Face Forward honors Byron Scott, Shantel Jackson and Hikmat Al Kaitoob
On September 24, 2016 Face Forward held their 7th Annual “Havana Nights” Gala at Vibiana in Downtown Los Angeles. The beautiful night was full of charitable giving, live performances, and an amazing three course meal prepared by Iron Chef Neal Fraser. The annual gala is Face Forward’s most important fundraising and awareness event of the year, with a goal of raising $500,000 in 2016 to support those physically affected by domestic violence and human trafficking. Founded in 2007, Face Forward provides pro bono reconstructive surgery for victims of severe domestic abuse with funds raised supporting travel, aftercare and additional associated costs. Face Forward empowers survivors to leave behind physical scars and stigmas to ‘Face Forward’ to an infinite future.
The glorious night featured a silent auction, live auction, cigar lounge, mojito bar, conga drums, photo ops, and an amazing performance by Nelly. Nelly performed 5 songs including “Country Grammar,” “Hot in Herre,” and a special performance of “Dilemma,” where he was joined on stage by longtime girlfriend Shantel Jackson, who was honored earlier in the night. Additional honorees included Byron Scott, for his philanthropic work and his pledge to help recruit athletes to learn and spread the word about domestic violence, presented by fellow LA Laker legend AC Green, Hikmat Al Kaitoob, for her work in helping women internationally, presented by founder Deborah Alessi and Shantel Jackson, for her work as a survivor of domestic violence and inspirational speaker, presented and Emmy Award winning journalist, Lu Parker.
Event Sponsors Included: Etihad Airways, Roberto Cavalli, Alessi Institute, Torrey Pines Bank and Per Aquum Niyama Maldives
Celebrity Guests Included: Nelly, Bryon Scott, Shantel Jackson, AC Green, Neal Fraser, Renee Lawless, Lotte Verbeek, Ruth Connell, Jen Lilly, Shane Mosely, James Anderson, Daniel Steres, Chloe Farnworth, Brett Dalton, Dennis Tito, Christina DeRosa, B Taylor, Lu Parker, Hikmat Al Kaitoob, Kovich, and Nate Palmer.
About Face Forward
Since its creation in 2007, Face Forward has worked with community leaders around the world to identify victims of violence who are working toward recovery yet carry the burdening physical evidence of past abuse. Face Forward does more than just provide pro bono reconstructive surgery to adults and children who have suffered traumatic and severe physical abuse; they also create a welcoming and safe environment for these survivors to start a fresh new life, and reclaim their confidence. The organization co-founders Mrs. Deborah and Dr. David Alessi both donate their time and skills 100% to the organization to provide Face Forward patients with the necessary surgeries and counseling services. Funds raised by the organization help with ancillary costs, travel expenses for patients including air fare, accommodations and transportation, nursing aftercare and more. Face Forward treats patients from around the world, and currently brings all patients for treatment to their office in Beverly Hills.
