Robert and Linell Shapiro created the Brent Shapiro Foundation following their son Brent’s death to honor his life and promote prevention and awareness of chemical dependence. The foundation’s mission is to save lives through effective programs that incentivize children to abstain from drugs and alcohol.
Robert Shapiro.
Their hope is to conquer alcohol and drug dependence by turning the fear, grief, and helplessness caused by this disease into awareness, compassion, and support. Per the organization’s website, they are doing this by:
- Removing the stigma and isolation associated with this disease by inviting everyone to join in a national dialogue.
- Providing support to parents on how to communicate with their children and with other parents about alcohol and drugs.
- Creating educational tools designed to help parents, teachers, and communities to identify when necessary, to intervene with those at high-risk.
- Using a simple model of educating parents, teachers, children, and communities about this disease.
Dr. Larissa Mooney and Demi Lovato.
Last week the foundation hosted Summer Spectacular Under The Stars. It was held at the Ron Burkle Estate in Beverly Hills. Guests entered to see a bustling red carpet with some of our favorite stars and advocates.
The event was hosted by Mario Lopez, with a special music performance by David Lee Roth from Van Halen. Demi Lovato was honored for her sobriety with the Spirit of Sobriety Award. Other notable guests include Priscilla Presley, Adrienne Maloof, Cassie Scerbo, Sugar Ray Leonard, Gilles Marini, Lisa Gastineau and Brittny Gastineau.
Mario Lopez.
Lisa & Brittny Gastineau.
Adrienne Maloof.
The soiree opened with a grand reception by the pool. Sprawling greenery and a magical sunset put guests in the perfect mood as the weather was absolutely pleasant. We sipped on a glass of wine by Simi and mixed and mingled with some of Hollywood’s elite.
Through an incredible live auction, the event raised a whopping $1.6 million.
To learn more about The Brent Shapiro Foundation, visit their website here.
All images courtesy of Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for The Brent Shapiro Foundation.