By Crystal A. Johnson on
Patricia Heaton and Sharif Atkins were among the celebrities out for the Claris Health City Lights Gala.
This year’s gala debuted ‘Mama Clara’, the organization’s mobile health unit. Claris Health created the custom mobile unit vehicle to visit 27 sites monthly throughout Los Angeles County. The areas the mobile clinic will be visiting are known for limited access to health care and a high mistrust of the medical community. The first stop will be in Compton on Oct. 27 at Shields for Families.
Heaton, a trustee was enthusiastic about the new mobile clinic capabilities offering services such as pregnancy testing, health screening, STD testing and more.
The evening started with opening remarks from the event emcee, actor, Sharif Atkins. Next, members of the Claris Health team got on stage to speak to attendees about the different programs such as Reality Check: LA, parenting classes, prenatal care, and more.
Patricia Heaton introduced the CEO of Claris Health, Talitha Phillips. Talitha has been the CEO of Claris for 18+ years. Before the dinner started, sponsors raised over $200,000. The fundraising goal for the night was $600,000.
Other celebrity guests joining Heaton and Atkins included Yawar Charlie, Tim DeKay and Marcus Folmar.
Atkins shared with LTTS, “It was an honor to emcee the event.” He and his wife were introduced to the organization at their church. Atkins added, “We were impacted by the unbridled compassion and unconditional love that they show these women and challenging situations.”
In the last year, 1,700 patients have been seen. Claris Health has served over 7,000 men, women & teens throughout Los Angeles with their services.
Claris Health’s mission is to equip and care for women and their families before, during, and after pregnancy and sexual health choices. Patients who come to Claris are provided with information regarding pregnancy options and ongoing support through direct services and a network of over 190 committed community partners. Free and low-cost services include medical care, education, support, and community resources. Claris continues to expand its scope of services while implementing innovative, evidence-based programs that respond to overall individual and community health needs.
Claris Health’s corporate sponsors are Burke Williams Spa, Centinela Hospital Medical Center, Fisherman Labs, Forgotten Children Inc., HigginsWorks, LLC, Pacific Ocean Pediatrics, Second Collective, Seen & Heard, Tiny Horse and TruAdopt.
During the evening there were special performances from Lashon Halley and Steven Peters.
The event was held at the lovely Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles.
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