LOS ANGELES, CA --- Paradigm Chairman Sam Gores was honored at the 4th Annual Peapod Foundation Benefit Concert with the Peapod Leadership Award last February 7, 2008 at Avalon Hollywood. Gores was honored for his fundamental role in inspiring the Black Eyed Peas realize their dream of a music and arts academy for foster children and for his extensive charitable work.
One of the most anticipated events of GRAMMY® week, the star studded Peapod Foundation Benefit Concert, led by Black Eyed Peas — will.i.am, Fergie, apl.de.ap, and Taboo, brought together music icons and celebrity friends to pay tribute to Gores while raising essential funds and awareness for the Peapod Foundation. The Peas view Sam Gores as an important mentor and inspiration in their career and a worthy recipient of the award for all he has done and continues to do to improve the quality of life for those in need.
Gores was joined by will.i.am at Peace4Kids at the Watts/Willowbrook Boys & Girls Club for the official ribbon cutting ceremony to launch the state-of-the-art Peapod Music and Arts Academy, which was funded by the Black Eyed Peas Peapod Foundation and the Entertainment Industry Foundation
"As a group, we've been lucky to be mentored by some really special people like Sam Gores, who have inspired us to be socially conscious through our music and actions," says will.i.am. "At the Peapod Academy, we want to give these teens the artistic tools, opportunities and the mentoring support they need to help realize their fullest potential and help them grow up to be productive, enterprising adults."
"What will.i.am and the Black Eyed Peas have created with the Peapod Music and Arts Academy, as a pilot program that could roll out nationally, is genuinely inspiring and another reason why I have so much respect for them as artists and as people," said Sam Gores. "This program will enhance the lives of young people in a profound way and alter their destinies in life for the better which is why I couldn't be more proud to be a small part of this special day" said Sam Gores.
The Benefit Concert was to benefit the Black Eyed Peas Peapod Music and Arts Academy Peace4Kids at the Watts/Willowbrook Boys & Girls Club.
A devoted philanthropist, Gores is recognized for his long history of giving back by supporting organizations such as The Peapod Foundation, the Motion Picture and Television Fund, the LA Free Clinic, the Leary Firefighter Foundation, Hand In Hand and Keep A Child Alive among many others.
About Black Eyed Peas Peapod Foundation
The Black Eyed Peas Peapod Foundation was established as a Charitable Service Fund administered by the Entertainment Industry Foundation. The Peapod Foundation encourages social change by uniting people through the universal language of music. The organization supports innovative programs for children and focuses its attention on universal need for music education.
About Entertainment Industry Foundation
The Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), as a leading charitable organization of the entertainment industry, has distributed hundreds of millions of dollars to support charitable initiatives addressing critical health, education and social issues.
compiled by Jay Fermin ppp-usa