Jay Leno to Present 'Lifetime Achievement Award in Acting' to Betty White at the American Women in Radio & Television Southern California 2010 GENII AWARDS

"Tonight Show" host Jay Leno will present the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in Acting to actress Betty White during the American Women in Radio & Television Southern California (AWRT SoCal) 2010 Genii Awards, to be held Wednesday, April 14 at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. The 2010 Show marks the 53rd year of the Genii Awards produced by the non-profit organization AWRT SoCal and dedicated to recognizing the 'Best of the Best' within the media industry.

Well-known for her role on the "Golden Girls", 88 years-young, actress Betty White recently won the hearts of millions of movie-goers with her performance alongside Oscar-winning actress Sandra Bullock  in "The Proposal." Next, White charmed a new generation of sports fans with her hysterical role as a hard-knocks football player in the top-rated Snickers candy 2010 Super Bowl commercial. Even NBC took a few light-hearted punches from White when she appeared as sassy Auntie Em on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno." Now White is scheduled on an upcoming episode of Saturday Night Live (SNL) as a result of an unprecedented online campaign launched by thousands of Facebook fans that rallied for her to host SNL. As a top film and TV actress, comedian, animal lover, and tough football player --there's no stopping Betty White.

When it comes to amazing careers, Leno himself can speak from experience. 

As the ratings leader of late night television for the last 15 years,  he followed in the footsteps of legendary NBC late-night hosts Steve Allen, Jack Paar and Johnny Carson as "The Tonight Show" host. Pitted against another television superstar, David Letterman, in the ll:35 PM hour, Leno quickly topped the ratings charts and established firm leadership in all demographic categories, a winning streak now exceeding 50 consecutive quarters. In the process, "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" has received numerous awards during its reign, including an Emmy for Outstanding Comedy, Variety or Music Series, People's Choice Award, and other honors, such as the Harris Poll naming Leno as most popular star on television. "The Tonight Show" also took home the trophy for Favorite Late Night Show in the annual TV Guide Awards determined by voting viewers. 

Leno's personal highlights include receiving a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame and being the first person to drive the pace car of all major NASCAR events. Leno's lifelong passion for automobiles is expressed in his popular new internet site, "Jay Leno's Garage" (Jaylenosgarage.com), which has gained vast public viewing and, in its first year, earned him still another kind of Emmy nomination for Outstanding Special Class -Short-format Nonfictions Programs.

One of the country's premier comedians, Leno has appeared in hundreds of comedy shows around the United States for the past 20 years.  His "everyman" style and personality have helped him earn millions of fans worldwide.

"We are very excited to have Jay Leno present the Lifetime Achievement Award in Acting to Betty White at the Genii Awards Show," states Laura Behrman, President of American Women in Radio & Television, Southern California. "The time-tested careers of both Betty White and Jay Leno continue to amaze us. Their good works have brightened and lightened the lives of viewers around the world and in these challenging times, they remind us with every performance that laughter is a universal medicine."

The Genii Awards are granted to individuals who have demonstrated excellence in television, radio, and the allied fields. Honorees are commended for their alignment to the AWRT mission statement, "To Promote Progress and Create Change." In addition to AWRT SoCal lifetime achievement in acting Laurels and honorary service awards, Genii trophies for television on air, radio on air, documentary, sports reporting, advertising, and radio management will also be presented. Proceeds from the Genii Awards support AWRT SoCal's College Scholarship Fund and educational programs. The 2009-2010 student scholarship recipients will also be recognized during the event. 

Tickets are available online.  Seating is limited. For more information, visit www.awrtsocal.org or email info@awrtsocal.org.


