Second Annual City Gala to Feature John Travolta, Two-Time Academy Award-Nominated and Golden Globe & Emmy Award Winning Actor, as Special Guest Speaker

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The vision of the City Gala, advancing community through humanitarian events, is expanding further in 2017. Now in its second year, the annual City Gala fundraiser will take place on the evening of the 59^th Annual Grammy Awards. The City Gala has expanded its program and is becoming a two-day event, to accommodate a growing roster of celebrity and industry keynote speakers and sponsors, joined by the common purpose of raising funds and awareness for selected charities and causes.

On the heels of prior keynote speakers and celebrity participants Sir Richard Branson, Jane Seymour, James Cameron, Charlize Theron, Sean Penn, Halle Berry, Tyrese Gibson, Ne-Yo, Gene Simmons and many others, the City Gala is pleased to announce that actor John Travolta will participate as a Special Guest Speaker at the 2017 event.

Travolta's passion and accomplishments in philanthropy are renowned. In 2009, Travolta and his wife Kelly Preston established the Jett Travolta Foundation in honor of their son. Through this foundation and elsewhere, he has supported a spectrum of causes, including Children with AIDS, the End Hunger Network and efforts for animal rescue.

"I am extremely pleased to address this tremendous assembly of top businesses and individuals who are acting as champions for positive change," Travolta said.

A lifetime achievement award will be presented to music industry mogul Quincy Jones to honor his philanthropic efforts. John Paul DeJoria, founder of Paul Mitchell and Patron Spirits, will present the honor to Jones.

Jeff Timmons, of the Grammy-nominated pop group 98 Degrees, will return as the 2017 emcee. The conversation with Travolta will be moderated by best-selling author Greg S. Reid.

On February 11, the City Summit will commence at 8:00 a.m. at the USC Tower in downtown Los Angeles (formerly the AT&T Building) with red carpet photos, plenary presentations, networking and a silent auction, with activities proceeding through the day and into the evening.

Says City Gala Founder and Executive Producer Ryan Long, "We are tremendously honored to present the 2017 program in support of the International Arts & Philanthropy Foundation, which provides funding to a variety of selected initiatives, including the support of arts, education, early childhood development and youth mentorship programs, as well as the Breed Life organization, which supports and facilitates the gift of life through live organ donation."

In the coming days, City Gala will announce additional keynotes, special guests, entertainment and a full lineup of special guest attendees.

About City Gala

Since its inception in 2015, the City Gala program has raised funds and awareness in support of non-profit, charitable organizations. Based on its success, the program has expanded in 2017 to include the City Summit, a full-day and evening entertainment and networking experience that brings together the highest level of entertainment and business leaders in a common agenda of social consciousness, achievement, and a dedication to giving forward to worthy humanitarian programs throughout the world.

The City Summit is a business conference and networking event that takes place on Saturday, February 11 at the USC Tower – South Park Center. Red Carpet for the Summit will begin at 8:00 a.m.

The City Gala features a keynote speaking program and awards ceremony for humanitarians, followed by social atmosphere and party, takes place on Sunday, February 12 at the Music Center's Walt Disney Concert Hall. The Red Carpet will begin at 7:00 p.m.

www.citygala.org
www.internationalapf.org
www.breedlife.org

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