WilliamShatner.com :: FRIENDLY HOUSE...WHERE MIRACLES HAPPEN

FRIENDLY HOUSE...WHERE MIRACLES HAPPEN
Posted by: Jane.Singer on Tuesday, October 22, 2002 - 06:46 PM

	On Saturday, October 12th, Friendly House held its Thirteenth Annual Awards Luncheon and Gala at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. William Shatner was the Master of Ceremonies.
<p align="right"><font size="2" color="#FFFFFF" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">October 15, 2002</font> <blockquote> <blockquote> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">"It is our mission to continue to create an environment in which women can recover from the devastation of drug and </font><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">alcohol addiction and progress towards </font><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">building healthy families and communities"</font> </blockquote> </blockquote> <p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" color="#FFFFFF">On Saturday, October 12th, Friendly House held its Thirteenth Annual Awards Luncheon and Gala at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. William Shatner was the Master of Ceremonies and welcomed honorees Barbara Sinatra, Stephen Smythe and Mark Rydell. </font> <p align="left"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2" color="#FFFFFF">Established in 1951, Friendly House has helped countless women with its residential treatment programs. </font><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2" color="#FFFFFF">Just last year, they opened their second home, the Nerine Shatner Friendly House in honor of Bill's late wife, Nerine who </font><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2" color="#FFFFFF">sucummed to an alcohol-related death in the summer of 1999. Nerine believed strongly in Friendly House and its programs and sought treatment at the facility. She had a love of helping others and her dreams are continuing to be realized. </font> <p align="left"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2" color="#FFFFFF">Peggy Albrecht, pictured above with Bill, is the executive director of Friendly House. Since 1983, her commitment, dedication and service have been the driving force behind Friendly House and its success in helping women fight alcohol and drug addiction. </font> <p align="left"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2" color="#FFFFFF">The afternoon started off with a silent auction. Many wonderful and unique items were up for bid including jewelry, art, ceramics, clothing, photographs, celebrity items from the entertainment and sports worlds, gift certificates to various restaurants, spas, health and fitness resorts, and even an autographed copy of I'm Working on That and an autographed Star Trek cell. The bidding was very active and even the Shatners got into the spirit. </font> <p align="center"> <p align="left"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2" color="#FFFFFF">Following the silent auction, lunch was served and the afternoon's program began. Bill was introduced with, "Our west campus, aptly named the Nerine Shatner Friendly House is a testiment to his commitment and support of who we are and what we do. It would seem an easy job to introduce someone as well known as Bill, a respected actor in all media...director, producer, author and philanthropist. I encourage you to read his biography in the program. But what can you say that hasn't been said? Nothing more than, 'Bill we love and respect you, and we're thrilled to have you here today as part of our celebration. Would you please take the controls and guide us through the rest of this afternoon's events.' Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. William Shatner."</font> <p align="left"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2" color="#FFFFFF"> Bill took to the podium and said, "They were trying to do something Star Trekian...take the con, take the controls..." which was met with laughter. He went on to say that he was honored when Peggy Albrecht asked him to emcee the luncheon "because there's a very big place in my heart for Friendly House. Most of you know that, and its always special for me to be at this event. Every year, we see Friendly House helping more women, spreading their care and strength throughout our city. And that only happens because of all of you who care enough to be here and support them. They restore broken lives. You allow them to do that by your presence. I salute you." </font> <p align="left"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2" color="#FFFFFF">Bill went on to introduce the Peggy Albrecht. Peggy talked about how she's been watching miracles happen at Friendly House for the past 19 years, giving women hope and love and nurturing and the education to overcome this disease. She said none of us says, "'I think when I grow up, I'll be an alcoholic.' You know, it happens. It happens...and we have to do something about helping it to happen no longer." She went on to thank the Shatner Family Foundation and the Fuller Foundation for their ongoing support.