Last Thursday, March 5th, 2009 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, The Alliance for Children’s Rights held our 16th Annual Dinner honoring Sue Naegle of HBO Entertainment.  Dick Wolf presented the Francis M. Wheat Community Service Award to Police Chief William Bratton and his wife, power attorney, TV anchor and author, Rikki Kleiman.  The evening was a rousing success, raising over $1 million and serving as a reminder of why the work we do on behalf of impoverished and abused children is so critical, especially in this tough economy.

Master of Ceremonies and Alliance board member Angie Harmon kept the night moving, while heartfelt and inspiring speeches were given by adoptive parent Nia Vardalos, Speaker of the California Assembly Karen Bass and Dinner Chair Cliff Gilbert-Lurie.  A special screening of our Youth Council’s Documentary Project, powerful and intimate films made by former foster youth, was a highlight of the evening.  Stand-up comedian Dana Gould offered some laughs on behalf of his wife and honoree Sue Naegle, followed by Ted Danson’s presentation of Sue’s award. 

We will post full coverage of the event soon, but in the meantime please enjoy these photos.

Honorees Rikki Klieman, Police Chief Bratton and Sue Naegle	Nia Vardalos & Angie Harmon
Alliance CEO Janis Spire & Speaker of the California Assembly Karen Bass	Dick & Noelle Wolf
Diane Keaton & Tom Bezucha	Ted Danson, Sue Naegle & Norman Lear
Alliance Youth Council Documentarians with staff Laura Hunt, Derric Johnson & Vinny D'Averso & Matthew Williams of USC/KCET	The Kipp Academy of Opportunity's Middle School Drumline Kicked off the event