Last Sunday, IZEA’s Staree joined forces with Drawing Hope for its annual Masquerade Ball that brings together celebs and survivors.
Celebs and survivors mingle over food and conversation at the Drawing Hope
Masquerade Ball. Photograph by Todd Williamson, Wire Image.
One event honoree, AnnaLynne McCord of CW’s 90210, was the recipient of the Drawing Hope’s prestigious “Heart of Hope” award for inspiring tremendous hope, sharing her passion and time, and using her notoriety to spread awareness and encourage survivors. AnnaLynne’s personal cause is the Somaly Mam Foundation, a nonprofit committed to ending sex-trafficking around the world.
AnnaLynne McCord receives the Drawing Hope ‘Heart of Hope’ award. Photograph by Todd Williamson, Wire Image.
Another feature of the evening included David Ilan’s powerful project, Points with Purpose. David is co-founder of Drawing Hope and he uses a Pointillism technique, each representing one sexual abuse survivor.
Ilan says, “The dots take on a greater meaning by associating them with a real person who has been sexually abused. My art encourages sexual abuse survivors to claim their inner beauty and strength.”
For all the celebrity power at the evening’s event, the real stars were the sexual abuse survivors who showed grace, hope and strength.
For more excerpts and the complete event coverage, visit HollywoodToday.net.
