Wings Around the World African Safari Gala

Wings Around the World
African Safari Gala
Jo-Ann Geffen, JAG PR
jgeffen@jagpr.com
Press Release
HANG OUT WITH GENE SIMMONS ON OCTOBER 11
KISS Front Man to Be Special Guest on Google+ Hangout to Benefit Mending Kids International
(October 3, Los Angeles) – Gene Simmons, legendary bass guitarist and lead singer of KISS, will be the special guest at a Google+ Hangout on
Friday, October 11 at 10AM Pacific time. To access the “Hangout,” visitors should go to www.mendingkids.org/hangoutwithgene. The
interview will be conducted by MKI Board member and renowned broadcast journalist Dorothy Lucey. The megastar will talk about his career,
his business ventures and his activities and support of MKI. Also on hand will be one of the many beneficiaries of Mending Kids International
(MKI), 6 year old Victor, from Kenya, who is hoping for life-changing surgery to rebuild his entire urinary system. Victor’s surgery is $50,000 and of
that, MKI is trying to raise $10,000. Other surgeries range between $250 for a club foot correction all the way to $3500 for an open heart
surgery.
Fans and admirers can ask Gene Simmons questions in advance of the Google+ Hangout by posting question to the Mending Kids Twitter,
Facebook or Google+ pages.
In a few short years, MKI has transformed the lives of over one thousand children, and has laid the foundation for hospitals and doctors around
the world to continue MKI’s life changing work. 92% of every dollar received goes directly towards helping children.
Simmons’ philanthropy and support of charities including Mending Kids International, as well as that of his family, Shannon Tweed-Simmons and
their son and daughter, Nick and Sophie, will be honored at the November 9 MKI Gala, where the Simmons clan will jointly receive the
prestigious Humanitarian Award. Information and tickets are available at www.mendingkids.org.
###
GENE DONATES $40K TO MEND 6-YEAR-OLD VICTOR w/
LIFE CHANGING SURGERIES DURING GOOGLE + HANGOUT
Media Alert
MEDIA ALERT
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9
GENE SIMMONS, SHANNON TWEED-SIMMONS, NICK SIMMONS AND SOPHIE SIMMONS TO BE HONORED
BY MENDING KIDS INTERNATIONAL
MEL GIBSON, SIMON BAKER AND MORE COME OUT FOR GALA
WHO:
Gene Simmons, Shannon Tweed-Simmons, Nick Simmons, Sophie Simmons, Mel Gibson, Simon
Baker, Greg Louganis, Nia Peeples, Dawnn Lewis, Harvey Levin, Dorothy Lucey, Greg Louganis, Lou Diamond
Phillips, Christopher Atkins, Mark Dacascos
WHAT:
Mending Kids International (MKI) celebrates its heroes at the WINGS AROUND THE WORLD AFRICAN SAFARI GALA honoring the Simmons family with the MEND Humanitarian Award, Sydney McDonnell,
who has hosted 13 MKI children, with the HOPE Award,and Mike Takac, VP of Domestic Sales at Warner Bros.,
with the LOVE Award for his corporate support. MKI has changed the lives of over 1,200 children in over 54
countries and through Hometown Missions in the United States. MKI provides critical surgeries free to children
who otherwise would not receive them due to lack of medical or financial resources; MKI also offers training
and research to assist communities in creating self-sustaining surgical programs. Mel Gibson, a supporter of
the non-profit since its 2006 inception, said, “Going on a mission is like a reset button on your soul.”
