2015 Face Forward Gala

Domestic Violence is a pattern of behavior used to establish power and control over another person through the use of fear and intimidation which often includes the threat or use of violence. Domestic violence and abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, income, or other factors. Women, men and children alike can be victims of domestic violence. Most often, the abuser is a family member.

Many women, men and children silently struggle with domestic abuse. Injuries sustained during the abuse often leaves the victims with physical scarring that is impossible to conceal with makeup. Ninety percent of all rape and abuse cases lead to physical disfigurement. These injuries and scars leave victims feeling worthless and hopeless.

But there is hope for all victims of domestic violence. Face Forward is an organization that provides pro-bono reconstructive surgery to women, children and men who have been victims of domestic violence or cruel acts of crime. Face Forward also creates a welcoming and safe environment for the victims to start a new life and reclaim their confidence. With domestic violence occurring every 15 seconds in the United States, the Face Forward Foundation strives to alleviate the internal and external scars of victims of those affected.

Face Forward founder and CEO Mrs. Deborah Alessi founded Face Forward in 2007. She is a survivor of domestic violence and she is a true advocate against domestic violence. In order to help other survivors get a second chance at life, Mrs. Alessi recruited her husband Dr. David Alessi, M.D., a renowned facial reconstructive surgeon.

Both Deborah and David have graciously donated their lives to running Face Forward. Together, the couple works constantly to help victims turn their ‘faces forward’ and live out the rest of their lives with strength, courage and confidence.

Face Forward’s 2015 Gala was held at the Baltimore Hotel in downtown L.A. The event was held in order to raise money and awareness for people who have been in abusive relationships. This years ‘Moulin Rouge’ themed gala featured musical performances by artists such as Macy Gray and Chaka Khan. The gala also held a silent auction. All gala proceeds will go to the Face Forward foundation to help cover the costs of surgeries and rehabilitation treatments for victims.

Jackie Watson, the French reporter attended the gala and was on the red carpet. She spoke extensively with The Alessi’s, celebrities and other guests and advocates concerning domestic violence and she received some very valuable information and advice.

Jackie also talked with celebrities such as La Toya Jackson, Anna Silk, Jo Frost, Luis Guzman and Lana Parilla and asked them what makes them happy, what they value most in life, how they would shape the future generation for females, and what super hero they would like to be. Most value their families and that is when they are most happy. As for shaping the future generation of females? Lana Parilla answered it best. She would like to see women love and embrace themselves and follow their hearts and dreams. We couldn’t agree more. And lastly, what superhero would the celebs like to be? Well, that’s easy, Superman and Wonder Woman of course!

For more information on Face Forward, please check out their website at www.faceforwardla.org

-Written by: Valerie Roop