News Release

BEVERLY HILLS – Bill Prady, Co-creator and Executive Producer of the hit Warner Bros. TV series The Big Bang Theory, will be honored with the 2018 Visionary Award by ETTA, a leading  southern California nonprofit that serves adults with special needs. The award will be presented at ETTA’s 25^th Anniversary Gala, Nov. 28th at The Beverly Hilton, it was announced today by Dr. Michael Held, ETTA Executive Director. The Big Bang Theory co-star Mayim Bialik, who has played the character of Dr. Amy Farrah Fowler for nine seasons of the show, will host the evening.

“Our organization and extended community salute Bill Prady for his co-creation of The Big Bang Theory,” said ETTA Executive Director Dr. Michael Held. “This long-running television series has influenced millions to embrace differences and promote inclusion. Bill’s work and the characters he has created are celebrated by our clients and inspire their goals of Independence and Inclusion within the greater community.”

“Both Bill and Mayim have attended various ETTA events, meeting and interacting with our clients,” added Held. “We are grateful to have them as part of our organization and as featured guests at our 25th Anniversary Gala fundraiser.”

Prady’s work (including The Big Bang Theory) has received multiple Emmy® nominations including a Writers Guild Award, CableAce award, and ten People’s Choice awards.  He has also been nominated for three Golden Globes and four Producers Guild Awards.

Bialik recently received the 2018 Critics Choice Award from the Broadcast Film Critics Association for her role on The Big Bang Theory. Additional accolades for the actress have been shown in personal nominations for the 2014 SAG Awards, as well as Emmy® nominations in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 in the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series Category and the 2014 & 2015 Critics’ Choice Television Awards, winning in 2016.

Also being honored by ETTA are Dena and Joel Bess, receiving the 2018 Community Champions Award, and Jacob Katz, one of the very first clients served by the organization.

Joel Bess is a digital marketing executive and Dena Bess teaches history at a local Jewish high school  The couple are passionate supporters of a range of charities that serve the Jewish and secular communities. In addition, Dena  has volunteered as a classroom teacher for “Safety Kids,” a program that educates children about safety in and out of the home and child abuse prevention.

Jacob Katz has been involved in every ETTA activity since the organization’s founding 25 years ago. He will receive ETTA’s Moselle and Lazare Hendeles Youth Leadership Award. 

The evening also features the launch of The Art of ETTA, soon to be an ongoing vocational and creative venture for ETTA clients. Bill Prady is an initial sponsor of the program. His contribution makes possible The Art of ETTA Opening   Gallery Exhibition on November 28^th,  part of the 25^th Anniversary Gala event.  ETTA artists will attend the Opening to meet  and greet patrons.

Tickets, Sponsorship Opportunities and Tribute Book advertising information can be accessed through www.ettagala.org.

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