NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 05/01/15 -- From the California coast, to the Deep South and across the northern U.S., April is about more than blooming flowers and budding trees. It's a season of renewal where many of us strive to become better people. April is the season of rebirth for the soul, and part of that rebirth includes recognizing and appreciating those who are different -- especially children with disabilities.
The numbers tell a sobering story. Of the 309 million Americans in 2010, 57 million were living with either a physical or mental disability. And of those millions, 8 percent were children under 15. Pull back the lens a little further and some 14 percent of children under 17 have special health care needs.
Often these children lack the ability to be their own advocates; they must rely on parents, caregivers, and a myriad of dedicated adults. The alternative means falling through the cracks in our education and employment systems as they struggle to reach their full potential.
As a fitting kickoff to Autism Awareness Month, a time of year where children and adults with disabilities take center stage, L.A. Banquets, a leader in Southern California venues, event spaces and event planning, was pleased to host the second annual Special Needs Family Prom at its Le Foyer Ballroom in North Hollywood, California. This is in addition to hosting the first Annual Special Needs Family Prom in 2014.
Adorned in a "Wizard of Oz" theme, the March 28 event attracted everyone from hardworking 9-to-5 parents and their children, to Hollywood stars, including Oscar-nominee Naomi Watts and her partner Liev Schreiber (star of the Showtime drama "Ray Donovan") and their two children Alexander and Samuel, among additional A-listers.
Munchkin City Makes Tinseltown Return
Thanks to the planning efforts of LA Banquets, The Emerald City came to Technicolor life as children were greeted by Dorothy, Toto, the Cowardly Lion, the Tin Man, and the Scarecrow. Proceeds for the event benefitted inClusion ClubHouse, a not-for-profit working to establish a recreational center for families of children with special needs. LA Banquets also made an additional contribution through its preferred photo booth vendor which donated their services entirely for free.
The event was sponsored by Djanai's Angels, another nonprofit that works to promote and lobby for organizations like inClusion and also helps elementary school students understand and appreciate differently abled children in order to build friendships, learn compassion and patience, and create a stronger, more tolerant community.
"What a spectacular and heartwarming event," said Vrej Sarkissian, LA Banquets' CEO. "From the Wizard of Oz theme, complete with emerald-colored lighting and lively music, to securing a Yellow Brick Road entrance carpet -- not to mention ensuring that the candy ball pit and picture frame decorating stations worked without a hitch -- event planning is a much more involved process than many people realize."
He continued, "And as witnessed by this creative and highly successful experience, it includes themed parties far more diverse than just weddings, sweet-sixteens, and bar-mitzvahs. We're excited to assist an organization that is helping children of all ages and all abilities follow their own Yellow Brick Roads on the path toward achievement."
In addition to the combined efforts of LA Banquets and Djanai's Angels, the Family Prom would not have been the magical 300-person event that it was without the assistance of Anoush Catering, one of Los Angeles' premiere catering companies. Anoush provided Djanai's Angels with its full-service catering options. Some of the more delectable choices included: smoked salmon and assorted cold cuts for appetizers, beef, and chicken BBQ served with baked potatoes and grilled vegetables, and an assortment of red and white wines and non-alcoholic alternatives for children.
"Considering the excellent attendance and the great cause our banquet services went to, it will be our pleasure to assist both of these organizations again in the near future," Sarkissian said. "If Dorothy, Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, and Scarecrow can become better people in only 101 minutes of timeless storytelling, there's no telling how much good an event like this will help promote."
About L.A. Banquets
Collectively, L.A. Banquets staff has over 50 years of industry experience in every aspect of selecting event spaces, event planning, and banqueting. The team is committed to creative excellence and taking a unique and fresh perspective to each and every event we have the pleasure of taking part in. Our most important focus is on "Your Day, Your Vision" and blending your ideas with our experience to craft truly special, engaging, and entertaining affairs.
Press Contact Info
Vrej Sarkissian
CEO
L.A. Banquets
(818) 241-0888
http://www.labanquets.com/
https://www.facebook.com/LABanquets
https://twitter.com/labanquets
