Artists For A Better World in 2006. The most stellar contributors were awarded on stage, and as well, about 100 commendations were prepared for distribution to the volunteer network helping AFABW.

Additional highlights of the evening included improvisational pianist, JoJo Zawawi; Kids in the Mix, a group of singing, dancing, rapping kids, directed by Sheila Baker; and S1, an all-male, Rhythm & Blues group with KJae, DL and Dayze.

The evening’s speakers included Tom Fair of the Musicians Association, who exhorted the musicians in the audience to make a constructive and positive difference in the music industry with their work. Jeff Harman, President of the Celebrity Centre Renaissance Speakers gave a humorous and poignant presentation on how artists are responsible for carrying a message to the people about creating a better world. Award-winning singer/songwriter/guitarist, Dee Dee O’Malley performed an inspirational song and then presented an AFABW award to photographer Barry Wise, for using his artistic talents to promote up and coming artists.

Outstanding vocalist, Debor’ra Hall, wrapped up the evening’s entertainment by singing the Christmas classic, White Christmas.

Special thanks to Director, Richard Reich; Backstage Manager, Carol Loweree; Raffle Producer, Becky Mate; Raffle Directors, Dave Repchuk & Tracy Repchuk; Receptionist, Jean Nichols; Photographer, Mark Valinsky; and the staff of Showcase Productions, for helping to produce this evening’s event.

AFABW Int has regular events at the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre International, and at affiliated Scientology organizations around the world, including in Toronto, Canada; London, England; and Johannesburg, South Africa; as well as many events in global communities with allied organizations. The group includes members of the Church as well as artists and art enthusiasts of goodwill from all religions, nationalities, creeds, races and cultures. In short, any and all who desire to help in the creation of a better world.