Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles Announce Honorees for 2009 Rising Stars Gala

Rick J. Caruso, Sue Kroll and Angus T. Jones to be Honored

Leonardo DiCaprio and Jon Cryer Present

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles will honor outstanding members of the Los Angeles community at its annual Rising Stars Gala, October 30, 2009 at The Beverly Hilton. Awards recognize individuals who are inspiring and positive role models for young people. Honorees include entrepreneur, developer Rick J. Caruso, Chairman and CEO Caruso Affiliated; Sue Kroll, President, Worldwide Marketing, Warner Bros. Pictures; and "Two and A Half Men" co-star Angus T. Jones. Sarah Purcell and Mary Willard chair the evening featuring a performance by Jake Broder and Vanessa Claire Smith from their celebrated musical Louis & Keely, Live at the Sahara. Leonardo DiCaprio and Jon Cryer present and Fred Willard will emcee.

The evening will include an opportunity drawing for 2010 Prius donated by Mike Sullivan's Toyota of Hollywood; a six-night stay at the Treasure Island Resort in Fiji; and two first class tickets on American Airlines. Opportunity drawing tickets are $100 per ticket, $250 for three tickets or $500 for seven tickets and are available at www.BBBSLA.org.

"Walt Disney Man of the Year Award" recipient is Rick J. Caruso, Chairman and CEO of Caruso Affiliated. His commitment to developing superior retail centers that push the bounds of the industry has earned him numerous accolades.

Leonardo DiCaprio will present the "Sherry Lansing Award" to Sue Kroll, President, Worldwide Marketing, Warner Bros. Pictures. Kroll oversees the strategic creation and implementation of marketing campaigns for the films the studio releases each year, both domestically and internationally.

Angus T. Jones of "Two and a Half Men" is the recipient of the 2009 "Rising Star Award," to be presented by his TV "dad," Jon Cryer.

For 55 years, the agency has assisted boys and girls in achieving their highest potential as they grow to become confident, competent and caring individuals through professionally supported one-to-one relationships with caring men and women. Their work is as elementary as putting an adult friend in a child's life, and as essential as putting hope into a child's future. Big Brothers Big Sisters has proven successful in creating and nurturing relationships between adults and children. Mentoring works--one young person at a time.

Tickets, $500. For more information, call 213-481-1148 or visit www.BBBSLA.org.

SOURCE Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles