By: Sainabou Gaye

On Saturday September 22nd at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel stars came out to support the 9th annual “Face Forward Gala.” Face Forward is a non profit organization that helps people that have been affected by domestic abuse and human trafficking by supporting them emotionally and through reconstructive surgery for the victims. 

Stars and survivors graced the carpet, looking beautiful and embracing the theme of the night ‘La Dolce Vita’. One starlet who is passionate about Face Forward and a sexual violence survivor herself is Nip/Tuck and 90210 star Annalyne McCord. McCord is the president of Together1heart which is another anti-human trafficking organization. “When we unite, we heal.” McCord goes on to say that domestic and sexual violence is universal and can have an impact on men, women, and the LGBT community.

Once the gala started Vegas inspired showgirls and performers entertained the crowd, with a special performance by R&B singer Ne-yo to get people moving.The evenings host Jeremy Piven kept the guest laughing and the mood light with some provocative jokes.

Olympian and activist Caitlyn Jenner was awarded with the Beacon of Hope award, shedding light on the need for organizations like Face Forward in the LGBT community. Jenner stressed the importance of helping the LGBT community tackle issues like discrimination, homelessness, and mental health and suicide.

“Of the L, the G, the B, and the T, the T is by far the most misunderstood, the most underfunded portion of our community,” Jenner said during her speech. “The trans community is the most discriminated against, the most marginalized community on earth. Trans issues do not stop at borders. Every country on Earth has trans people and gender non-conforming people.”

Founders of Face Forward Dr. David and Deborah Alessi walked hand and hand with survivors down the red carpet that evening. Deborah, also discussed how excited she is for Face Forward to start working with U.S. veterans to get them the help they need. 
While on stage Deborah informed guest that they will be sending a Face Forward participant to Law school and that Face Forward would like to continue to work towards providing more scholarships in the future.

Guest certainly were experiencing the good life last Saturday! You could feel the strength and energy in the room. The gala ended up raising over $500,000 for the charity through donations and a silent auction.