WHAT:          
American Women in Radio & Television, Southern California
2010 Genii Awards, hosted by KTLA's Sam Rubin


WHO:
2010 Award Winners

Lifetime Achievement Award in Acting
Betty White, Actress "The Golden Girls", "Boston Legal", "The Proposal"


Excellence in Television On Air Award
Mary Hart, Host for "Entertainment Tonight"


Excellence in Documentary Award
In honor of her work with Farrah Fawcett
Alana Stewart, Producer, "Farrah's Story"


Excellence in Sports Reporting Award
Lindsay Soto, Reporter and Host, NFL Network


Excellence in Radio On Air Award
Lisa Foxx, On Air for Clear Channel Radio, 104.3MYfm Los Angeles, Star 101.3 San Francisco, and Star 94.1 San Diego


Excellence in Radio Management Award
Rosemary Hernandez, General Sales Manager at CBSNewsRadioLA, KNX1070 NEWSRADIO, and KFWB NEWS TALK 980


Excellence in Advertising Award
Karla Keller, Senior Account Executive for Anheuser Busch


Tracey Miller Merit Award
LaFern Cusack, AWRT SoCal Past President and Director of Community Affairs for Southern California Broadcasters Association, 710 ESPN, and Radio Disney AM 1110


Inspiration Award
The Good News Foundation
Wendy Burch, Founder/Chairperson; and Reporter, KTLA
Pat Harvey, Co-Chair; and Main Anchor, KCAL
Christine Devine, Co-Chair; and Main Anchor, KTTV Fox 11
Dorothy Lucey, Secretary; and Host, "Good Day LA", KTTV Fox 11
Ana Garcia, Board Member; and Anchor/Investigative Reporter, KNBC-TV


WHEN:          
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
4:45 p.m. Red Carpet Arrivals
5:30 - 7:00 p.m. Cocktails and Silent Auction
7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Dinner and Awards Ceremony   
             
WHERE:        
Skirball Cultural Center
2701 N. Sepulveda Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90049

TICKETS:     
www.awrtsocal.org


Click Here for more information.

Maria Shriver to Present ‘Excellence in Television On Air’ Honor to Mary Hart at the American Women in Radio & Television Southern California 2010 GENII AWARDS

Burbank, CA   (Wednesday, March 24, 2010) - California's First Lady, Maria Shriver, will present the prestigious Excellence in Television On Air Award to Mary Hart, host for "Entertainment Tonight," during the American Women in Radio & Television Southern California (AWRT SoCal) 2010 Genii Awards to be held Wednesday, April 14 at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. The 2010 Show, marks the 53rd year of the Genii Awards produced by the non-profit organization AWRT SoCal and is dedicated to recognizing the 'Best of the Best' within the media industry.

"Mary Hart is a trailblazer in entertainment journalism and a role model for women in media. Her remarkable career has touched the lives of millions of viewers from around the world," said Maria Shriver. "I am thrilled to present the Excellence in Television On Air Award to this extraordinary woman."

Maria Shriver is a trailblazer herself and has used her voice to advocate on behalf of women by creating groundbreaking programs and initiatives that honor people she calls "Architects of Change" in their own lives and the lives of others. As an award-winning journalist and producer, best-selling author and mother of four, Shriver has transformed the office of First Lady by approaching it as a job with real purpose and a platform to make a difference.

Shriver became California's First Lady when her husband, Arnold Schwarzenegger, became the 38th Governor of California on November 17, 2003.  Combining her journalist's eye for the needs of real people, with her passion for service and activism, as First Lady, Shriver developed WE programs motivating people to unite and get involved across gender, economic, and party lines. Shriver's message to all Californians is to look within and find out what "WE can do together when WE come together."

"We are very excited to have Maria Shriver present the Excellence in Television On Air Award to Mary Hart at the 53rd annual Genii Awards," states Laura Behrman, President of American Women in Radio & Television, Southern California. "Ms. Shriver's continued good works and advocacy on behalf of women embodies the very heart of our organization's mission. We are fortunate to be surrounded with these accomplished women in media who have genuinely made a difference in our profession and through their efforts have removed obstacles and paved the way for future generations of women to walk in their footsteps."

The Genii Awards are granted to individuals who have demonstrated excellence in television, radio, and the allied fields. Honorees are commended for their alignment to the AWRT mission statement, "To Promote Progress and Create Change." In addition to AWRT SoCal lifetime achievement in acting Laurels and honorary service awards, Genii trophies for television on air, radio on air, documentary, sports reporting, advertising, and radio management will also be presented. Proceeds from the Genii Awards support AWRT SoCal's College Scholarship Fund and educational programs. The 2009-2010 student scholarship recipients will also be recognized during the event. 

