The annual Brent Shapiro Foundation for Alcohol and Drug Prevention Summer Spectacular raised more than $1.2 million dollars for alcohol and drug awareness and prevention during their annual gala on September 17. Hosted by Linell and Robert Shapiro, the event featured a musical performance by Katharine McPhee, honored philanthropist and former congressman Patrick F. Kennedy, and was emceed by former host of Access Hollywood, Shaun Robinson. Other celebs and VIPs in attendance included Kris Jenner, La Toya Jackson, Fran Drescher, Florence Henderson, Adrienne Maloof, Paul Nassif, Richard and Kathy Hilton.
The foundation and its Brent’s Club program seek to build strong educational and social communities in some of LA’s most socioeconomically challenged neighborhoods in order to offer positive alternatives to drug use. In October 2005, Brent Shapiro, after 18 months of sobriety, had a couple of drinks and half a tab of ecstasy at a party celebrating his senior year at USC. He immediately became ill, but no one called for emergency services. A day and a half later, Robert and Linell Shapiro buried their oldest son. The Shapiro family, including younger son Grant, began the Brent Shapiro Foundation in the weeks following Brent’s death to honor his life, but more importantly, create awareness about chemical dependence and prevent its spread.
