2008 Los Angeles Beat the Odds® Awards  

Some of Hollywood’s biggest names came out to the 18th Annual Los Angeles Beat the Odds Awards held at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Actress and comedian Jane Kaczmarek emceed the event and speakers included actress and CDF board member Reese Witherspoon, Great Debaters star Jurnee Smollet, actor Greg Grunberg, actress Zoe Saldana, and urban music legend Jimmy Jam. More than 400 guests honored the scholarship award recipients and true stars of the evening—Ayotunde, Sara, Janet, Randolph and Cristal--for their academic and leadership achievements in the face of tremendous adversity.

Hollywood filmmakers donated their time to tell each student’s inspirational story through videos that brought the scholarship award recipients’ lives into focus. Tears flowed as the audience learned how these students struggled through homelessness, abuse, neglect, rape, violence, and racism.  Through it all these students maintained a strong commitment to academic excellence while serving as leaders and role models for their families and communities.

CDF-California congratulates Ayotunde “Ayo” Ajijolyaiya, Sara Acevedo, Janet Robles, Randolph Burleson Jr., and Cristal Chavez for their courage, resiliency, and success.

'>BTO 2008