Lisa Leslie, Linda Hamilton Honored
The Diamond In the RAW Foundation has named two additional celebrity honorees who will be on hand at their inaugural 2008 Stuntwomen's Awards Luncheon.
Four-time Olympic Gold Medalist/WNBA star Lisa Leslie of the Los Angeles Sparks and Emmy- and Golden Globe Award-nominated actress Linda Hamilton, will accept respective honors at the Awards Luncheon, scheduled for Sunday, October 19th, at MountainGate Country Club, 12445 Mountain Gate Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90049.
The Reception and Silent Auction begins at 11 AM followed by the Luncheon and Awards Ceremony at 12:30 PM. Hosted by KTLA Morning News anchor Jessica Holmes, the special event recognizes and celebrates outstanding women in the television and film industry working in the areas of stunts, action, athletics and extreme sports.
Lisa Leslie will receive the 2008 Dare To Be Different Award, which is presented to a female athlete that is competitive, ambitious and dares to dream big. This award also honors the recipient for appearing in television and/or film, representing women in action.
Linda Hamilton, who starred as Sarah Connor opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger in the blockbuster movies, "Terminator" and "Terminator 2: Judgment Day," will receive the 2008 Action Icon Award for her groundbreaking work as a leading lady in action genre films. As a female action hero, her work is an inspiration to many women in the stunt industry.
The Diamond In the RAW Foundation also announced its nominees for the 2008 Stuntwomen's Awards Luncheon:
GEM AWARD
Mary Albee
Doug Coleman
Brad Martin
JEWEL AWARD
Debbie Evans
Sonja Jo Mc Dancer
Nancy Thurston
MENTORSHIP AWARD
Terri Cadiente
Paula Dell
Annie Ellis
"WHOA" STUNTWOMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD
Joni Avery
Jwaundance Candece
Sonja Jo Mc Dancer
Lori Seaman
Nancy Thurston
The winners will be announced at the Awards Luncheon on Sunday, October 19th, which benefits the Diamond In the RAW Foundation.
The Diamond In the RAW Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to educate and expose at-risk teen girls to various careers in the entertainment industry -- both in front of and behind the camera -- such as careers in directing, stunts or stunt coordination. The Foundation also bestows educational scholarships annually, including the winner of The Thrill of Victory essay contest, to be presented to a deserving youth during the Awards Luncheon.
The event co-chairs are Emmy Award winner Jim Vickers (2nd Unit Director/Stunt Coordinator whose credits include "CSI: Miami" and "Numb3rs") and Susan L. Savage, Chair of the Screen Actors Guild Women's Committee. The event is executive produced by La Faye Baker and Jadie David, co-founders of the Diamond In the RAW Foundation. Emmy Award-winning producer Romell Foster-Owens is the event producer.
To purchase tickets or for more information about the event, please visit www.diamondintheraw.com, email info@diamondintheraw.com or call (800) 566-4714.
