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More than 400 supporters joined together for Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services’ annual Rocktober fundraiser, this year featuring a performance by Grammy Award-winning artist Seal at the Avalon in Hollywood. The legendary crooner, who was raised in foster care before being brought up by his stepmother and father, also volunteered at the family-centered Vista Del Mar, offering invaluable support to help empower youngsters at Vista to be seen, heard and cherished. 

The 111-year-old leader in child and family welfare services in West Los Angeles has grown from being the first cottage-style orphanage in Southern California to an innovator in helping families and children. 

“Vista is unparalleled in its stature in providing adoption services. It’s amazing,” said Vista board member Doug Warner, who co-chaired this year’s Rocktober fundraiser together with Eden Alpert. “One of the unique features of Vista is that it never gives up on a child. When children feel that the world is not safe, Vista makes their world safe.” 

The 18-acre Joyce & Stanley Black Family Campus at the heart of Vista includes a K-12 school, an outpatient clinic, adoption services, a group home, and a wealth of therapeutic services. 

The Eden Alpert Therapeutic Music Program, a gift of the Herb Alpert Foundation, helps students nurture compassion and well-being, while providing them with a safe space to explore their creative potential and develop a greater appreciation for the arts. Next year, the Glorya Kaufman Performing Arts Center and corresponding therapeutic dance curriculum will optimize Vista’s ability to continue rendering unique life-enhancing programming for the community. 

In addition to Seal, comedian Preacher Lawson likewise delivered a passion-filled performance to the sold-out audience of generous patrons at Rocktober.