Best rates for show tickets will extend to Friday, March 26. Seating is limited. For more information, visit www.awrtsocal.org or email info@awrtsocal.org.


WHAT:          
American Women in Radio & Television, Southern California
2010 Genii Awards, hosted by KTLA's Sam Rubin

WHO:
2010 Award Winners

Lifetime Achievement Award in Acting
Betty White, Actress "The Golden Girls", "Boston Legal", "The Proposal"


Excellence in Television On Air Award
Mary Hart, Host for "Entertainment Tonight"


Excellence in Documentary Award
In honor of her work with Farrah Fawcett
Alana Stewart, Producer, "Farrah's Story"


Excellence in Sports Reporting Award
Lindsay Soto, Reporter and Host, NFL Network


Excellence in Radio On Air Award
Lisa Foxx, On Air for Clear Channel Radio, 104.3MYfm Los Angeles, Star 101.3 San Francisco, and Star 94.1 San Diego


Excellence in Radio Management Award
Rosemary Hernandez, General Sales Manager at CBSNewsRadioLA, KNX1070 NEWSRADIO, and KFWB NEWS TALK 980


Excellence in Advertising Award
Karla Keller, Senior Account Executive for Anheuser Busch


Tracey Miller Merit Award
LaFern Cusack, AWRT SoCal Past President and Director of Community Affairs for Southern California Broadcasters Association, 710 ESPN, and Radio Disney AM 1110


Inspiration Award
The Good News Foundation
Wendy Burch, Founder/Chairperson; and Reporter, KTLA
Pat Harvey, Co-Chair; and Main Anchor, KCAL
Christine Devine, Co-Chair; and Main Anchor, KTTV Fox 11
Dorothy Lucey, Secretary; and Host, "Good Day LA", KTTV Fox 11
Ana Garcia, Board Member; and Anchor/Investigative Reporter, KNBC-TV


WHEN:          
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
4:45 p.m. Red Carpet Arrivals
5:30 - 7:00 p.m. Cocktails and Silent Auction
7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Dinner and Awards Ceremony   
             
WHERE:        
Skirball Cultural Center
2701 N. Sepulveda Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90049

TICKETS:     
www.awrtsocal.org


Click Here for more information.

AWRT SoCal raises almost $11K for Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure

On Sunday, March 14, American Women in Radio & Television Southern California (AWRT SoCal) participated in the Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure at the Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles to help raise awareness and funds to support local breast cancer services. The team raised $10,809 and was among the top five team fundraisers at the event.




The Komen Los Angeles County Affiliate raises funds to support local breast cancer services and national breast cancer research programs. A major focus is to help women who have symptoms of breast cancer but cannot afford diagnostic work or treatment - either because they do not have health insurance or because their insurance company will not pay. Of all breast cancer foundations, Komen is the only organization where 75% of the net proceeds stay in the communities where they are raised. Over $7.5 million has been distributed in the LA County Affiliate's 13 years.

CLICK HERE to view the event booklet. 


EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:
(Click on image to enlarge)

Many Thanks to the AWRT SoCal Team and Supporters:
Bonnie Gallanter, Teresa Acosta, Deborah Barra, Laura Behrman, Sara Caballero, Greg Childers, Debbi Dachinger, Katy Foley, Raquel Gardner, Melody Goede, Michelle Gruber, Candice Huckeba, Susan Irby,  Ben Kalb, Patricia Kara, Michelle Karam, Avery Kertes, Julie Kertes, Kevin Kertes, Jessica Kinni, Shelley Lee, Daria Linvill, Marcela Luevanos, Nhan Mai, Marisa Martinez, Teresa Martinez, Victoria Martinez, Melanie Mcmichael, Sharon Morrissette, Amy Paffrath, Brittany Paffrath, Donna Penn, Janet Price, Marshaa Robinson, Maria Viola Sanchez, Mary Schaffer, J* Smith, Delia Rae Taylor, Ed Thacker, Ron Vacchina, Kim Vollstedt, Kim Spence Dickey, Steve Dickey, and Dishes By Michelle. Special visit from Sharon Lawrence, Chair, Women in Film Foundation.


