2008-10-15 23:52:12 -
Hollywood, CA, October 13, 2008- Celebrities and surf stars stepped out in full force for the 5th Annual Life Rolls On Foundation "Night By The Ocean" Benefit Honoring IMG supported by Honorary Chairpersons E!'s Sal Masekela, musician Jason Mraz and Prison Break's Dominic Purcell on Sunday, October 12, 2008. Life Rolls On Foundation, dedicated to improving the quality of life
for young people affected by spinal cord injury, was joined by sponsor Disaboom to salute the efforts of IMG Sports & Entertainment for their efforts in promoting positive images of people with spinal cord injury.
The 500 person black tie gala was held at the historic Hollywood & Highland Grand Ballroom, home of the official Oscar party. Featuring two red carpets both heavy with flashbulbs, one for V.I.P.s and the second an access ramp for all guests, stars of the ocean mingled with the stars of Hollywood. Kelly Slater, Nicky Hilton and David Katzenberg, Jenna Fischer, Brooke Burns, Dominic Purcell, Morgan Spurlock, Rob Machado, Brandon Boyd, Jeffrey Donovan, Brandon Jenner, Linda Thompson, Brandon Davis, Jason Davis and David Chokachi stepped out in support of Life Rolls On Foundation's single largest fundraiser.
An exquisite cocktail reception complete with a DJ set the tone for the silent auction before guests moved into the ballroom for dinner by Wolfgang Puck, heartfelt speeches and an amazing auction that raised $340,000 for the charity. Highlights of the evening included Kelly Slater underwriting Life Rolls On Foundation's upcoming family fair for kids with spinal cord injury, Brooke Burns buying a trip to Tavarua Island, David Katzenberg winning a surfboard signed by Dean Morrison, Jeffrey Donovan winning a trip to Costa Rica, Jenna Fischer sponsoring a They Will Ski event to give children with SCI the opportunity to ski this winter and Sal Masekela donating $10,000 to the foundation.
In true Hollywood fashion, a 24-foot circular stage complete with a wheelchair ramp was exclusively built for the occasion and served as a backdrop to the night's festivities. In host Sal Masekela's unexpected absence due to a flight delay, celebrity friends and family of LRO founder Jesse Billauer took to the stage. Morgan Spurlock opened the ceremony followed by lighthearted contributions from Dominic Purcell, Brandon Boyd, Rob Machado, Jeffrey Donovan, Jodie Nelson and Josh Billauer (Jesse's brother) all adding touching sentiments and comic relief. As the night rolled to a close, guests were treated to a performance by singer/songwriter Dawn Mitschele.
About Life Rolls On: Founded in 1999, Life Rolls On Foundation (LRO) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for young people affected by spinal cord injury. Utilizing action sports as a platform to push the bounds of possibility after SCI, Life Rolls On produces quality of life programming, raises awareness about spinal cord injury and funds research to find a cure. With a network of more than 70,000 supporters worldwide, LRO is one of the fastest growing, contemporary charitable organizations in the country and has been featured in national print, television and radio. In 2007, the organization received its first EMMY® nomination for Best National Public Service Announcement. For more information, visit www.liferollson.org.
About IMG Sports and Entertainment:
Operating in 30 countries, IMG Sports & Entertainment's diverse businesses include: consulting services; event ownership and management; fashion events and models representation; licensing; golf course design; and client representation in golf, tennis, broadcasting, speakers, European football, rugby, cricket, motor sports, coaching, Olympic and action sports. IMG Academies are the world's largest, multi-sport training and educational facilities, delivering world-class training experiences to more than 12,000 junior, collegiate, adult, and professional athletes each year. More information is available at: IMGWorld.com.
About Disaboom:
Disaboom.com is a dynamic online resource for people with disabilities and those whose lives they touch. The site combines health and lifestyles information with an engaging, member-driven community of personal profiles, blogs, forums, and shared-interest groups. Disaboom.com was founded by Dr. J. Glen House, a physician (and quadriplegic) specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation. His firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities has driven the Disaboom mission: to create a comprehensive, evolving source of information, inspiration, insight, and personal engagement for the disability community.
