The Brent Shapiro Foundation hosted its 2018 Summer Spectacular at the Beverly Hilton on September 7. The annual gala was hosted Mario Lopez and raised over $3 million for drug awareness and prevention, focused on high-risk communities. Guests enjoyed an incredible performance by David Lee Roth (Van Halen) with Cleto and the Cletones (house band from Jimmy Kimmel Live!).
During the event, Joe Manganiello was honored with the Spirit of Sobriety Award. Past recipients of the award include Rob Lowe, Jack Osbourne, Harry Hamlin, Christopher Lawford Kennedy, and Patrick J. Kennedy. Other entertainment industry leaders and celebrities in attendance included Style & Society’s Kinya Claiborne, Larry King, Adrienne Maloof, Paul Nassif, Rick + Kathy Hilton, and Sofia Vergara,
Robert and Linell Shapiro created the Brent Shapiro Foundation following their son Brent’s death to honor his life and promote drug prevention. The foundation’s mission is to save lives through awareness and effective programs that incentivize kids to abstain from drugs and alcohol. Ultimately, a number of sober graduates are rewarded with college scholarships funded by the foundation.
Working in conjunction with The Boys & Girls Club of America, Brent’s Club programs educate pre-teens and teens about the consequences of drug use and works to prevent the formation of dangerous habits, actively showing children how to lead drug-free lives. Launched in 2012, Brent’s Club currently serves over 1,500 children through programs in Boyle Heights, Monterey Park, Malibu, Long Beach, the Bronx and Chicago.
By Kinya Claiborne, STYLE & SOCIETY
Photo Credit: Getty Images & Tiffany Rose