HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Dec. 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Karolyn
Grimes, the original 6 year old Zuzu Bailey featured in the motion
picture "It's a Wonderful Life " will relive the
classical holiday story as she joins Ed
Asner, Pete Davidson,
Ellie Kemper and
a star-studded team of actors – including Mia Farrow, Maude
Apatow, Carol Kane,
Ed Begley Jr., Diedrich Bader, Bill
Pullman, Richard Kind and
BD Wong- for a one-night-only, live virtual table read of
the 1946 holiday classic on Sunday, December
13, 2020, 5:00 PM (PT),
7:00 PM (CT) and 8:00 PM (ET). Proceeds of this special holiday
event will benefit The Ed Asner Family Center, dedicated to
promoting mental health and enrichment programs to special needs
children and their families. Tickets available at:
edasnerfamilycenter.org.
"Zuzu's role represents hope and innocence in the original
"It's a Wonderful Life" and at this time of the
pandemic, families need to feel good about their lives and each
other, no matter the hardship. Zuzu's role made an indelible
imprint on our consciousness, and we are honored to have
Karolyn Grimes help us share this
inspiring story for the holidays," said Matthew Asner, Co-Founder/President/CEO of
The Ed Asner Family Center.
"The world holds and cherishes many unrecognized heroes. This
event is dedicated to those who touch others' lives in positive
ways. They're an inspiration to all of us. So many angels have
touched my life and given me hope that humanity can be wonderful,"
said Karolyn Grimes. "And I am glad
to support the angels at The Ed Asner Family Center who help
so many special needs kids and their families through their
dedication, commitment and loving efforts."
The re-imagined virtual annual gala will also honor
Jeffrey Frost, President of
Sony Pictures Television. Emmyâ-winning producer
Norman Lear will present the
accolade to Frost, a champion of an inclusive Hollywood and ardent supporter of individuals
with special needs. Hosted by Tom
Bergeron, the table read will be directed by
Victor Nelli.
"Autism and special needs touches all of us personally," adds
Navah Paskowitz-Asner, Co-Founder
and Executive Director. "By gifting tickets to the table read,
people are giving their friends and family that unique, once in a
lifetime gift that everyone is searching for…an experience they can
share together that will be unforgettable while helping scores of
families living with special needs."
The "It's a Wonderful Life" event tickets and/or
special commemorative boxes are the perfect gifts for friends and
family. In addition, the event will feature a spectacular silent
auction featuring film items, gift baskets, trips, sports
opportunities and so much more…unique gifts that give back, for all
of your family and friends.
The Ed Asner Family Center was created and founded by
Navah Paskowitz-Asner and
Matthew Asner. Longtime advocates
for those with special needs and on the autism spectrum, the
Asners personally understand the challenges that differently
"abled" families face, and have transformed the healing power of a
creative, loving environment into the new The Ed Asner Family
Center. All proceeds will benefit The Center's programs
including virtual and in-person camps, arts, and vocational
enrichments for special needs individuals and their families, as
well as in-person and telehealth counseling and support
groups.
FOR TICKETS:
ONE
TICKET: Purchase a ticket for $50 (for one household.)
HOLIDAY PACK: 5 Tickets for $200. (Includes separate codes to gift
to your family and friends.)
HOLIDAY GIFTS: Order commemorative film gifts for
your holiday list of loved ones. Each box will
support classes for a child with autism or special needs.
FOR SPONSORSHIP & EVENT INFORMATION, VISIT:
edasnerfamilycenter.org/itsawonderfullife/
ABOUT THE ED ASNER FAMILY
CENTER:
In the United
States, about 1 in 6 (17%) children aged 3–17
years
were diagnosed with a developmental
disability.- CDC
The Ed Asner Family Center is a non-profit founded
by Navah and Matt Asner, whose
mission is to help those with special needs and their families
seeking wholeness in all facets of life. The
Center not only caters to the needs of the special
individual, but aims to embrace the complete family, helping them
meet the challenges they face with grace and support, as well as
providing the tools to promote confidence, dignity and pride.
Enrichment offered includes art, yoga, music and career advancement
programs, counseling and mindfulness classes.
Facebook: facebook.com/edasnerfamilycenter/
Twitter: twitter.com/edasnercenter/
Instagram: instagram.com/edasnerfamilycenter/
Website: www.edasnerfamilycenter.org
EVENT AND SPONSORSHIP CONTACT:
Shelby Landucci • The Ed Asner
Family Center
shelby@edasnerfamilycenter.org
MEDIA CONTACT:
Cheri Warner
8187608995
260517@email4pr.com
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SOURCE The Ed Asner Family Center