Press Release

Venice, CA – On January 20, 2010, StandUp For Kids/Los Angeles and the G2 Gallery welcomes cast members from ABC’s hit show Desperate Housewives and other influentials as they lend their support to the only organization that HELPS homeless and street kids in Venice and Hollywood – StandUp For Kids/Los Angeles. A fundraiser will be held on February 6 at The G2 Gallery in Venice and will feature the work of celebrated documentary photographer Tom Stone, who is known for his portraits of American poverty.

Desperate Housewives cast members confirmed to attend and help raise awareness for this important non-profit organization include Felicity Huffman, Marcia Cross, James Denton, Doug Savant, Dana Delany, Drea de Matteo, Brenda Strong, Maiara Walsh, Kathryn Joosten, Beau Mirchoff, Charlie Carver, Tuc Watkins, and Richard Burgi.

“It’s devastating to witness,” says Judy Ranan, Co-Executive Director of StandUp For Kids/LA, “But many of us are unaware that these children are living in our own backyard. Every penny we raise goes directly to helping the kids and the ultimate goal is to open a center that will offer the support they need to gain back their lives and their self respect in order to live successful lives.”

Tom Stone agreed to bring his photos to Los Angeles to put a face to the horrific problem of homeless children. "I photograph people who skirt the edges of things; people whose connection to the broader flow is murky or obscured,” Stone says.

The G2 Gallery, a nature and wildlife photography gallery that houses the work of the world’s most renowned photographers, will donate 100% of the proceeds from the sale of art the night of the event to StandUp For Kids.

About StandUp for Kids
STANDUP FOR KIDS, which has no political or religious affiliation, has used its network of more than 5,000 volunteers to reach out to homeless and at risk youth for twenty years. StandUp now conducts street outreach in more than 30 cities. StandUp For Kids LA volunteers meet with roughly 175 kids each week and provide them with a food pack containing nutritionally dense food that requires no preparation, hygiene products, blankets, clothing and socks. Volunteers also refer the kids to various services such as legal aid and medical care. StandUp also provides a toll-free number that automatically routes the call to the nearest program for kids who are in immediate danger. StandUp For Kids offers a wide array of services including: assistance in finding housing; education assistance; vocational development; counseling; health services and ongoing referrals. We are guided by the mandate to tell kids that we care about them and then, at every turn, prove it.

About Tom Stone
Tom Stone is a documentary photographer known for his portraits of people living along the edges of society. His photography shares perspective with the work of Dorothea Lange, Richard Avedon, Diane Arbus and Sebastião Salgado.