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CHARITY 'Tis the Season to Give Back Here's some inspiration Words by Vanessa Pascale As the most wonderful time of the year flurries in with its promise of family and friends gathering near, extravagant window displays, and a sweet cornucopia of rich and savory home-cooked fare, we're overcome with feelings of merriment. Whilst you're strolling through Nordstrom to pick out the perfect presents or digging into that second helping of mom's legendary sweet potato casserole, bear in mind that there are others who could use some hope, a bit of cheer and a helping hand. Garret Lauer Garret Lauer is on a mission –to entertain and bring awareness to important causes close to his heart. He works with a list of organizations that include: the Torch Relay for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, MS National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Chris Kirkpatrick Foundation, Joey Fatone Foundation, Threshold Center for Autism, Cystic Fibrosis foundation, Give Kids the World and Micah's Place. For Garret, it's important to visit the children and their families in the hospital, listen to their stories and see firsthand how these people are positively affected by the charities he's involved with. "I've seen these kids smile on the outside, but our donations help them smile on the inside," Garret shared. Garret is currently working with the Torch Relay for Children's Miracle Network. For four years now, he has been their national tour host / MC. South Floridians can participate in the 5K walk, or sponsor a participant, taking place on Wednesday November 9th at The Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach at 3 p.m. Additionally, he is producing the entertainment & teams for Chris Kirkpatrick Foundation's Annual Golf Tournament on December 3rd. His company, Garret Lauer Events, utilizes their expertise in entertainment and the recruitment of celebrity guests to entice others to get involved and heighten participant's experience with charities. With his extroverted nature and compassionate personality, Garret demonstrates that fundraising can be fun. His vision is to amplify fundraising events such as walks, runs, bicycle runs, motorcycle runs & corporate ballroom style fundraisers and get more people involved. Last year was Garret Lauer Events' first year sponsoring the MS walk. Their team raised $16,908 through the sponsoring of three independent events and community awareness. Garret also designed the entertainment for it. "I believe everyone should volunteer for a charity that most interests them, at least once. A good way to get involved is to Google different charities and find out what events are in your area," said Garret. For more information visit: GarretLauerEvents.com Facebook.com/GarretLauer twitter.com/GarretLauer 'Tis the season to remember what this holiday is truly about: giving back, spreading joy and helping humankind. At times, we need leaders to take the reigns to motivate and show us the way. The time is now! These benevolent benefactors are altruistically dedicating their time, talent, and heart to enhance the lives of those who have encountered hardships too difficult to handle on their own. Hopefully, their moving stories will encourage you to enrich someone else's life today. Dr. David and Deborah Alessi In 2007, Dr. David Alessi (co-founder) and his wife Deborah Alessi (founder) established the life changing non-profit foundation Face Forward, so that women and children victimized by domestic violence (acid burns, lacerations, blunt force trauma…) could receive reconstructive surgery and emotional rehabilitation. Dr. Alessi, of Alessi Institute for Facial Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills, continually steps away from his demanding agenda to donate his time and 17 years of experience as a world-class surgeon, specializing in both facial plastic surgery and head and neck disorders and specialization in sinus disease, to care for those who can't afford surgery and need the support to overcome their horrific ordeal — allowing patients to put their best face forward toward recovery. "I know him pretty intimately —Dr. Alessi is very much a humanitarian. He does a lot to help underprivileged individuals and those in different countries. It goes to show that not every Beverly Hills surgeon will turn you away if you don't have the money. I feel privileged to work with him. He's a great individual. His wife is an amazing person as well," said Adam who has worked with Dr. Alessi for about 2 years now. This past July the foundation hosted Face Forward's 2nd Annual Gala for A New Beginning, which included a dinner, silent and live auction. The gala honored Vanessa Marcil Giovinazzo with the Celebrating Voices Award for her significant work and support of battered women and children, and Carol Ann Peterson, PH. D. with the Humanitarian Award. The funds raised from this event went to Saundra, a current Face Forward patient abused by her husband. The money will provide Saundra with probono reconstructive surgery and offer her a fresh start. Many celebrities came out to support the cause including: Charlotte Ross (Drive Angry), Taylor Armstrong (Real Housewives of Beverly Hills), Suzanne Whang (Las Vegas), Cheryl Tiegs, and more. "I've had several friends who have been battered and abused and there's always this foundation where they can come to and get help. That's important," Cheryl commented. For more information visit: facela.net ML MIAMI LIVING 33