The C.H.I.P.S. Spring Luncheon Featured Altuzarra Fashion, Honored Actor Daniel Beaty At Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills

LOS ANGELES, May 18, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The C.H.I.P.S., which stands for The Colleagues Helpers in Philanthropic Service, held their annual Spring Luncheon and Fashion Presentation at the Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills store on May 14, 2015. The annual event featured the Altuzarra Pre-Fall and Fall/Winter 2015 Collection, and honored Daniel Beaty, an award-winning actor, singer, writer, and composer. All proceeds from the event benefited Children's Institute, Inc. (CII) to support children affected by abuse and violence in their families or communities.

Beaty has performed throughout the U.S., Europe, and Africa, at The White House, and The Kennedy Center. Notably, Beaty, in conjunction with CII, has developed an innovative program entitled I Dream: Watts to help traumatized children begin the journey of healing from abuse and violence experienced in their families and communities. As part of this compassionate process, Beaty seeks to have each traumatized child rewrite their personal narrative to instill hope and inspiration. At the luncheon, Beaty performed his renowned poem Knock Knock. "The ability to dream and imagine a different future for yourself is so core to what is necessary for our most vulnerable children," said Beaty upon receiving his award. "I applaud the work taking place at CII and I thank you for this honor."

"Daniel Beaty is an unbelievably accomplished and multi-talented artist who is using his craft to better the lives of traumatized children in Los Angeles -- that is why he is so deserving of the C.H.I.P.S. Philanthropic Service Award," said Jill Olofson, President of the C.H.I.P.S., and an attorney and private arbitrator.  "We are pleased to be honoring his extraordinary efforts on behalf of children, and in particular, the children of CII, and express our sincere gratitude for his partnership with CII." 

Also in attendance was First Lady of Los Angeles (wife of L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti), Amy Wakeland, who was a featured speaker at the event.  Having fostered seven children with her husband, Wakeland spoke about the important role foster parents play in the lives of children and highlighted the work of Children's Institute.  "My husband and I are personally invested in the work of CII," Mrs. Wakeland said. "Nonprofits like you absolutely make a difference in the lives of foster children and families. Thank you for all that you do."

The Fashion Presentation featured Altuzarra's Pre-Fall and Fall/Winter 2015 Collection. Joseph Altuzarra is a multicultural, internationally-educated designer whose background and experience have given him a fresh perspective and refined vision for his New York-based luxury womenswear brand.

Other notable guests included:  Embeth Davidtz, Patty Penske, Carla Sands, Alison Petrocelli, Stephanie Shafran, Crystal Lourd, Jennifer Stallone, Brooke Davenport, Carolyn Powers, Lysa Heslov, Liane Weintraub, Eva Stern, Christine Chui, Kelly Kerrigan, Shannon Minor, and Rochelle Gores Fredston.

C.H.I.P.S. Vice President Bridget Gless Keller of Los Angeles chaired the event.  Bridget is also a member of the Colleagues, the Blue Ribbon, the Diadames, the CII Board of Trustees, the USC Board of the Libraries, and the Marlborough Alumnae Council. "I'm so proud to be a part of a caring and generous group of women like the C.H.I.P.S.," said Gless Keller. "As evidenced by today's success, this annual event is a reflection of our dedication and commitment to supporting the work of CII and helping children and families affected by trauma live healthy, productive lives. Special thanks go to Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills Vice President and General Manager Gretchen Pace, and her entire team for their unparalleled support of this year's C.H.I.P.S. Spring Luncheon."

The event was attended by approximately 300 guests and raised well into the six-figures for CII.

About The C.H.I.P.S.
The Colleagues Helpers in Philanthropic Service (C.H.I.P.S.) were founded in 1966 to support Children's Institute, Inc. (CII), one of Los Angeles' oldest and largest children's service agencies.  The group was originally formed by the daughters and daughters-in-law of The Colleagues, CII's first established women's support group. The C.H.I.P.S. are currently comprised of approximately 40 volunteers who are established in the Los Angeles Community. Many are third or fourth generation Angelenos who are strong advocates for children and for issues that involve children. Learn more at www.thechips.org.

About Children's Institute, Inc.
Children's Institute, Inc. a private, nonprofit organization, has served children and families in the Los Angeles community for more than nearly 110 years. CII has created one of the nation's strongest models for working with children affected by violence—including child abuse and neglect, sexual abuse, domestic violence, and violence in their homes, neighborhoods and schools. With 30 programs, nearly 900 employees, and hundreds of volunteers, the agency serves more than 24,000 vulnerable children and families each year in some of Los Angeles' most devastated communities. For more information, visit www.childrensinstitute.org.

About Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills
Neiman Marcus Group LTD LLC is a luxury, multi-branded, omni-channel fashion retailer conducting integrated store and online operations under the Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Last Call, Horchow, CUSP, and mytheresa brand names. For more information, visit www.neimanmarcusgroup.com. 

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150518/216948

SOURCE The Colleagues Helpers in Philanthropic Service (C.H.I.P.S.)

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http://thechips.org