For more information about American Women in Radio & Television Southern California (AWRT SoCal), visit www.awrtsocal.org.

To participate in AWRT SoCal's next fundraising event, the 2010 Genii Awards on April 14 at the Skirball Cultural Center, Click Here. The Genii Awards help to fund the AWRT SoCal educational scholarship program. For more information on the Genii Awards, Click Here.

The above event booklet was produced by StorybookProducer.com, powered by Heritage Makers. If you would like a hard-bound copy of the book, or would like to make your own customized book, please contact Kim@StorybookProducer.com.

AWRT Presents the BELL Awards at the 2010 Women's Media Forum in Washington DC

The American Women in Radio & Television presented the BELL Awards (Bringing Excellence to the Local Level) at its annual Women's Media Forum  in Washington DC on Saturday March 6. The AWRT Southern California Chapter was among those being recognized for their outstanding achievements, receiving a total of  four BELL Awards. The AWRT National Area Management Committee selected the winners.



AWRT Southern California BELL Awards:

Daria Linvill
Rising Star BELL AWARD

Kim Spence Dickey
Outstanding Local Member- Western Area BELL AWARD

Largest Membership Increase -
In New Members 
BELL AWARD

Outstanding Innovative Communications -
In Digital Media
BELL AWARD

TO VIEW THE EVENT BOOKLET, CLICK HERE


FOR EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
(Click on images below to enlarge)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To view a full list of the American Women in Radio & Television BELL Award recipients, CLICK HERE.


The BELL Awards event booklet was produced by StorybookProducer.com, powered by Heritage Makers. If you would like a copy of the event book, or would like to make your own customized book, please contact Kim@StorybookProducer.com.

Happy Holidays From American Women in Radio & Television Southern California Chapter

MINGLE BELLS!
Holiday Networking Mixer was a great success!
Many thanks to all those who attended the AWRT SoCal Holiday Party at Cache Restaurant in Santa Monica on Thursday, December 10 and to those organizations that generously donated raffle prizes. A special thanks to our gracious host Lisa Foxx and to the wonderful staff at Cache. Everyone had a great time mingling, meeting, and mixing it up at the festive Happy Hour Party.




TO VIEW THE EVENT BOOKLET:
(Click on link, then click on "full screen" to enlarge)

http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectID=1161126&productId=3


EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:
(Click on image to enlarge)

Many party goers scored early holiday presents thanks to our raffle donors:

* 2 Tickets to SeaWorld San Diego!

* 4 Tickets to Disney on Ice

* 4 Tickets to the San Diego Zoo

* Windows 7.0 party bag with free music and security software downloads

* Finding Your Power Hypnotherapy Session-
It's time to start the New Year off right! What better way than Empowering your mind to release fears and attain your goals with ease using Hypnotherapy. Each session is valued at $125.00

*$50 Golfsmith Gift Card

* Legally Organized offers a virtual or personal assistant (4 hours)

* $50 Three Bags Full Gift Certificate - sweater boutique on Montana Avenue

* $25 SemiPrecious Gift Certificate - bead salon on Montana Avenue

* $25 Wokcano Restaurant Gift Certificate

* Publish your own 5 x 5 storybook with a StorybookProducer.com Gift Card.

BECOME AN AWRT SoCAL MEMBER FOR JUST $100

YOU'VE STARTED YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING, BUT DON'T FORGET TO BUY SOMETHING FOR YOURSELF!

Join American Women in Radio & Television SoCal Chapter in December for just $100. (Regular Price $135) SAVE $35!

* To qualify, type "December" in the promotion code adjacent to the payment field on the online application form.
* Offer only valid for first-time AWRT members.
* $25 SoCal Chapter affiliation + $75 AWRT membership.
* Special offer ends 12/31/09.

