Difference-makers like writer-director Amy Berg fear nothing and stop nowhere in their quest to illuminate and eliminate the violent atrocities affecting millions of Americans each day, and their valiant work is not going unnoticed. The neverending fight against violence and domestic abuse took on a celebrity context at the recent 36th Annual Humanitarian Awards Dinner, with Brothers & Sisters castmates Calista Flockhart and Dave Annable leading the way. The Beverly Hills Hotel's Crystal Ballroom filled with eager activists, supporting Peace Over Violence's unrelenting quest to curb and end the sexual, domestic, and interpersonal violence that plagues Los Angeles, our homes, and our country.

Writer-Director Amy Berg

The event honored five outstanding citizens, as well as the organization of Kaiser Permanente, for their collective awareness, legislation, and whistle-blowing on the topic. Verizon Wireless sponsored the event as part of their program, which turns recycled phones into dollars for Peace Over Violence.

John Palmer, president of Verizon's Southern California region, also presented a $300,000 grant to Peace Over Violence, to be distributed over the next two years for the "Be Strong Program", a new initiative focusing on teenage girls in Los Angeles County. "Be Strong" stresses the importance of self-respect and the development of healthy, non-violent relationships. Verizon has continually shown commitment to humanitarianism and action against violence, and their philanthropy will surely influence and improve the lives of many in need.

Peace Over Violence Executive Director Patti Giggans served as an uplifting and entertaining host of the awards gala, sharing her wisdom, experience, and inspirational words to everyone.

Amy Berg was given the Media Award for her outstanding research and filmmaking in the 2006 documentary, Deliver Us from Evil. This sombering, muckraking exposé reveals the Catholic Church's extensive and despicable cover-up scheme in the case of pedophile priest Oliver O'Grady, who admitted to sexually abusing over 100 children over the course of over 25 years in numerous Northern California parishes, all under the vigilant awareness of Los Angeles Cardinal Roger Mahony. 

(L-R) Matthew Rhys, Patti Giggans, Emily VanCamp, and Dave Annable

O'Grady was finally caught, convicted, and deported to his native country of Ireland, where he roams free after serving just seven years of his prison term. Berg's courageous storytelling and talented writing and directing has won her widespread critical acclaim, three awards including Best Documentary at the 2006 Los Angeles Film Festival, and a nomination at the upcoming Academy Awards for Best Feature Documentary.

Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa was given the Award for his lifelong dedication to addressing and ending domestic and neighborhood violence. Domestic violence has a personal meaning for Villaraigosa, who watched helplessly throughout his childhood as his alcoholic father beat his mother, the late Natalia Delgado. The award was presented in honor of Delgado, who passed away in 1992.

Winning the Advocacy Award was the feisty and strong-willed lawyer Constance L. "Connie" Rice, who has successfully taken activism against violence to numerous courtrooms, winning million dollar class action suits and tackling widespread abuse, discrimination, and misconduct. Rice has always stood up for her beliefs and the well-being of those around her, winning cases such as a $750 million coalition lawsuit to shift Los Angeles school funding to overcrowded, underfunded schools and disadvantaged students. 

Family Violence and Prevention Fund founder and president Esta Soler was honored appropriately with the Violence Prevention Award, recognizing her influential work over the last 26 years fighting and researching the factors involved in domestic and child abuse.

Kaiser Permanente was honored with the Verizon Wireless Hopeline® Corporate Award for their excellence in healthcare and health promotion, exemplifying the power of a large-scale business organization to enact change.

The cast of "Brothers & Sisters" was in full force supporting the cause, including Flockhart and Annable, as well as the quintessentially charming-British Matthew Rhys and the lovely Emily VanCamp. Flockhart ("Ally McBeal") has been working with Peace Over Violence for the last six years, and has an undying love and appreciation for the organization and its mission. Annable was recently introduced by Calista herself, and has also recently taken an active role in the drive towards ending violence inside the American home. Rhys has a quintessentially British charm, much 

The lavish Crystal Ballroom of the Beverly Hills Hotel

in the manner of Colin Firth or Hugh Grant. His support for Peace Over Violence also comes through Flockhart, and his understanding and appreciation for oppression and discrimination have grown even more through his role as the homosexual Kevin Walker on the show. As for his acting? Portraying a gay character, he says, is not nearly as difficult as putting on an American accent.

Doris Roberts, commonly known for her role as mother Marie Barone on "Everybody Loves Raymond," was in the house to show her support. A long-time activist against domestic violence, she maintains a solemnly realistic standpoint, stating that she has seen little progress throughout her time, and the problem is far from under control.

Participants were treated to a cocktail reception and silent auction to further support the organization, before the gourmet three-course dinner in the hotel's lavish Crystal Ballroom. The impressive crowd and cast of stars in attendance showed the importance and urgency of the matter, and the ability of everyone to open their hearts and play an active role in peace over violence.

Photos courtesy of www.fastkevin.com 

LINKS:

http://www.peaceoverviolence.org

http://www.verizonwireless.com

http://www.kaiserpermanente.org

http://www.deliverusfromevilthemovie.com

http://www.endabuse.org

http://abc.go.com/primetime/brothersandsisters

http://www.thebeverlyhillshotel.com