UPR Hosts Event in Support of
Abused and Neglected Children in Los Angeles

The University of Philosophical Research was pleased to host a significant event that acknowledged May as National Foster Care Month. With the cooperation and support of Casey Family Programs, UPR made its Auditorium available for a series of performances of “Someone’s Somebody,” as written and Performed by Regina Louise. The play was a stage adaptation of her powerful 2006 best selling memoir. The event was produced by Sidewalk Studio Theater Productions, Inc. (www.sstproductions.org) to benefit CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Los Angeles (www.casala.org). CASA trains community volunteers who become advocates for abused and neglected children who are in the foster system.

Author, actor and national child advocate Regina Louise brought to the stage an adaptation of her powerful memoir for eight shows at UPR. Audiences were made up of foster children, foster caregivers, and community members, all of whom were moved by the realistic and passionate performance.

Imagine 11-year old Regina in Austin, Texas, circa 1970, leading a life more dangerous than the outcast orphans in Dickensian London. This one-woman play chronicled the life of an amazingly resilient young girl, who was “caught” in the Foster Care system. It was the true story of one child who makes it against the odds, whose resilience shines through each attempt to break her, and whose sheer will to not only survive, but to thrive shows through. Resonating with hope and resilience, it conveyed a message that lingered, long after the performance.

The University also co-hosted a Special Gala Benefit Performance and Reception with Noted Guests on Friday May 9 and the regular performances ran through May 18, 2008. Over 150 guests enjoyed the gala evening that featured food, wine and champagne, and classical music performed by young musicians from the Verdugo Young Musicians Association (www.vyma.org).