Henrick Vartanian
Our red carpet interviews at the Fulfillment Fund’s “A Legacy of Changing Lives” gala with Hollywood celebrities. A large number of stars including Emilia McCarthy, Teri Polo, Sherri Shaum, Raven-Symoné, David Hull, Lou Diamond Phillips, Anika Noni Rose, Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro, plus the founders of the organization, Dr. Gary Gitnick and wife Cherna Gitnick, and many more attended the landmark celebration.
The Fulfillment Fund celebrated 40 years of making a big difference in elevating the level of education for the disadvantaged youth while Dr. Gary Gitnick expressed his wish to expand the program on a global level. Over 90% of the Fulfillment Fund high school graduates since the 2000’s have shown the desire to continue their education by enrolling in a college or university. Each student-mentor team is assigned a case manager to professionally support their relationship and who will check in once a month to troubleshoot any issues that arise. The fund is supported by a group mentors, counselors, and volunteers.
During this year’s event actor, activist Robert De Niro honored Dr. Gary Gitnick and his wife Cherna, praising their selfless efforts while delivering a blistering criticism of President Donald Trump and his administration’s attempt to undermine education in the United States. The outspoken actor and activist took aim at Trump University, accusing the President of the United States of treating education as a con and a way to turn a profit. Watch De Niro’s speech HERE.
On the red carpet, actress Raven-Symoné talked about the importance of education, talking about her own quest, making the time to pursue her goal in higher learning.
Rising star, Emila McCarthy (Disney’s Zombies) talked about her own experience as a student in Rhyerson University in Ontario, Canada, and the role the Fulfillment Fund plays in mentoring the youth.
Actress, and supporter Rita Wilson performed live as the musical guest of the evening, thanking the honored couple of the evening for their humanitarian work.
Watch our exclusive, red carpet interviews with Hollywood stars attending the Fulfillment Fund’s 40-th anniversary gala.