WHEN:
5-6:30PM
6:30-9PM
WHERE:
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Red Carpet
Program: Award Presentations and Performances
Santa Monica Airport -- Hangar8
3100 Donald Douglas Loop North (at 31st street off Ocean) /parking in structure
PHOTO AND VIDEO OPPORTUNITIES
PLEASE USE MENDING KIDS IN ALL CAPTIONS /COVERAGE
RSVP required:
Jo-Ann Geffen/Melinda Jackson (818) 905-5511
jgeffen@jagpr.com / mjackson@jagpr.com
Press Release
MENDING KIDS INTERNATIONAL HONORS GENE SIMMONS, SHANNON TWEED-SIMMONS, NICK SIMMONS AND SOPHIE SIMMONS AT ANNUAL GALA
Mel Gibson, Simon Baker, Nia Peeples, Dorothy Lucey and Harvey Levin Participate in Awards Ceremony
Mending Kids International (MKI) celebrated its heroes at the WINGS AROUND THE WORLD - AFRICAN SAFARI GALA honoring Gene Simmons and his family – Shannon
Tweed-Simmons, Nick Simmons and Sophie Simmons -- with the MEND Humanitarian Award for their support of MKI (www.mendingkids.org) and their other philanthropic
efforts. The award was presented by Mel Gibson, a long-standing supporter of the non-profit that provides free life-changing surgeries to children throughout the
world. Mel Gibson, who has joined several international missions, said, "Going on a mission is like a reset button on your soul." In his acceptance speech, Gene spoke of
his own difficult childhood, raised in Israel in a bullet-ridden house. He recalled his mother's excitement when they received a CARE box one day; it wasn't about the
contents, it was about knowing that someone cared and they weren't alone – it gave them hope. When they moved to America, speaking no English, they were
embraced by what he calls "the greatest place on the planet." He continued, "Not every child is born with everything intact. I don't have the right NOT to give back
and neither do you. Some mother somewhere is crying her heart out because her child can't have what we have in this country and we can change that." He went on
to praise his wife and children for doing their part to make this a better world, Shannon by raising "two of the best people I know who feel a spirit of service for their fellow
man," and Nick and Sophie for their little-known good work. Sophie has lived in seven countries where she worked in orphanages before building her own center for
abused children in Surrey, British Columbia, appropriately named Sophie's Place (http://cdfbc.ca/Sophies-Place/).
Also honored were Sydney McDonnell, who has hosted 13 MKI children and nurtured them before, during and after their surgeries; she was presented with the HOPE
Award by Simon Baker. Mike Takac, VP of Domestic Sales at Warner Bros., received the LOVE Award for his corporate support, which was presented by Harvey Levin. A
teen award presented to three remarkable young people who serve their community and MKI was presented by Nia Peeples. Other celebrities in attendance
included Christopher Atkins, Iron Chef's Mark Dacascos, Greg Louganis, Dominic Scott Kay and performances by Dawnn Lewis, who sang the most appropriate selfpenned song, "Take the Pain Away," and the Dembrebrah West African Drum and Dance Ensemble. David Ruprecht ("Supermarket Sweepstakes") did a terrific job
auctioning donations for life-altering surgeries with Gene Simmons and Mel Gibson at the top of the donors list. Collectively, the two will be responsible for 305 children's
vital surgeries. It is estimated that the evening raised over $800,000.
MKI has dramatically changed the lives of over 1,200 children in 54 countries on several continents including Central and South America,
the Caribbean, Africa, Southeast Asia, and Hometown Missions in the United States. The critical surgeries provided by MKI have opened the door to healthy and
promising futures for children who otherwise would not be treated due to lack of medical or financial resources. MKI also offers training and research to assist
communities in creating self-sustaining surgical programs. The charity is sustained by private and corporate donations. 92% of every dollar received goes directly
towards helping children. Some of the sponsors that made the Gala possible include Deloitte, Warner Bros., Montrose Travel, Transparent Media Company, Ethiopian
Airlines, Hubert's Lemonade, Zing Vodka, Alice's Traveling Tea Party, Jade Phoenix, cab.corp wine merchants, Hint water, Rock & Brews, Solar Rain, Skin Again, DJ Charles
Feelgood, and more.
###
We've seen him with his own kids, and now he's with some other
adorable ones!
Mel Gibson was spotted at the Santa Monica airport this past
Sunday where he was participating in the Mending Kids
International Wings Around The World African Safari Gala!