</font> <p align="left"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2" color="#FFFFFF">A resident of Friendly House, Catherine, was introduced next and she spoke very eloquently of her struggle with the disease. Afterwards, Bill applauded her courage as he said, "Our grateful hearts have the unique experience to share - and each sharing speaks volumes - their stories of surrender and acceptance and to overcome. So let's rejoice in their victories and applaud their willingness to stand before a large audience like this and open themselves up so selflessly." </font> <p align="left"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2" color="#FFFFFF">Next, were several awards. Stephen Smythe, president and general manager of Beverly Hills Ltd Mercedes Benz, received the Humanitarian of the Year Award. Over the years, he has been a strong supporter of Friendly House. Mark Rydell was honored with the Global Arts Award for his work as an Academy Award nominated director, classically trained actor and accomplished jazz pianist. His films have garnered 26 Oscar nominations. He was introduced by Martin Landau who Bill said was a friend of his, an "actor's actor." Bill went on to say of Martin Landau, "As fine an actor he is, he's an even nicer guy." </font> <p align="left"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2" color="#FFFFFF">Finally, Bill introduced Barbara Sinatra who was presented with the Woman of the Year Award for her work with abused children. The Barbara Sinatra Children's Center has helped over 5,000 children in Southern California over the last 20 years. </font> <p align="center"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2" color="#FFFFFF"></font> <p align="left"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2" color="#FFFFFF">Entertainment was provided by Toni Morrell. In closing, Bill thanked his family for being there and reflected..."Nerine Shatner died a little over three years ago. And when my daughter Melanie got married shortly after that, awash with emotion I lifted my glass on her wedding day and said, 'L'Chaim' which is 'To life' and that's what we celebrate. Our journey through life here, struggling...each one of us...and this new baby, Kaya Rose, two months old in our family, she begins her journey. And I thank you all for being here.'" How nicely said.</font> <p align="left"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2" color="#FFFFFF">Friendly House receives all of its funding through private donations, and they can use your support. They have many goals for this year, one of which is the establishment of a website. If you would like to make a donation, make your check payable to the Shatner Family Foundation and send it to 760 North La Cienega Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90069. </font><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2" color="#FFFFFF">For more information about the </font><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2" color="#FFFFFF">Nerine Shatner Friendly House or their annual giving program, call (213) 389-9964. </font> <p align="left">  <p align="right"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2" color="#FFFFFF">Contributed by Sandy Moruzzi and Jane Singer</font> <p align="left"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2" color="#FFFFFF">P.S. I</font><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2" color="#FFFFFF">f you missed one of our past web columns, you can view them in the SFI Archive. Our next column will appear on October 29, 2002. </font> <hr /> <p align="left"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" color="" size="2"><font color="#FFFFFF">Shatner & Friends International is William Shatner's official fan club. We are a community of friends drawn together by an appreciation of William Shatner, the actor and the man. </font></font> <p align="left"><font color="#FFFFFF" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">O</font><font color="#FFFFFF" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">ur first newsletter, The Best of Times, is posted online. Each issue features the latest news about Bill and his activities, exclusive interviews, articles, lots of candid photos, charity updates and much more. The next one will be published in late September.</font> <p align="left"><font color="#FFFFFF" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2"> We will post time sensitive information concerning Bill's appearance schedule within Bill's online calendar. It's updated regularly, so keep checking back. </font> <p align="left"><font color="#FFFFFF" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2"><font size="-1">If you're interested in joining the Club, annual membership includes a beautiful autographed 8x10 photograph of William Shatner as Captain Kirk, a copy of Bill's credits, a short biography, a subscription to The Best of Times and the opportunity to participate in our annual Shatner Weekend. Membership also grants access to the Captain's Club, an exclusive members-only part of WilliamShatner.com which includes a bulletin board and Club merchandise. Click here to join.</font></font> <p align="left"><font color="#FFFFFF" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">We are excited to be part of WilliamShatner.com and we will be making regular updates to the website. </font>