News Releases
ETTA Gala Highlights Inclusion
ETTA GALA HIGHLIGHTS INCLUSION FOR ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES IN LOS ANGELES JEWISH COMMUNITY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 28, 2016
ETTA, the largest organization serving the housing and social services needs of adults with disabilities in the Los Angeles Jewish community, will hold its 23rd annual Gala on Tuesday, December 13 at The Beverly Hilton. Reception will be at 6 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m.
The theme of the Gala is: WE ARE ETTA Creating an Inclusive Community. Honorees include Lynn Menlo, who will receive the Community Leadership Award and Portia Iversen and Jon Shestack who will be honored with the Community Advocate Award.
Lynn Menlo, along with her entire family, has been a strong supporter of ETTA for many years. She also volunteers for numerous other nonprofit organizations while their children have volunteered for ETTA in numerous capacities. Portia Iversen, a set designer and television writer, and Jon Shestack, a movie producer, have been strong advocates of individuals facing the challenges of autism. When their son Dov was born with autism, they founded the Cure Autism Now (CAN) foundation which raised millions of dollars for autism research. In 2006 CAN merged with Autism Speaks to become the largest autism research foundation in the world. Their son Dov is a participant in the ETTA Adult Day Program.
“We are honored to recognize Lynn, Portia and Jon for their contributions to ETTA and the greater world of autism research,” Dr. Michael Held, ETTA executive director said. “Through their generosity, vision and leadership, countless people have been helped. We are grateful they are part of the ETTA family.”
The theme “WE ARE ETTA Creating an Inclusive Community” was selected because since its founding 23 years ago, ETTA has always maintained its many programs within the community. The organization’s philosophy is that a disability should never be a barrier preventing someone from being accepted and welcomed into the life of the community. ETTA clients are an integral part of the fabric of Jewish Los Angeles.
ETTA’s services include: residential housing, job and life skills services, case management, supported employment training and placement, adult day programs, social and recreational programming, educational services, Transitions and social services.
ETTA is a proud affiliate of OHEL Children’s Home and Family Services.
Ticket and sponsorship information can be obtained by visiting www.ettagala.org or calling (818) 985-3882 x 231.
Contact: Harvey Farr (310) 470-3644