AFABW Supports Hollywood Councils’ Toy Drive

December 10, 2006 – Hollywood: Artists for a Better World International members joined forces with three Hollywood Councils to put on the 3rd Annual Multi-Cultural Holiday Party at the Louis B. Mayer Building. The main purpose of the event was a toy drive in support of the Children of Hollygrove, foster care children who might not have had much of a Christmas otherwise. Around 300 attendees from throughout the LA area participated in this special event.

The overall producer of the event was Ziggy Kruse, the Hollywood Studio District Chairperson for Special events. She was assisted by Glenda Kelley, Maripat Donovan and Marc Silvia. There were an array of performers that included Celebrity Centre Kids on Stage for a Better World, The Kingsley Royal Singers, Lula Washington Dance Ensemble, Barbara Cordova, Rachel Lindley, The Church of Scientology Choir, and The Mariachi Arriba Jalisco.

Bobbi and Madison Broenhaler had a table set up where kids enjoyed arts and crafts activities. Face painter, Ron Fugitt, was in constant demand by many a child who enthusiastically offered their faces as canvases for his creations. Also helping out was member Tracy Repchuk with her husband Dave and two of their kids, Kennedy and Celeste. Johni Hurst, one of Celebrity Centre’s Renaissance Speakers was the MC for the day. AFABW member Barbara Cordova gave a short talk and acknowledged the importance of the arts with a quote by L. Ron Hubbard – “A culture is only as great as its dreams and its dreams are dreamed by artists.” Near the end of the event LA City Council President, Eric Garcetti arrived and also helped with a raffle. The Grande Finale was the arrival of Santa Claus, an all time favorite of kids young and old.

Both kids and adults cheerfully feasted on the entertainment and activities, not to mention the array of food that was donated for this occasion. The success of the event was due to the teamwork of all who helped to make it happen.