The dapper actor was looking extremely happy as he posed for
some pictures with some very cute little fellows!
You can't fake those smiles!!!
We're glad to see that the actor has avoided any and
all controversy lately (apart from that little DUI stop incident), and
seems to be making his way back into the good graces of society!
He's way too talented of an actor to stay on its fringes for too long!
Plus who doesn't love a charitable man?!
Check out more cute photographs down (below) !!!
- See more at: http://perezhilton.com/perezitos/2013-11-11-melgibson-spotted-at-mending-kids-international-charityfunction#respond
Maria Menounos shows off toned figure in flirty midnight blue mini-dress
at children's charity event in Los Angeles
As the main host of Extra she has to look glamorous and well groomed as
she interviews stars for the popular entertainment show. And on Saturday
Maria Menounos didn't disappoint as she attended a charity event in Los
Angeles in a suitably glamorous and form fitting outfit. The 35-year-old
presenter attended the Mending Kids International charity function which
was held at Hangar 8 in Santa Monica airport.
Maria was not only showing her star support for a good cause but was also there in her professional
capacity and was spotted interviewing guests at the charitable event for Mending Kids International which
was held to celebrate it's heroes for the Wings Around the World African safari gala.
Other stars at the event included Mel Gibson who looked dapper in a sleek black suit with a black and
white polka dot handkerchief in his top pocket.
Also present was rocker Gene Simmons who was honoured just a few days ago for his charitable work with
ex veterans. The 64-year old attended with wife Shannon Tweed who looked stunning in a black and
chiffon cocktail dress. The stars all helped raise funds for Mending Kids International which provides life
saving surgical care to needy children all around the world.
Mel Gibson Presents Gene Simmons With Charity Award
Mel Gibson presented the Mending Kids International Humanitarian Award to Gene Simmons and his family.
They helped to raise $700,000 for life-altering surgeries.
The award was presented by Mel Gibson, a long-standing supporter of the non-profit that provides free life-changing
surgeries to children throughout the world.
Mel Gibson, who has joined several international missions, said, “Going on a mission is like a reset button on your soul.”
In his acceptance speech, Gene spoke of his own difficult childhood, raised in Israel in a bullet-ridden house. He recalled
his mother’s excitement when they received a CARE box one day; it wasn’t about the contents, it was about knowing that
someone cared and they weren’t alone – it gave them hope. When they moved to America, speaking no English, they
were embraced by what he calls “the greatest place on the planet.”
He continued, “Not every child is born with everything intact. I don’t have the right NOT to give back and neither do you.
Some mother somewhere is crying her heart out because her child can’t have what we have in this country and we can
change that.”
He went on to praise his wife and children for doing their part to make this a better world, Shannon by raising “two of the
best people I know who feel a spirit of service for their fellow man,” and Nick and Sophie for their little-known good work.
Sophie has lived in seven countries where she worked in orphanages before building her own center for abused children in Surrey, British Columbia, appropriately
named Sophie’s Place. Also honored were Sydney McDonnell, who has hosted 13 MKI children and nurtured them before, during and after their surgeries; she was presented
with the HOPE Award by Simon Baker. Mike Takac, VP of Domestic Sales at Warner Bros., received the LOVE Award for his corporate support, which was presented by Harvey
Levin. A teen award presented to three remarkable young people who serve their community and MKI was presented by Nia Peeples. Other celebrities in attendance
included Christopher Atkins, Iron Chef’s Mark Dacascos, Greg Louganis, Dominic Scott Kay and performances by Dawnn Lewis, who sang the most appropriate self-penned
song, “Take the Pain Away,” and the Dembrebrah West African Drum and Dance Ensemble. David Ruprecht (“Supermarket Sweepstakes”) did a terrific job auctioning donations
for life-altering surgeries with Gene Simmons and Mel Gibson at the top of the donors list. Collectively, the two will be responsible for 305 children’s vital surgeries. It is
estimated that the evening raised over $800,000.
