Often fancy award galas in Los Angeles are reserved for the rich and famous. But on Dec. 3, Children’s Defense Fund-California

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Dear Child Advocate, Often, fancy award galas honor the famous for their many years of accomplished work. But for twenty-five years the Children’s Defense Fund-California has honored high school students, not for what they have done, but for what we know they will do because of the tremendous adversity they have overcome while still achieving academic success. Join us on December 3rd for the 25th Annual Beat the Odds® awards gala at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles for a special evening highlighting the resilience and and strength of tomorrow’s leaders. We will honor the following: Vincent Zamarripa, who was born Dora Zamarripa, overcame a traumatic childhood of abuse and neglect. David Cho was separated from his parents at an early age before emigrating from Korea only to face and conquer other challenges here in the United States. David Sanchez, the oldest of 11 siblings, no longer lives with the fear that his family’s cycle of poverty will dictate his future. Stephanie Gamino will not let unhealthy relationships and an unstable home environment keep her from finishing high school and going to college. NiTasha Denson is blind in one eye and was separated from her four siblings when placed in foster care, but is determined to overcome these obstacles and dreams of reuniting with her family. On December 3rd you have the opportunity to learn more about the lives of these amazing individuals. I am certain that you will leave inspired and filled with hope. Please visit us online to learn more about how you can support our Beat the Odds program. If you are interested in purchasing tickets to the awards gala, contact Harvin Rogas at 310.559.3129 or email harvin@5Bevents.com. Additionally, if you reside in Northern California, I hope you will join me and Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf at a special event featuring Marian Wright Edelman, Founder and President of the Children’s Defense Fund. The event will be held at Oakland City Hall on December 1st. Space is limited so please register today. Onward,     Alex M. Johnson Executive Director Children's Defense Fund - California

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