Citizens for Accountable Leadership (CAL) recently expanded its community outreach when it hosted a fundraising reception to support Mayor Karen Bass. For the first time CAL partnered with Black Women’s Democratic Club and the Black Los Angeles Young Democrats (BLAYDS) to collaborate with a new generation of donors. The event was hosted by businessman Baron Farwell at his estate, Casa Blanca, in Baldwin Hills. CAL’s fundraising efforts this year and now in partnership with these organizations has raised over $115,000 for Mayor Karen Bass.
Vice President of CAL, Joe Rouzan stated, “It is vital that our next generation of younger activists understand that organizing on issues is important but that we must also support and financially contribute to those candidates we know will fight for our causes.” Mr. Rouzan also stated, “ It was an additional pleasure to have at our event Assemblywoman Sade Elhawary, a Generation X member of the California Assembly who could speak not only to the importance of raising money; but to the encouragement and support she has received from Mayor Bass.”
Dr. Gail Willis, President Emeritus of CAL gave congratulations to Baron Farwell for his enthusiastic support and sponsorship of this fundraising endeavor for Mayor Bass and for leading the way in expanding efforts to involve new groups of young professionals in these fundraising pursuits. “It was Baron who with enthusiasm walked among the crowd and urged people to stand up and give to the Bass campaign. His urgency paid off.” In addition, Dr. Willis gave praise to the Mistress of Ceremonies, Dr. Cheyenne Bryant for stating clearly and succinctly the purpose of the event which was to raise money and encourage a new generation of givers. Dr. Bryant stated, “ As the old adage states – Money is the mother’s milk of politics.”
Mayor Bass, who attended the event from beginning to end, gave rousing remarks She also answered questions from the enthusiastic audience of nearly 200 attendees. She outlined accomplishments of providing more housing for the homeless, a drop in the crime rate, the development of a small business outreach program to encourage business growth, and more community-based policing programs.
She reiterated the work to be done for the upcoming World Cup; to be followed by the Olympics and Paralympic Games. She reiterated that clean-up after the devastating fire that ravaged Pacific Palisades was completed in record time and centers are up and working to help homeowners. The Mayor further explained that although she was on a government mission when the fire started, she left Ghana immediately and had access to phone service on the plane which allowed her to be in constant contact with her entire staff and key city departments until she landed in L.A. Even after the program officially ended the Mayor continued to interact with guests and answered questions.
President of CAL, Attorney Rickey Ivie stated, “We are grateful for the success of this event and thankful to our donors for their generous donation of considerable funds for Mayor Bass. We salute the efforts of our V.P. Joe Rouzan and Baron Farwell in forging this new relationship with other citizens concerned in our community, and we look forward to future collaborations.” CAL’s website is cit4al.org, and the email address is cit4al@gmail.com for additional information.
