Friends of the Family2006 Families Matter

Benefit and Celebration

On Friday, May 19th, 2006, a capacity crowd gathered at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel in support of Friends of the Family, Southern California’s premier family resource center. The high-light of the evening was the pre-sentation of the Dreamweaver Award to Jimmy Jam and Lisa Harris in honor of their dedicat-ed efforts on behalf of children and families.

When Earvin “Magic” Johnson stepped to the podium to present the award to the Harris family, he surprised the crowd by conducting an impromptu live auction to “make a little money for this worthy organization.” Magic offered his personal courtside Laker seats and dinner with him as a deluxe “package” that money usually can’t buy. Thanks to the generosity of the enthusiastic crowd of supporters, Magic’s auction raised $80,000 for Friends of the Family in about five minutes.

Damon Wayans was a master-ful host, sharing his one-of-a-kind family stories throughout the evening. Actors Dan Cortese and Barry Shabaka Henley presented Family of the Year awards to two inspiring families who have overcome tremendous challenges with the help of Friends of the Family programs. The FOF Children’s Chorus rounded out the evening with a medley of songs that brought the audience to its feet in a standing ovation!

Anne Palmer and Tracey Nanula were Co-Chairs of the event which broke all previous records by raising more than $600,000 to support the many programs that Friends of the Family provides to help strengthen families and foster resilient joyful children.

Earvin "Magic" Johnson

Randy & Maureen Rosen and Melissa & Chad Oman

Friends of the Family Children's Chorus

Cathy & Rick Hilton

Jimmy Jam & Lisa Harris & Family with Earvin "Magic" Johnson

Anne Palmer and Tracey Nanula

Damon Wayans

Holly Robinson Peete & Rodney Peete