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Fox’s Drama “House” and Insurance Executive Tim Noonan Honored at Phoenix House’s Third Annual “Triumph for Teens” Awards Gala

Event Raises More Than $500,000 To Help Fight Teen Addiction

LOS ANGELES, CA, April 13, 2006 – Phoenix House, California’s leading non-profit substance abuse services organization, raised more than $500,000 during its third annual “Triumph for Teens” Awards Gala at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills on April 10. Nearly 300 people gathered to honor this year’s recipients—the cast and executive producers of Fox’s drama House and Timothy Noonan, President and CEO of Lockton Insurance Brokers, Inc., one of Los Angeles’ top commercial insurance brokerage firms.

The cast and executive producers of House were honored for their realistic portrayal of the difficulties facing drug-addicted individuals. The hit drama features an infectious disease specialist and brilliant diagnostician who solves confounding medical mysteries yet is unable to confront his own demons and struggles with addiction to Vicodin. NBC Universal Television Studio President Angela Bromstad presented the Phoenix Rising Award to Executive Producers David Shore, Katie Jacobs, and Paul Attanasio. The entire House cast attended the event including Golden Globe winner Hugh Laurie, Lisa Edelstein, Robert Sean Leonard, Jennifer Morrison, Omar Epps and Jesse Spencer. Other House producers attending included Gerrit van der Meer, Larry Kaplow, Garrett Lerner, and Tommy Moran.  Click here for photos from the Phoenix House Triumph for Teens Awards Gala.

“House regularly addresses issues that are all-too familiar to Phoenix House. We understand that substance abuse is the symptom of deeper problems – this awareness is at the heart of our treatment methodology,” said Winnie Wechsler, Executive Director of Phoenix Houses of California.

Tony Pritzker, managing partner of The Pritzker Group, presented his friend and colleague Tim Noonan withthe 2006 Public Service Award for his professional accomplishments, philanthropic endeavors, and service in the community. Mr. Noonan is a strong, loyal supporter of many institutions, organizations, and causes in Los Angeles. He has been deeply committed to Phoenix House and has played a key role in the growth and success of Phoenix House’s programs in California.

“It is hard for me to imagine anyone for whom this award is more appropriate than Tim Noonan,” noted Mitchell S. Rosenthal, M.D., president of Phoenix House. “He is a leader in his field and a force in his industry, but above all, he is the very embodiment of thoughtful kindness and generosity.”

Actress and comedienne Sherri Shepherd was mistress of ceremonies. Serving as co-chairs for the evening were Angela Bromstad, Tony Pritzker, Alexis Deutsch-Adler, Development Committee Chair of Phoenix Houses of California, and Lenny Fodemski, Managing Director of Lockton Insurance Brokers, Inc. Anthony and Jeanne Pritzker Family Foundation, Neil Kadisha, and Lockton Insurance Brokers, Inc. were “Partner” sponsors. Connie Callan/CRC Insurance Services of California, The Handtmann Family Foundation, and NBC Universal Television Studio were “Benefactor” sponsors.

Among the prominent guests and celebrities attending included NBC Entertainment President Kevin Reilly, Police Chief Bill Bratton, Rikki Kleiman of Court TV and E!, Lauren Mayhew of Real Access, and Gina Philips of Boston Public, CSI, and ER.

“Triumph for Teens”celebrates the victories of young people over substance abuse. It is an evening of recognition for adolescents who have learned the lessons of honesty, responsibility, and concern for others on their road to recovery. Previous honorees include Lynn Pike, President of Bank of America California, directors Catherine Hardwicke (“Thirteen”) and Betty Thomas (“28 Days”) and three outstanding television shows: CBS’s “Joan of Arcadia,” the WB series “7 th Heaven,” and Lifetime Television’s “The Division.”

Proceeds from the event will help Southern California’s most troubled teenagers stop using drugs and regain the confidence and drive to complete their schooling.

Renowned for its effective long-term residential treatment programs, Phoenix House has touched the lives of California adolescents, adults, and their families for 25 years, helping them overcome the problems associated with substance abuse and empowering them with the skills to lead healthy, productive and rewarding lives. More than 2,500 individuals each day receive treatment at 29 Phoenix House programs throughout Southern and Central California. Phoenix House serves Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego counties with facilities located in Lake View Terrace, Los Angeles, Santa Ana, Santa Fe Springs, Encinitas, Monrovia, and Venice.

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Media contact:
Linda O'Hanlon
818-386-1916