KTLA ANCHOR MICHAELA PEREIRA TO MC "STAR CHEFS" GALA 6/21
"You could say Michaela is back by popular demand," says Tamika Farr, Director of Development. "Our friends and supporters kept asking us, ´Is Michaela Pereira returning? We´re thrilled her schedule allowed her to do so."
Meanwhile, Michaela Pereira is equally pleased that RCS once again extended the invitation. "My friends and I so thoroughly enjoyed our evening under the stars last year at Star Chefs," she recalls. "The wonderful aspect of the Santa Anita Racetrack is that it´s this gem in our own backyard! You felt like you were at this wonderfully organized neighborhood event that just happened to have the best food and beverages in the area."
Vendors participating in this year´s Star Chefs event include: 561; 4 Copas Tequila; Angelena´s; Barn Burner; Castle Catering; Choctal Ice Cream; Dona Rosa; El Cholo; Firefly Bistro; FrontRunner; Il Fornaio; Madeleine´s Restaurant and Wine Bistro; McCormick and Schmick´s; Miller Brewing Company; Mi Piace; Pasadena Baking Company; Peet´s Coffee and Tea; San Gabriel Country Club; the Dining Room at the Langham; Twin Palms; The Westin; and Whole Foods.
But "An Evening with Star Chefs" has a mission that extends far beyond offering supporters of Rosemary Children´s Services a unique opportunity to sample great cuisine, fine wine and spirits, and luscious desserts. "This year, proceeds from Star Chefs will benefit the Rosemary School, our non public school for teenage girls," explains Farr. "Over the years, our graduates have had some wonderful success stories, and the money we raise will help ensure that such stories continue to happen."
And, this, ultimately is the reason Michaela Pereira supports RCS. After growing up as one of five adopted children, each of a different ethnic background, she has become a strong advocate for the rights of children. "The kids served by Rosemary Children´s Services need to be reminded that they are not the forgotten kids of our society," says Pereira.
To ensure that this happens, Pereira is chairwoman of the board of LA´s BEST Friends, an after-school education, enrichment and recreation program; a member of the board of directors for the Long Beach Boys and Girls Club; an advisory board member of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), supporting children in foster care and of EmpowerTech, serving people with disabilities; and an honorary advisory board member of Optimist Youth Home, providing services for troubled youth.
Pereira began her career in broadcasting in 1993, on CHEK-TV in Victoria, B.C. as a beat reporter and host of a magazine program and documentary specials. Since that time, she has been the co-host of "Internet Tonight" on San Francisco-based cable network ZDTV and anchor of "TechLive" on TechTV before joining KTLA in 2004. In addition to winning two Emmy Awards, Pereira has won three Radio &TV News Association Golden Mic Awards and two Mark Twain Awards for Best Live Coverage of a News Event and Best 60 Minute Broadcast. In 2006 and 2007, she also co-hosted the Tournament of Roses parade for KTLA with Bob Eubanks.
"Michaela is an undoubted star in our community," says Farr. "And, at Star Chefs this year, we know she´ll shine more brightly than ever."
For more information about the 45th annual "An Evening with Star Chefs" event – which will also include a silent auction and opportunity drawing for two round trip tickets to Hawaii, as well as dancing under the stars – call 626.844.3033 or visit www.rosemarychildren.org. Major sponsors for "An Evening with Star Chefs" are Shilo Suites Hotels, Far East National Bank, Wells Fargo and Santa Anita Park.
Founded in 1920, Rosemary Children's Services provides compassionate and therapeutic support to help children, adolescents and families heal from their pasts and move towards productive and fulfilling futures.