Click To Join

SUPPORT OUR SEASON FOR SHARING
VIRTUAL FOOD DRIVE

Help make the holidays more plentiful for those in need.
$1 donated = 4 meals

With every $1 donated, the LA Foodbank can distribute $5 worth of groceries, fresh produce, bread, dairy products and meat into the community.

Click to Donate

Special Thanks to General Mills Foundation for donating
10 pallets of Fiber One cereal and chewy bars.

FOOTNOTES: 

The above event booklet was produced by www.StorybookProducer.com. If you would like a hardbound copy or if you would like to make your own booklet, please contact Kim@StorybookProducer.com.

General Mills donates Fiber One cereal and chewy bars in support of Los Angeles Regional Foodbank’s “Season For Sharing”

The Celebrity and Media Volunteer Day
at the LA Regional Foodbank is
hosted by actress Jennifer Love Hewitt and the
American Women in Radio & Television
Southern California Chapter

Burbank, CA   (Tuesday, November 10, 2009) – Celebrity spokesperson, Ajay Mehta, who appears in the General Mills Fiber One ad campaign, will present the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank with pallets of Fiber One cereal and chewy bars donated by the General Mills Foundation during Celebrity and Media Volunteer Day at the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank, Saturday, November 14. The special event, hosted by Jennifer Love Hewitt and the American Women in Radio and Television Southern California (AWRT SoCal) Chapter, will kick off the Foodbank’s “Season For Sharing” and help raise awareness of the organization’s growing need for food donations and volunteers.

“We are thrilled about this amazing donation from the General Mills Foundation being offered Saturday at the Season For Sharing event,” says Laura Behrman, President of AWRT SoCal and Event co-host.”Their generous gift of food will help make the holidays more plentiful for many families in need.”

As a result of state budget cuts and rising unemployment rates, hunger is becoming a more critical problem in Los Angeles County. At this time when our community is experiencing the difficulties of the economic downturn, charitable organizations like the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank are being faced with record increases in demand. The Los Angeles Regional Foodbank has increased volume by 41%, the equivalent of 5 million meals, year to date compared to last year; however, there still remains a gap between the overall demand for food assistance and the supply of food.

“The Foodbank is grateful for General Mills continued support of our hunger relief efforts,” said Michael Flood, President/CEO of the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank. “This generous donation will be a great help in our efforts to feed the needy in our community during this holiday season.”

During “Season For Sharing,” local celebrities and media are rallying together to help assemble and ready food packages at the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank for distribution to the community, including Candy Spelling, Author;  Kathryn Joosten (Desperate Housewives); Patricia Kara (Deal or No Deal); Jessica Kinni (VH1s Rock of Love 2, VH1 Charm School); Boo Boo Stewart (The Twilight Saga: Eclipse); Maureen McCormick (The Brady Bunch);
Jamie McCall (Pushing Daisies); Drew Seeley (Another Cinderella Story); Becca and Meaghan Martin (Camp Rock);
Shailene Woodley (The Secret Life of the American Teenager);
Erica Hubbard (Lincoln Heights); Ajay Mehta (Fiber One); 
Ross "The Intern" Mathews (The Jay Leno Show);
Chelsea Hightower (Dancing with the Stars); Fivel Stewart, Actress/Performer; Gayla Johnson, Actress/Comedian; Kate Linder, Actress; Rick Yune, Actor; Amy Paffrath, Host, E! News;
Anita Vogel, Correspondent, Fox News Channel; Alysha Del Valle, Morning News Team, KABC Eyewitness News; Rita Garcia, Reporter, KCAL/KCBS; Jo Kwon, General Assignment Reporter, KABC 790; Adrianna Costa, Host, TV Guide; Shira Lazar, Blogger, The Pop Report; Marcela Luevanos, On Air, Exitos 93.9 with attendance from Daily Variety, CBS Radio, KTTV Fox 11 and KCOP My 13 Los Angeles, Power Women Magazine & Radio Show, KABC Radio, Los Angeles Times, Premiere Radio Networks, Southern California Broadcasters Association, Muse Artist Management , Radio Disney AM 1110, 710 ESPN, Global Vision Editing, VCI Solutions, Celebrity Photo Agency, The Multi Cultural Cooking Network and Look to the Stars, Hollywood Radio & Television Society, Press Association, Lifetime Networks, London Entertainment, American Photo Features, FilmMagic, WireImage, Getty Images, Los Angeles Examiner, Hollywood Unwrapped, Pretty/Scary, Hollywood Gossip, Pop on the Pop, Hollywood Teen’zine, KNX 1070 Newsradio, KHTS AM 1220, FilmLink, LA 18/KSCI TV, General Mills, and more. 