MKI has dramatically changed the lives of over 1,200 children in 54 countries on several continents including Central and South America, the Caribbean, Africa, Southeast Asia,
and Hometown Missions in the United States. The critical surgeries provided by MKI have opened the door to healthy and promising futures for children who otherwise would
not be treated due to lack of medical or financial resources. MKI also offers training and research to assist communities in creating self-sustaining surgical programs. The
charity is sustained by private and corporate donations. 92% of every dollar received goes directly towards helping children. Some of the sponsors that made the Gala possible
include Deloitte, Warner Bros., Montrose Travel, Transparent Media Company, Ethiopian Airlines, Hubert’s Lemonade, Zing Vodka, Alice’s Traveling Tea Party, Jade Phoenix,
cab.corp wine merchants, Hint water, Rock & Brews, Solar Rain, Skin Again, DJ Charles Feelgood, and more.
A Mending Kids International Gala to Remember
Mending Kids International was a small, quiet charity,
until….
Mending Kids International (MKI) provides life-changing surgeries to children worldwide. By
assembling teams of surgeons, nurses, technicians, and volunteers, MKI travels to developing
countries on specialized missions to give life-saving or life-mending surgeries to children who
need it.
Established a little more than seven years ago, Mending Kids International has rapidly grown in
scope and stature, with missions from Guatemala and Haiti to China and Mozambique.
Last November 9, MKI hosted a fundraising event entitled “Wings Around The World Gala,” a
night ofinspiration, love, mended lives, and of hope. The star-powered event was hosted by
Dorothy Lucey, and the first honoree was Sydney McDonald, who has hosted 13 kids in her home
as they came to the US for surgeries. The next honoree was Mike Tayak VP Warner Brothers Home
Video, who was presented his award by Harvey Levin (TMZ), and finally Gene Simmons, his wife,
Shannon Tweed, his children Nick and Sophie. Mel Gibson was on hand to present the award to
the Simmons Family.
“lt was incredibly successful,” says Pasadena realtor Rosey Bell, MKI gala chairperson. “We had
over 500 people. It was at Hangar 8 in Santa Monica Airport, and it was a beautiful setting.”
Bell got involved with MKI when the Executive Director of MKI, Marchelle Sellers asked her to Chair the first Gala last year. “That was a
great success so she asked again this year,” she told Pasadena Now, “and I said I would.” This year’s gala was African themed. With the
airport hangar designed as an African Market place. Set up outside, along with African spears, world-worn luggage, and assorted props,
Ethiopian dancers and even fresh roasting coffee added to the festive atmosphere. Simmons, honored that night, has proven to be one
of the more active promoters of MKI and its drive to raise funds. “He’s so amazing,” says Bell, “Gene Simmons is so excited about MKI. He‘s
on board the bus…and knowing him he will soon be driving…” The November 9 gala was a huge success for both MKI and the kids it
serves. But, “lt’s not just the money, though raising $820,000 isn’t bad” says Bell. “lt’s the whole profile ofthe charity that’s been raised and
recognized. We’re on to the next leveI.”
The little charity that could, just did.
More help from Hollywood hotshots
In an interview on ANC’s “The Bureau,” Mel Gibson committed
to help in fundraising activities through Mending Kids
International (MKI), an organization that aid sick and poor
children worldwide.
“I’m still sorry, you know, God bless you (Philippines). I hope you
can put it back together; there’s been a tremendous loss of
lives. It’s hard even to be able to say anything,” he said of the
catastrophe.
Singer-actress Nia Peeples related in the same interview on “The
Bureau” that “I was actually thinking about who was gonna call
to say what kind of fund raiser we can do for that, it’s tragic.”
Kiss band member Gene Simmons expressed willingness to do
the same.
“We’re gonna be doing some work to try not just to raise
awareness but funds. Our hearts and prayers go out to
everybody (in the Philippines),” he was quoted as saying.
The rock bass guitarist added: “It’s probably time for all the
countries in the world to realize we are one.”