Our Eye on LA Host and French Reporter Jackie Watson catches up with David Arquette, Ron Silverman and other celebs and attendees at the 3rd Annual Matthew Silverman Memorial Foundation Gala held this week @ El Caballero Country Club.
About the Foundation:
Over three years ago, when I first embarked on planning our inaugural golf event, my hope was to create an exceptional experience and at the same time raise a significant sum for charities engaged in combating the unspeakable tragedy of teen suicide. With the extraordinary support of so many friends and colleagues, and with the invaluable assistance of the Charity Angels, both goals were accomplished—indeed exceeded. Many have said that our 2013 and 2014 charity golf tournaments were the best they had attended. And most importantly, our charitable beneficiaries have received substantial donations which will materially assist in our goal of saving lives.
In January of 2006, in the midst of teenage depression, my son, Matthew, tragically took his own life. Matt chose a permanent solution to a temporary problem and with it his limitless potential, and his warm, kind, genuine, loving soul were lost forever. Unfortunately, Matt’s passing does not represent an isolated or even infrequent tragedy. Suicide plagues young adults everywhere, in every socio economic segment, and continues to be the third leading cause of death for those 15-24 years of age.
In an attempt to turn this tragedy into something positive, I have been very active in combating teen suicide, including working with and supporting charities such as TEEN LINE, the peer to peer hotline affiliated with Cedars-Sinai Hospital. With the generosity of all of those who supported our tournaments, we are expanding outreach and raising awareness. Indeed, the video on our site was funded by the generosity of our supporters. The video is intentionally compelling; designed to have impact. It will hopefully help save lives.
Just this past October 24, in an effort to reach a younger demographic (21-45 years), the Foundation held the first “Light Up the Night” event at the Buffalo Cub in Santa Monica. It was an amazing night, including a moving performance by Lukas Nelson with a very special song sung while 200 or more held up lighted candles to honor the occasion. Needless to say, we achieved our goal of raising awareness of the Foundation and its efforts.
Our Third Annual Golf Classic is fast approaching, and we very much look forward to seeing you at El Caballero Country Club on April 20, 2015.
With your help , our Foundation will continue its efforts, and thereby continue to honor Matthew’s memory.
