I was honored to sponsor and co-emcee what would be the final City Summit & Gala 2020. Also sponsored by IBM, the 5th annual event celebrated actress and philanthropist Demi Moore, who was honored with City Gala’s Inspiration Award on the evening of the Academy Awards. The evening’s purpose was to promote and support chosen organizations through our Global Unity program, that trains and supports start-up charities founded by visionary community leaders.
The weekend of events also featured Shark Tank’s Robert Herjavec and numerous billion dollar brand founders educating and inspiring socially conscious entrepreneurs. Another highlight for me was a cast reunion of The ‘All New’ Mickey Mouse Club with many of my brothers and sisters, celebrating #MMC30 – the 30th Anniversary of the show’s premiere episode.
I am so thankful that Demi was willing to share her empowering experiences to the final City Gala, and give a voice to many subject matters that align with the values of Global Unity. Co-founder of Thorn, a non-profit building technology to defend children from sexual abuse, exploitation and trafficking, Moore embodies the spirit of Global Unity’s mission to advance community through socially conscious entrepreneurship and philanthropic efforts.
Moore’s New York Times Best Selling memoir, “Inside Out”, was released last September and is an emotionally charged memoir about her career and personal life – laying bare her defining tumultuous relationship with her mother, her marriages, her struggles balancing stardom with motherhood, and her journey toward open-heartedness. “Inside Out” is a story of survival, success, and surrender – as well as resilience: a wrenchingly honest portrayal of one woman’s at once ordinary and iconic life.
REFLECTION
This event was particularly special to me, as it was the last City Summit & Gala that will ever be produced. Its founder/producer, Ryan Long, tragically passed away shortly after the event. Ryan had a vision of bringing a deeper meaning to Hollywood’s awards season. He believed, as I do, that the best use of that season’s energy was to put a spotlight on humanitarian efforts world-wide, and the extraordinary start-up charities and uncelebrated heroes working everyday in communities that need them most. His goal was to build something that would leverage Hollywood’s reach to bring a voice to the voiceless. And something that would leave a legacy that made his family proud.
As a volunteer to the events, I watched Ryan turn his warrior spirit towards efforts that mattered, showing me a path forward that would craft how I would define myself as a citizen of this world – A warrior for change. An advocate for community. An artist with a purpose. A socially conscious entrepreneur. Our work together over the past eight years educated and served thousands of socially conscious entrepreneurs and raised millions of dollars for charity. I couldn’t be more proud. Thank you, Ryan.
Come on inside the 5th and final Annual City Summit & Gala 2020:
Presenters at the City Gala included the co-founder of Priceline.com, Jeff Hoffman, and entrepreneur, Dr. Sabrina Kay.
Richard Dreyfuss was honored for his commitment to civic duty with his Dreyfuss Initiative and presented the Legacy Award by Dr. James Dentley. Alec Stern (Co-Founder of Constant Contact), Noel Lee (Founder of Monster Inc.), Mark Victor Hansen (Co-Author of Chicken Soup for the Soul), and personal development legend Brian Tracy were all honored, as well. All of these individuals also donated experiences to support Global Unity. THANK YOU!!
I co-emcee’d the evening with Global Unity’s Michelle Matich and Lynn Rose, with musical performances by my brothers and sisters – former Mouse Club cast members Rhona Bennett (EnVogue), Tony Lucca (NBC’s The Voice), Jennifer McGill, Deedee Magno Hall (Steven Universe, member of The Party), Chasen Hampton (#MMC30 Executive Producer and member of The Party), and the world renown DJ Damon Pampolina, also of The Party.
After the dinner and honor ceremony, the Gala held a Celebrity Poker Tournament and Live Auction to raise additional funds for our Global Unity program and other start-up charities. Very special thanks to Johnny Depp and Bradley Cooper who auctioned experiences with them to support our efforts.
After the Gala… THE PARTY featured DJ Damon Pampolina and DJ Award, and a fashion show produced by Parris Harris.
In the days leading up to the Gala, Shark Tank’s Robert Herjavec, Global Entrepreneur Jeff Hoffman, Richard Dreyfuss, Alec Stern, Noel Lee, Mark Victor Hansen, and Brian Tracy were all featured speakers at City Summit – a world-class socially conscious business acceleration experience. Their presentations and discussions were absolutely extraordinary. Thanks guys!!!
Additionally, former Mouseketeers were featured at City Summit with speaker spotlights and a special panel discussing socially conscious business and philanthropic efforts. EnVogue’s Rhona Bennett and vocalist Jennifer McGill also hosted SOUL SUNDAY with myself, Tony Lucca, Mylin Brooks Stoddard, Jason ‘Blain’ Carson, and Jason Minor. Additional Mouseketeers in attendance included Hallmark Channel’s Nikki DeLoach, Deedee Magno Hall, Chasen Hampton, and Damon Pampolina. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SUPPORTING ❤
VERY special shout out and thanks to Lisa Cannata, Chasen Hampton and Rick A. Morris for all you did to help make this one of the most special moments of life 🙂
Also, Special Thanks to sponsors Rightlane Productions, Great Ceasar’s Banquet Hall, and Crazy & Fearless. And ALL my love and thanks to Kurt Glasgow, Kuo Yang, and Nomad Productions, and Producers Jennifer Kramer and Michelle Marie Matiche. You’re rock stars.
Please see recap story on Forbes.
Additional images can be found posted by Deedee Magno Hall on Instagram.