March 16, 2025 #1 Local News, Forum, Information and Event Source for Venice Beach, California.

CASA/LA Benefit Raises $800,000 for Child Welfare & Juvenile Justice Services at Skirball Center

REIMAGINE Gala hosted by Topher & Ashley Grace raised funds at 10th annual event

By Staff Writer

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Los Angeles held its 10th Annual Gala event, renamed this year to the REIMAGINE GALA at the Skirball Cultural Center, raising over $800,000. 

The event was hosted by Topher and Ashley Grace and honored Film Producer, Founder of the Anti-Recidivism Coalition and CEO of One Community, LLC, Scott Budnick as well as Chair of the LA County Board of Supervisors, Holly J. Mitchell.

Attendees of the event included Topher Grace (Home Economics), Ashley Hinshaw-Grace (The Arrangement, Startup), Scott Budnick (War Dogs, The Hangover), Tia Carrera (AJ and the Queen, Wayne’s World), Haley Pullos (General Hospital, Red Riding Hoods), Wayne Wilderson (Veep, The Mick), JP Manoux (Veep) and LA County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell.

“The fundraising event brings together volunteers and dedicated community members to honor Los Angeles leaders who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to children, including children who have been abused or neglected and are living in foster care,” event organizers said. 

Previous honorees include actor Mario Lopez, Kathy Hilton, the Honorable Judge Michael Nash and Freeform Network’s “The Fosters.” 

CASA of Los Angeles is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that organizes community volunteers to take action and advocate for children and families impacted by LA County’s overburdened child welfare and juvenile justice systems. The children and youth served by CASA/LA come from historically underserved populations that have experienced the extraordinary consequences of racial disparities and structural inequality that lead to poverty, neglect and abuse. CASA volunteers help children in important ways such as comforting them through emotional trauma and transition, arranging for needed healthcare, social services or enrichment activities, talking with teachers to ensure educational services are in place and reporting to the children’s court and judges by attending court hearings and advocating for the child’s welfare.

Related Posts

Santa Monica College President Honored as 2025 Woman of the Year for Assembly District 51

March 13, 2025

March 13, 2025

Her tenure has focused on expanding access to education for underrepresented communities Santa Monica College Superintendent and President Dr. Kathryn...

Palisades High School Band to Perform at Hollywood Bowl to Honor First Responders

March 13, 2025

March 13, 2025

Titled WE ❤️ LA, the event will feature a program spanning classical, jazz, and iconic film scores The Palisades Charter...

Venice Shorts: Longtime Marina Del Rey Real Estate Firm Undergoes Rebranding

March 13, 2025

March 13, 2025

The longtime real estate brokerage is a popular boutique firm for both buyers and renters  By Nick Antonicello  RE/MAX Estate...

Venice Art Crawl Opens Registration for March 20 Event

March 13, 2025

March 13, 2025

Organizers encourage artists of all disciplines to sign up before the deadline Registration is now open for the upcoming Venice...

Three Charged in FEMA Fraud Scheme Following California Wildfires

March 13, 2025

March 13, 2025

Fraud related to disaster benefits carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison Three individuals, including two from...

(Video) See Inside the New Google Store in Santa Monica

March 13, 2025

March 13, 2025

The Shop Marks the Second Physical Retail Space on the West Coast For the Tech Giant The Shop Marks the...

(Video) Wildfire Attorney. Law Offices of Allen Farshi

March 13, 2025

March 13, 2025

How The Law Offices of Allen Farshi Can Safeguard You Amid Wildfire Loss. For more information, check out the video...

Four New Eateries Open Along Venice Boardwalk, Replacing Mr. Charlie’s

March 12, 2025

March 12, 2025

The eateries move into the space previously occupied by a comedic vegan fast-food chain known for its satirical takes on...

St. Patrick’s Day Rooftop Parties, Live Music and Festivities Coming to Venice Beach This Weekend

March 12, 2025

March 12, 2025

With multiple venues offering unique takes on the holiday, revelers in the Venice Beach area will have no shortage of...

Santa Monica College Among Schools Warned by Department of Education Over Antisemitism Claims

March 12, 2025

March 12, 2025

The letter, issued Monday, cautioned that the schools must uphold their obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act...

Cat Rescued From Palisades Fire Gets Outpouring of Support for Medical Recovery

March 12, 2025

March 12, 2025

The cat was found two months after the fire, emaciated and suffering from burns A cat that survived for weeks...

Residents Urged to Secure Homes and Avoid Flood Zones Ahead of Major Storm

March 11, 2025

March 11, 2025

County officials are advising residents to take immediate steps to protect their homes and families Los Angeles County officials are...

Pacific Resident Theatre to Stage Psychological Drama ‘Willing Suspension of Disbelief’

March 11, 2025

March 11, 2025

The play challenges distinctions between actor and role, victim and perpetrator, weaving a suspenseful exploration of perception and memory A...

Venice Shorts: Is Empower LA Impeding the Legitimacy of the VNC Election Process?

March 11, 2025

March 11, 2025

Stakeholders Frustrated Just to Secure a Ballot, Participation in Venice Continues to Plummet By Nick Antonicello  The first wave of...

Santa Monica City Council to Discuss Homelessness Strategic Plan and New Police SMART Center

March 11, 2025

March 11, 2025

Public input will be accepted on various agenda items, with discussions scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. The Santa Monica...