To learn how you can help or to donate to the AWRT SoCal Virtual Food Drive for the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank, please visit https://www.lafoodbank.org/ssl/awrt.htm. For more information, visit www.awrtsocal.org or email info@awrtsocal.org.

One out of every eight people in Los Angeles County is at risk of hunger  

WHO: 
General Mills celebrity spokesperson Ajay Mehta, celebrities, media, and members of the American Women in Radio & Television Southern California Chapter 

WHAT: 
Los Angeles Regional Foodbank’s “Season for Sharing” Celebrity & Media Volunteer Day 

WHEN: 
Saturday, November 14, 2009, 8:45 am - 12:00 pm 

WHERE: 
1734 E 41st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90058 

WHY: 
To create awareness of the growing need for volunteers and donations at the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank this Holiday Season. 

RSVP:
To attend “Season For Sharing”, celebrities, media, and AWRT SoCal members and their guests should RSVP at rsvp@awrtsocal.org. 

TO HELP: 
To learn how you can get involved or to donate to the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank, please visit https://www.lafoodbank.org/ssl/awrt.htm.

ABOUT GENERAL MILLS FOUNDATION:
The mission of the General Mills Foundation, celebrating more than 50 years of giving, is to nourish communities.  In fiscal 2009, General Mills awarded more than $90 million to communities across the country, representing more than 5 percent of company pretax profits that year.  Of the total, the Foundation contributed $21 million in grants in the targeted areas of hunger and nutrition wellness, education, social services, and arts and culture. In addition, 82 percent of employees volunteer in the communities where they live and work.

ABOUT THE LOS ANGELES REGIONAL FOODBANK:
The Los Angeles Regional Foodbank is a non-profit, charitable organization established in 1973 and is one of the largest food banks in the United States. Through a network of over 540 charitable agencies with more than 900 sites, the Foodbank supplies enough food for over 700,000 meals each week in Los Angeles County. The Foodbank is affiliated with Feeding America. For more information, visit http://www.lafoodbank.org.

Contact:
Amanda Brocato
Fifteen Minutes Public Relations
Amanda@FifteenMinutes.com  
323.556.9700


Ryan Croy
Fifteen Minutes Public Relations
Ryan@FifteenMinutes.com  
323.556.9700

ABOUT AWRT SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA:

American Women in Radio & Television (AWRT) is the longest established professional association dedicated to advancing women in media and entertainment. AWRT is a National organization, with local chapters across the country.  AWRT carries forth its mission by educating, advocating and acting as a resource to its members and the industry at large.
Founded in 1951, AWRT works to improve the quality of electronic media; promote the entry, development and advancement of women in the field; foster communication and idea exchange; and give back to the community we serve. For more information, visit www.awrt.org.

The Southern California Chapter of AWRT is a non-profit membership organization for women and men who work in the electronic media and allied fields in Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego and Ventura counties.  The Southern California Chapter of AWRT offers numerous local benefits to its members, including networking events, educational programs, community outreach, career counseling and occupational training. Founded in 1952, the first Chapter president was Jeanne Gray-McDonald, after whom the Chapter's prestigious Genii Award is named. For more information, visit www.awrtsocal.org.


AWRT SoCal Media Contact:
Kim Spence

PR Director

310.463.4201

press@awrtsocal.org


AWRT SoCal Executive Contact:

Laura Behrman

President

818.569.3148
president@awrtsocal.org

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