FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 14, 2017
SPORTSCASTER, TV & RADIO LEGEND PAT O’BRIEN TO BE HONORED WITH 8TH ANNUAL EXPERIENCE, STRENGTH AND HOPE AWARD
Recognizing His Poignant and Moving Memoir
“I’ll Be Right Back After This”
On February, 23, 2017
LOS ANGELES, CA – Writers In Treatment, an organization that supports recovery and the arts, is pleased to announce this year’s honoree of the 8th Annual Experience, Strength and Hope Award, author and television personality Pat O’Brien. The annual event will take place at the Skirball Cultural Center on Thursday, February 23rd, 2017 and will feature special guests including Joe Walsh of the world renowned band The Eagles.
Actor Bruce Davison (X-MEN, INSIDIOUS 4) will host this year’s event and author DeJuan “DJ” Verrett (“Sons of Anarchy”) will kick off the show with a spoken word performance. HBO favorite Sarge, will entertain the audience with his power comedy routine. As well, there will be a musical appearance by Sherri Lewis (performer and consultant for UCLA AIDS Institute) along with Tony Denison presenting. Additional participants include Golden Globe® –winner Joanna Cassidy; and Rachelle Carson-Begley (wife of Ed Bagley Jr. and “Bold and the Beautiful”).
Previous recipients have included: Christopher Kennedy Lawford; Oscar winning-actor Lou Gossett, Jr.; Astronaut Buzz Aldrin; Duran Duran’s John Taylor; Carrie White; Emmy Award-winner, Joe Pantoliano and Mackenzie Phillips.
Prior performers and presenters of the Experience, Strength and Hope Awards include: Danny Trejo; Tony Denison; Robert Downey, Jr.; Ione Skye; Bobcat Goldthwait; Daniel Baldwin; Alonzo Bodden; Mark Lundholm; Dan Fante; Bob Forrest; Sharon Lawrence; Barry Diamond and Jack McGee.
The Experience, Strength and Hope Award® is given in recognition of an individual’s memoir including their honest journey from addiction to recovery, and their dedication and enthusiasm for carrying the “message” to a society awash in addiction. This year’s honoree is broadcasting legend, Pat O’Brien for his tell all book, I’ll Be Right Back After This. “We are proud to honor O’Brien at this year’s awards show”, states Leonard Buschel, founder of Writers In Treatment. “His story is poignant and profound. People from all walks will find his successes and misadventures wildly entertaining and inspirational.”
In addition, the 2016 REEL Recovery Film Festival’s ‘Audience Favorite Award’, will be given to Director, Jonathan D’Ambrosio and Producer Matt Flynn, for their film The Frogmarch.
Event tickets are $100 and are available at:
BROWN PAPER TICKETS
Proceeds will benefit Writers In Treatment, which supports recovery and arts, and produces the national REEL Recovery Film Festival & Symposium. It is the longest recovery event in the country and provides thousands of attendees the best and newest films on addiction and mental disorders at no charge.
The event schedule is as follows:
• Catered Reception from 5:30pm – 7:30pm
• Red Carpet 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
• Show from 7:30pm – 9:00pm
Writers in Treatment | www.writersintreatment.org
Founded by Leonard Buschel, Writers in Treatment helps men and women in the writing industry suffering from alcoholism, drug addiction, and other self-destructive behaviors find treatment sources for their illness. The organization also produces REEL Recovery Film Festival & Symposium®, a multi-day event that showcases honest films about addiction, alcoholism, behavioral disorders, treatment and recovery.
Media Contact:
Rachel Madison Hill
Madison Hill Public Relations
madisonhillpr@gmail.com
323.445.0425