Monday, March 5, 2012

Elizabeth House gala benefit March 23 in Altadena

Friday, March 23 at 6 p.m. (reception)/7:30 p.m. (dinner and program)

at Altadena Town and Country Club in Altadena


Over the past 20 years, Jeff Michael, currently the weekday anchor for Studio 11LA, has covered events ranging from the O.J. Simpson trial to the space shuttle Columbia disaster in Texas. But on Friday, March 23, the award-winning broadcast journalist will ‘report’ on a story with a much happier outcome, when he appears as emcee for the 9th Annual Benefit Gala and Silent Auction for Elizabeth House, the only shelter for homeless pregnant women and their children in the San Gabriel Valley.



“At Elizabeth House, we often say that we offer a celebratory environment,” says Debbie Unruh, Executive Director. “And that’s because we have much to celebrate on a daily basis, whether it’s the birth of a new baby or the mastery of a new skill that will now enable the women in our program to become self-sufficient, healthy mothers. We’re so pleased to have Jeff join us and help spread the word to the community about the great stories taking place at Elizabeth House.”



Ever the reporter, Michael visited Elizabeth House after agreeing to serve as emcee for its gala. There, he found that the shelter’s description of itself, as a place “where love embraces life,” was indeed true.



“It’s impossible not to feel the welcoming spirit when you walk into Elizabeth House,” says Michael. “I expected a nice environment for expectant mothers. I didn’t expect to find a family with so much love for one another! I am deeply honored to be welcomed into this very special family and to play a part in celebrating Elizabeth House’s crucial mission.”



The gala will begin at 6 p.m. at Altadena Country Club with a reception and silent auction, followed by dinner and the program at 7:30 p.m. Auction items will include fine jewelry; a Day at the Races; a Wine Tasting Extravaganza; tickets to the Pasadena Playhouse and various sporting events; stays at a cabin in Flagstaff, Arizona, at a cottage in Newport Beach, at condominiums in Mammoth and Palm Desert, and at the Ojai Valley Inn; and gift certificates for such Pasadena-area restaurants as Arroyo Chop House.



“We truly have something for everyone,” says Unruh. “And, best of all, everyone wins – both the bidder and Elizabeth House, specifically the families we serve.”



Unruh, the staff at Elizabeth House, and the Board of Directors hope to raise $85,000 this year.



“Here, at Elizabeth House, we provide a safe refuge, yes. But we’re also in the business of changing lives,” explains Terry Bright, Director of Programs. “And, to do that, we offer an array of services – not only for our residents, but for our 243 alumni as well. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive program of case management, counseling, educational classes, and prenatal care – plus the resources our mothers need throughout their pregnancies and beyond to become empowered, productive members of society.”



“On our website, you can meet many of our successful ‘graduates’,” says Unruh. “That’s good news indeed that we’re proud to report and look forward to reporting, with help from our supporters and the community, for generations to come.”



Tickets for the gala are available for $150/person and are available online at www.elizabethhouse.net or by calling 626. 577-4434. The Altadena Country Club is located at 2290 Country Club Drive in Altadena. Cocktail attire is suggested.



Elizabeth House, located in the heart of Pasadena, provides shelter, hope and ongoing support to homeless pregnant women and their children, addressing their physical, emotional, spiritual and economic needs in a nurturing atmosphere. For more information, visit www.elizabethhouse.net.



ABOUT JEFF MICHAEL



Award-winning broadcast journalist Jeff Michael is the weekday anchor for Studio 11 LA.

Michael joined the Studio 11 LA team after serving as weekend news anchor and weekday reporter for KTTV's top-rated FOX 11 10 O'clock News and FOX News at 11 p.m. on Channel 13.

Michael came to KTTV FOX 11 in October 1998 after 8 years at KABC-TV in Los Angeles. There, he co-anchored the weekend newscasts and reported stories from the field on weekdays.

Michael began his career as a reporter-anchor in 1981 at the NBC affiliate in Reno, Nevada. From 1983-1987, Michael worked as an anchor-reporter at the ABC affiliate in Richmond, Virginia. From 1987-1990, he was a reporter and part-time anchor at WSVN-TV in Miami, Florida.

Michael has won several prestigious television news awards, including two Emmys for best spot news coverage and two Associated Press Awards for best investigative reporting, as well as a Golden Mike Award.

During the past 20 years, he has covered many national news events during his career; most recently, the space shuttle Columbia disaster in Texas. Michael's assignments range from a presidential inaugural and State of the Union addresses, to major commercial airline disasters, hurricanes, wildfires and earthquakes.

Michael reported live during the Los Angeles civil unrest following the acquittal of officers who arrested Rodney King and he covered the murder case against O.J. Simpson, including its controversial verdict.

A native of Sacramento, Calif., Michael received a BA degree in Mass Communications from U.C. Davis in 1981.

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