The Help Group’s 17^th Annual Teddy Bear Ball was an evening filled with good will and philanthropy as hundreds of friends and supporters gathered in the International Ballroom at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on Wednesday, April 23rd. The Help Group presented its Help Humanitarian Award to Kevin Beggs, Chairman of Lionsgate Television Group, in recognition of his outstanding humanitarian spirit and his commitment to children with special needs. Brian Kennedy of Regency Outdoor Advertising and his wife Susan received the Corporate Philanthropy Award for their many years of support of The Help Group’s efforts.

Lionsgate’s Chief Executive Officer, Jon Feltheimer, Vice Chairman, Michael Burns, Chief Operating Officer, Sandra Stern, and actor-comedian George Lopez served as Gala Chairs, and Gala Co-Chairs were Jamie & Chris McGurk, David Salzman, and Ken Solomon. Major sponsors included Lionsgate, Harry Winston, Inc., Regency Outdoor Advertising, CBS, Keyes Automotive Group, Bumble and bumble, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, and Variety.

Louis Price, former lead singer of the Temptations, and The Help Group Children’s Choir, opened the show with a rousing rendition of “Happy.” Actor Jason Alexander served as emcee for the evening and welcomed guests saying, “We hold a special place in our hearts for children with autism and their families.”

The multi-talented actor-singer Charles Esten, of the television show “Nashville,” opened the second half of the evening with “Playin’ Tricks, a fan favorite, followed by a heartwarming performance of “A Life That’s Good” that captured the spirit of the evening.

Kevin shared a little about his background in his remarks, “I began my work life as a teacher. There is nothing more important for young people than a great education that enables them to maximize their full potential.   And I know The Help Group makes that education possible for students with autism and other special needs.” OR Kevin shared, “I had the privilege of spending a morning at The Help Group’s Sherman Oaks campus. I will never forget the children and young people that I met, each with his or her own unique story – and each surrounded by caring, loving teachers, therapists and administrators that create both the structure and the freedom that enable them to flourish.”