Last week Friday, Rick Hilton and Kathy Hilton attended The Brent Shapiro Foundation for Drug Prevention’s 13th Annual Summer Spectacular at the Beverly Hilton. The highly anticipated event has raised over $3 million in the past for drug awareness and prevention in high risk-communities. Hosted by Mario Lopez, the soiree’s guest list brought prominent entertainment leaders and celebrities to rally around the growing movement to end illegal drug use among teens.
“Much like ours, the goal of The Brent Shapiro Foundation for Drug Prevention is to change the way our youth views peer pressure by getting them involved in their communities,” stated Rick Hilton, co-founder of Hilton & Hyland.
This year’s gala honored Emmy-winning actor, producer and director Joe Manganiello with the Spirit of Sobriety Award. The accolade is given to an individual who is either open about their own recovery or that of a friend or relative. Robert and Linell Shapiro, founders of the organization, also presented college scholarships to two members of its educational outreach program Brent’s Club for successfully completing high school without failing a drug test.
Together with The Boys & Girls Club of America, Brent’s Club programs educate pre-teens and teens about the consequences of drug use and works to prevent the formation of dangerous habits, actively showing children how to lead drug-free lives. Members participate in regular drug testing and as a free, rewards-based program, it sponsors community outings and once-in-a-lifetime activities, from NBA star basketball camps to celebrity meet-and-greets. Ultimately, a number of sober graduates are rewarded with college scholarships funded by the foundation.
Launched in 2012, Brent’s Club currently serves over 1,500 children across the nation through programs in Boyle Heights (sponsored by the L.A. Dodgers), Monterey Park, Malibu, Long Beach, the Bronx (sponsored by the New York Giants) and Chicago (sponsored by the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bulls). In hopes of sending the message that athletes are all testing and drug-free, the foundation’s long-term goal is to have a Brent’s Club in every city that has a professional sports franchise — and they’re already making headway.
Rare items and experiences were auctioned off at the gala, including a pair of Louboutin heels with the trademark red soles drawn on and autographed by the designer himself; a vacation on Marlon Brando’s private island; a walk-on role on TV Show “Ray Donovan”; a brand new 2019 Ferrari Portofino; and a one-on-one interview and breakfast date with Larry King.
To learn more about the Brent Shapiro Foundation, please CLICK HERE.
To read the complete Variety article on last week’s gala, CLICK HERE.