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RIDE FOUNDATION’S STAR-STUDDED
SECOND ANNUAL GALA EVENT
DANCE FOR FREEDOM
HONORS LEADING ORGANIZATIONS COMBATING HUMAN
TRAFFICKING
CAST AND JOURNEY OUT
Los Angeles, CA –October 6, 2018 – RIDE
Foundation (Robyn & Italo Dance Events),
formed by Pro-Am ballroom dance partners, Robyn Shreiber and Italo
Elgueta, held its second annual event gala, DANCE
FOR FREEDOM, on September 29 at the Broad Stage in
Santa Monica. Proceeds from the event benefit two of Los
Angeles’ leading organizations who are dedicated to fighting
human trafficking – CAST (Coalition to Abolish Slavery and
Trafficking), and Journey Out. RIDE was established in 2016
to create one-of-a-kind dance events for difference-making
charities, encompassing humane and ecological causes and
featuring the talents of compassionate stars of the dance
world.Dance For Freedom was emceed by Brooke Burke and
produced by Tony Award-winning producer Scott Mauro.
“The idea of using the language of dance to
help vital and meaningful organizations tell their story is
thrilling. Survival. Freedom. Every step we take is
orchestrated so they can dance free for the rest of their
days,” said Italo Elgueta, in welcoming the 400
guests. “We are so very pleased to honor Dr. Stephany
Powell of Journey Out and Kay Buck of CAST. We are honored
to shine a spotlight on their transformational work,” added
Robyn Shreiber in presenting Dr. Powell and Ms. Buck with an
official recognition from Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark
Ridley Thomas and State Assembly member Sydney Kamlager-Dove.
“I want to thank Robyn and Italo for this
incredible recognition of dance as a transformative journey
to freedom. Freedom to step into one’s dreams and
aspirations,” said CAST CEO Kay Buck who accepted the RIDE
Champion Award from actress and anti-human trafficking
activist Kate Bosworth. “And I want to thank all of
you for believing in these dreams. Together, as a community
of dancers –or maybe just spectators- we are giving a gift
of healing that grows into a voice that is stronger than
words. With us, you are empowering survivors of human
trafficking to change their lives and achieve their dreams.”
“I encourage you to use your passion as an incredible force
to fight slavery,” said Journey Out Executive Director Dr.
Stephany Powell. “If you’re an artist, we need you. Dancers,
we need you. Doctors, teachers, bankers, we need you. We
need all of you regardless of your profession to fight
against slavery it is not a battle we can win alone. Those
who work for CAST and Journey Out are in the battle and will
continue to need your help.” Dr. Powell accepted her award
from Dancing with the Stars’ Cheryl
Burke.
The event also honored Carrie Ann Inaba with the
inaugural Artistic Integrity Award, presented by actress Constance
Marie. The RIDE Artistic Integrity Award celebrates
members of the entertainment industry for their outstanding
professional accomplishments in dance and choreography, and
for their heartfelt humanity that has made a difference for
a multitude of worthy causes. Inaba, a veteran choreographer
most recognized as a judge on ABC’s Emmy Award-winning
“Dancing with the Stars,” as well as for her
work on such popular series as “American Idol” and “So You
Think You Can Dance,” is a spokesperson and advocate for
many causes, including Drea’s Dream, a national program that
raises funds for dance therapy for pediatric cancer
patients, as well as The Animal Project Foundation and Best
Friends Animal Shelter, for which she serves as a celebrity
ambassador.
The Evening included a spectacular ballroom dance show
headlined by Louis Van Amstel and Anna Trebunskaya, as
well as performances by Dancing with the Stars:
Juniors’ Sage Rosen, and stars from the
ballroom dance world including Max Sinitsa and Tatiana
Seliverstova, and Oksana Platero. Guests in
attendance included American Housewife’s Julia
Butters, Dancing with the Stars’ Keo Motsepe, and
Dancing with the Stars: Juniors’ Kami Couch andJake
Monreal.
Dance for Freedom sponsors include Tito’s Handmade Vodka,
LeNique exclusive designer dancewear, and doTERRA Wellness
Advocates. Los Angeles magazine was Dance for
Freedom’s media partner.
In 2017, RIDE held its inaugural gala event, Dance for
Africa. The star-studded event raised funds for the
African Wildlife Foundation, whose mission is to ensure that
wildlife and wild lands thrive in a modern Africa.
About RIDE Foundation:
RIDE (Robyn & Italo Dance Events)
is a 501c3 non-profit organization created by Pro-Am
ballroom couple Robyn Shreiber and Italo Elgueta. RIDE’s
mission is to create one-of-a-kind dance events for
difference-making charities. RIDE is Robyn and Italo’s
creation and their way to give back by combining their
complementary business and dance backgrounds for a greater
cause.
For more information, please log onto www.ridevents.org
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