Sepideh Moafi, Harrison Ford, Niecy Nash-Betts and Laverne Cox Richard Knapp; Getty Images (3) The Hollywood Reporter and Social Impact Fund on Thursday announced an expanded roster of presenters, moderators and panelists at the annual Social Impact Summit, taking place July 22 in Los Angeles. Additionally, Gilead Sciences Inc. is set to be honored for “Excellence in Corporate Philanthropy” at the event.
Emmy Award-nominated The Pitt actress and advocate Sepideh Moafi will deliver the summit’s keynote address, anchoring the day’s programming as it convenes changemakers, creatives and leaders across industries to inspire accessible, impactful philanthropy by breaking down barriers to meaningful change.
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Oscar- and Emmy-nominated actor and philanthropist Harrison Ford will present The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research with the Philanthropic Organization of the Year award to founder Michael J. Fox and CEO and co-founder Deborah W. Brooks. Emmy Award-winning writer, producer and creator Bill Lawrence will moderate a Q&A with the honorees focused on their mission-driven research agenda to accelerate breakthroughs in Parkinson’s treatments, advance the search for a cure and improve quality of life for those living with the disease.
Emmy- and Peabody-winning TV host, comedian, filmmaker, podcast host and social justice advocate W. Kamau Bell will moderate a fireside chat with Philanthropists of the Year honorees Stephen Curry and Ayesha Curry, exploring their transformative work through the Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation, which aims to improve outcomes for Oakland children through expanded access to food, strengthened literacy via tutoring and book distribution, youth sports programs and the revitalization of school spaces. Emmy Award-winning actress, producer and advocate Niecy Nash-Betts will present the honor to the Currys in recognition of their extraordinary impact through the foundation.
Multi-Grammy-winning musician John Mayer will be honored as Philanthropist of the Year for his longstanding commitment to veterans, first responders and underserved communities through his involvement with the Heart and Armor Foundation for Veterans Health. Emmy Award-winning news reporter Jamie Yuccas will moderate a fireside conversation highlighting Mayer’s philanthropic work and impact, with veteran Chief Warrant Officer 4 Jared Loomis presenting the honor in recognition of Mayer’s contributions to the veteran community and ongoing support of research and advocacy initiatives.
This year, the Social Impact Fund will recognize Gilead Sciences Inc. for “Excellence in Corporate Philanthropy” and in honor of the company’s steadfast support of the Social Impact Summit over the past three years — and its far-reaching philanthropic impact across a broad array of causes and foundations. Actress and Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation HIV Is Not a Crime champion Laverne Cox will present the honor.
“Gilead continues to be an extraordinary partner to so many communities, advocates and organizations including the Social Impact Fund,” said Craig Cichy, executive director of the Social Impact Fund. “This honor recognizes a company that genuinely believes in the power of bringing the private sector together around social good. We are deeply grateful for everything they have made possible and look forward to continuing this partnership for many years to come.”
Keeley Cain Wettan, executive vp and general counsel, legal and compliance at Gilead Sciences Inc., will accept the honor. “Gilead Sciences is committed to building a thriving health ecosystem that helps people access care when they need it most. We’re honored to receive the Excellence in Corporate Philanthropy recognition and to stand alongside those advancing this work every day,” Wettan said. “Our work with the Social Impact Fund reflects our shared belief that collaboration is key to improving health outcomes and building a healthier future.”
Emmy Award-winning television host, producer and activist Karamo Brown and two-time NBA All-Star, entrepreneur and philanthropist Baron Davis will join “Black Equity, Black Excellence: The Power of Purpose,” a panel presented by Gilead Sciences, Inc. The conversation will also feature WalkGood LA founder Etienne Maurice and Gilead executive director of global HIV medical affairs Dr. David Malebranche and will be moderated by Alphonso David, president and CEO of the Global Black Economic Forum.
Delta Air Lines managing director of brand marketing and global sponsorships Emmakate Young, Motion Picture & Television Fund CEO Bob Beitcher, YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles president and CEO Victor Dominguez and Women in Film CEO Kirsten Schaffer will serve as panelists for “The LA Safety Net — Legacy Philanthropy & The Industry’s Essential Infrastructure,” moderated by Alisann Blood, co-head of global brand and music partnerships at UTA.
Held at the DGA theater in West Hollywood, the half-day Social Impact Summit will bring together more than 500 culture-makers, production companies, talent agencies and notable figures from the entertainment and creative industries and beyond to celebrate philanthropic progress and inspire meaningful change. The event is generously sponsored by presenting sponsor, biopharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences, Inc., Delta Air Lines (Official Airline of the Social Impact Fund), Charitybuzz, Macy’s, CARE, Good360, Perlman & Perlman, LLP, La Crema, Peroni Nastro Azzurro, LALO Tequila and Open Water. A&CO (www.aubryandco.com) serves as SIF’s partnership agency of record, and the event is designed and produced by SIF’s creative agency of record, Fifth & Hardy (fifthandhardy.co).
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