Viola Davis Shares Personal Stories During Rape Treatment Center Foundation Event
Sep. 30 2016, Updated 2:29 a.m. ET
Hollywood stars, producers, studio heads, the Police Chief and Mayor of Los Angeles all came out to support The Rape Center Foundation at the home of billionaire Ron Burkle in Beverly Hills, Ca. Click through the gallery for photos of Viola Davis and the other honorees and supporters at the annual fundraiser.
Oscar nominated actor Viola Davis was honored at The Rape Foundation’s Annual Brunch at a private estate in Beverly Hills on September 25, 2016. She explained her dedication to the organization and recalled her sister’s attack as a child and the devastation it left for her family. “My sister Danielle was 8 years old when she was on roller skates and went down to the corner store at 1 o'clock in the afternoon and was sexually assaulted in the aisles. She told my mom right away – my mom ran down to the store. The store owner's response was: 'He does that to all the little girls.' My mom flagged down the police, and the perpetrator did pay. He paid. He was fined $10 a month. It's over for him, but I'd like to redefine survivor."
The Rape Foundation’s Annual Brunch
Former Paramount Studio head Sherry Lansing stood with TRC founder Gail Abarbanel.
The Rape Foundation’s Annual Brunch
Mayor Eric Garcetti and Los Angeles Chief of Police Charlie Beck attended the event.
The Rape Foundation’s Annual Brunch
Philanthropist Cheryl Saban was honored for her inspiration leadership and extraordinary impact on helping the organization raise the millions needed to function annually as well as open the new facility.
The Rape Foundation’s Annual Brunch
David Schwimmer was the MC for the event and joked with the crowd before telling them about his long-standing relationship with TRC in his opening speech. “The debates are on Monday,” he said. “I’m Team Aniston.” Fresh off his portrayal of Robert Kardashian in The People Vs. O.J. Simpson he also joked to the crowd about playing a Kardashian. “I gained 20 pounds in my booty, I haven’t lost the weight yet,” he said. His comedic introduction was followed by his heartfelt explanation for supporting the worthwhile cause.
The Rape Foundation’s Annual Brunch
Vampire Diaries star Nina Dobrev was stunning in her white flowered dress as she supported the foundation.
The Rape Foundation’s Annual Brunch
TR Knight and Patrick Leahy attended the event.
The Rape Foundation’s Annual Brunch
The cast from How To Get Away With Murder attended the event and supported Davis as she was honored by the organization.
The Rape Foundation’s Annual Brunch
Anna Lynne McCord wore all white to the event.
The Rape Foundation’s Annual Brunch
Bones actress Tamara Taylor attended the event.
The Rape Foundation’s Annual Brunch
Private Practice star KaDee Strickland was a guest at the star-studded brunch.
The Rape Foundation’s Annual Brunch
HTGAWM star Alfred Enoch supported his co-star Davis when she received the honor by TRC Foundation.