LOS ANGELES, Nov. 7, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Julio Iglesias and a host of celebrities and local leaders are lending their star status to raise funds for the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL) Eagle and Badge Foundation, tomorrow night at the Century Plaza Hotel.
"To Protect and to Serve: An Evening of Entertainment and Inspiration," begins at 5:30 p.m., and will feature a full-length concert by acclaimed artist Julio Iglesias. Proceeds from the event, which is expected to draw more than 1,400 people, will benefit the Eagle and Badge Foundation and the Tichi Wilkerson Kassel Parkinson's Foundation.
The Eagle and Badge Foundation was created in 2001 to provide assistance to LAPD officers and children in the communities they serve. The Foundation gave its first grant in the spring of 2002 to purchase a specially trained dog to assist and protect the autistic son of an LAPD Hollywood Division Sergeant. Other planned benefits include scholarships and community programs, as well as assistance to public safety officers' families in times of catastrophic need.
"As the Board of Directors of the LAPPL continues in its quest to support the community through forums and educational events, meetings to address public safety issues and philanthropic donations, we look forward to expanding our service through the work of the Eagle and Badge Foundation," said Peter Repovich, LAPPL Director and Chairman of the Foundation. "We are honored that Julio Iglesias has agreed to perform at our event tomorrow night, and look forward to recognizing numerous local leaders and celebrities for the positive impact they have on our communities."
In addition to Iglesias, other special honorees include: Orange County Sheriff Mike Carona; Chuck Norris and Kick Drugs Out of America; Commissioner of the California Highway Patrol Spike Helmick; business leader Lee Iacocca; and sports star Shaquille O'Neal.
Other notable guests include: Governor Gray Davis and First Lady Sharon; Donald T. Sterling of the Los Angeles Clippers; Lou Perez of Checkmate Enterprises; the new LAPD Chief of Police, William J. Bratton; L.A. County Sheriff Lee Baca; actors Sylvester Stallone and Michael Chiklis; Sacramento Sheriff Lou Blanas; Attorney General Bill Lockyer; District Attorney Steve Cooley; Major General Doug Pearson; California Secretary of Business, Transportation and Housing Maria Contreras Sweet; and Dr. Stephen Mayberg, Director of the California Department of Mental Health.
For media credentials, please e-mail JulioNov8@aol.com or contact Betty Morrison at 310-566-7242.