STUDIO CITY—A North Hollywood-based non-profit that has changed the lives of thousands of at-risk youth with their no-cost, innovative twist on mental health—which infuses animal-assisted therapy with communication and cooperation techniques to ultimately mold empowered and productive members of society. The non-profit is slated to host their annual Spread the News with the Peacock Foundation fundraising gala next week.

The Peacock Foundation.
The Peacock Foundation.

The Peacock Foundation was founded in 2002 by Family Therapist, Lisa Peacock and primarily works to serve children and teens below the poverty line—most of whom are also victims of abuse or neglect.

Clients are placed into small group settings, where they are guided through an eight-week counseling curriculum designed to help adolescents overcome the situational hardships, social stigmas and emotional challenges they are facing through therapeutic animal interaction.

The Foundation provides no-cost treatment to more than 200 children a year and “to date has instilled hope and provided resources to over 5,000 children,” according to Bill Benson, the Peacock Foundation’s Board Chair.

The Foundation partners with public service agencies, community organizations and mental health practitioners to provide their clients with animal-assisted interventions that ultimately guide them to adopt essential social skills and coping mechanisms.

The Peacock Foundation's animal-assisted therapy.
The Peacock Foundation’s animal-assisted therapy.

The Peacock Foundation has established itself as Los Angeles’ premiere Animal-Assisted mental health program for children with the help of its supporters. Participation in the cause is “welcomed and appreciated,” according to the Foundation.

Those interested in supporting the Foundation in their mission are encouraged to participate in their annual Spread the News fundraising Gala on Saturday, September 24 at CBS Radford Studios’ New York Backlot in Studio City, which is scheduled to transpire between 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

At what the foundation describes as “an early-evening cocktail and small bites event [that] raises both awareness and funds to help positively impact the lives of area at-risk youth,” participants will have a front-row seat to see animal assisted therapy in action, while therapists, animal-handlers and their dogs mingle with the crowd; they’ll also be offered a medley of activities throughout the night.

The evening’s events will be comprised of photo-ops, premium wine and cocktails, live entertainment, a silent auction and brief awards presentation. The festivities will be held on the exterior set of fan-favorites like “Seinfeld” and current hits like “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.”

The event is limited to 100 VIP guests and admission is priced at $100—which includes entry, reserved seating, unlimited food and drink and a “swag bag.”

Businesses can partake by co-sponsoring the event and/or purchasing a table for their employees.

Tickets are available at www.peacockfoundation.org.