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A Special Tribute to
Los Angeles
SALUTE AMERICA©
Copyright 2004 www.SaluteAmerica.org ___
Table of
Contents
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| This proposal advocates an event that will provide a rallying call for the City of Los Angeles. It will draw citywide, if not nationwide, attention to those involved. |
Overview. The salute will involve a series of events in Los Angeles that will include an official proclamation that Los Angeles is “The Creative Capital of the World,” presentation to the City of a permanent memorial, and numerous awards to members of the creative community of Los Angeles for their contributions to the art, culture and humanities. Mayor Jim Hahn will be urged to declare a “Salute Los Angeles Day” to encourage all to honor LA’s history and contribution to the world. It is proposed that there be a coordinated effort to pay tribute to the City of Los Angeles as “The Creative Capital of the World.” This celebration of Los Angeles will build a coalition for greater civic pride. The event will encourage members of the Los Angeles community to become ‘ambassadors’ for their city. It will provide a cause upon which the City can rally. Starting with a formal press and public relations announcement on July 4th 2004 at a City Sponsored event, it is proposed that the 222nd Birthday of Los Angeles, Sister Cities Program, and other events coordinate there efforts to create synergy for a tribute to Los Angeles and maintain the integrity of each individual event. An angel sponsor is needed to assure delivery of minimum commitments. Sponsors for various components of the event may be sought.
A First. This tribute to the people of Los Angeles will be a first. The time to pay tribute to the City of Los Angeles and its people for their unique place as a leader in the world of creativity is long overdue.
Involving The City of Los Angeles. Mayor Jim Hahn will be urged to declare a date to be determined as “Salute Los Angeles Day.”
Permanent Memorial. A permanent emblem[1], plaque, sculpture, or item embedded in the sidewalk (in front of City Hall) stating "The Creative Capitol of the World" will be presented.
PUBLIC RELATIONS OPPORTUNITY (Back to Top)
Unique Nature of the Cause. The event will provide a tremendous public relations opportunity because of the unique nature of the cause. It does not appear that anyone has ever made an official declaration, proclamation, or resolution that Los Angeles is "The Creative Capital of the World" on any grand scale. There are no limits to the enthusiasm that may be drawn from this project. It is expected that many will desire to be a part of this historic event. With an effective public relations effort a great deal of media and community attention may be attracted.
The event is
promoted as a “1st Annual” event to set the stage for years of
involvement. The original sponsor will have the option for annual
sponsorship and would always be declared as the original sponsor and a
permanent part of the history of the event. Initial sponsorship would
provide years of public relations opportunity.
MAXIMIZING THE POTENTIAL (Back
to Top)
Coalition of Events. By coordination of the public relations efforts of several events that have similar purposes or can tie into a consistent theme there can be a synergy that enhances the public relations opportunity and which still maintains the individual integrity of each event. Attention may be drawn to all events involved by a joint press event and coordinated press releases.
Timetable. This is a suggestion timetable that may involve 3-5 events,
· July 4, 2004 - City 4th of July Celebration
o What. Coordinated public relations announcement and press event concerning the a June salute to the City of Los Angeles, the proclamation of Los Angeles as the “Creative Capital of the World,” proposed permanent memorial, 222nd Birthday of LA, Sister Cities Program, and (potentially) the awards which may be given at one or more events.
o Where. At a 4th of July event sponsored by or involving the City of Los Angeles.
o Who. Representatives from the involved events and appropriate City officials.
· September 1, 2004 - The 222nd Birthday of Los Angeles Celebration
o What. Proclamation that Los Angeles is the “Creative Capital of the World”
o Where. At The 222nd Birthday of Los Angeles Celebration
o Who. Representatives from the involved events and appropriate City officials.
· Mid-September – Sister Cities Festival
o What. Dedication of permanent memorial to City as the Creative Capital of the World. (Or a presentation of appropriate plaque, trophy, statute, or other item to the Mayor and/or members of City Council.
o Where. At the Sister Cities Festival.
o Who. Representatives from the involved events and appropriate City officials.
· Mid-June – Awards event.
o What. Presentation of awards at a breakfast, luncheon, dinner or other setting depending upon sponsorship and event tie in.
o Where. At or after the Sister Cities Festival at a location to be determined.
o Who. Representatives from the involved events and appropriate City officials.
Broad Based Awards Committee. By establishing an awards committee (as discussed herein) which involves many members of the creative and cultural community, from, among others, the film, recording, arts, and media there is a project outreach
The Build-up. There will be numerous small events, mixers, meet-and-greets, support meetings, ceremonies, announcements and press related activities that build up to the day that Los Angeles is officially declared "The Creative Capital of the World."
Special Events. A series of events will honor the arts, culture, history, and people of Los Angeles. An awards event saluting Los Angeles will occur on that day that will include awards presentation, celebrity guests, community leaders, and speakers. A book will be produced, entitled "A Tribute to Los Angeles," about the award recipients and Los Angeles as a creative center of the world. This book will be placed in over 160 branch libraries in Los Angeles as an historic memorial.
Awards. Awards will be given to individuals, organizations, businesses, communities and others involved in arts, culture, and the communications media. Recipients will be selected from across the entire City of Los Angeles in an attempt to rally broad support for this celebration. We will bring together people of diverse cultures from throughout Los Angeles and its vast creative community for a unique tribute by the arts to the arts.
Honoring the Artist Amongst Us. Categories that should be considered for special focus are artists and creative people that are,
· Seniors
· Children
· Firemen
· Policemen
· Military
· Government employees
· News and Media
Tributes Inspire Achievement. Tributes inspire achievement and provide recognition for those that deserve it. This special tribute to Los Angeles will provide a vehicle for many organizations to recognize outstanding achievers and achievers that may otherwise go unrecognized.
ESTABLISHING AWARDS COMMITTEE (Back to Top)
Selection Committee - Getting Everyone Involved. This event is a project for everyone who is proud of Los Angeles. A selection committee which draws from virtually every creative and cultural corner of Los Angeles will be established in order to gain wide support for the cause. Members of the selection committee will be picked by the core organizers and should pool from prestigious organization with substantial membership or community involvement. Twenty (20) organizations would help to maximize the public relations potential. Every organization on the committee would determine
Purpose of Committee - "Coalition of the Arts." The "Coalition of the Arts" organizing committee will select recipients and otherwise garner support for the event. 10 organizations shall select or nominate 10 recipients (or 20 organizations can select 5 recipients.) There will be awards for the top 10 organizations and top 10 individuals.
SELECTION PROCESS (Back to Top)
Nomination Procedure. That committee will nominate artists in the media, our police departments, fire departments, celebrity artists, artists from our studios, museums, city employees, senior organizations, children, schools, the disabled, and others for recognition at the event. In addition, organizations such as museums, educational institutions, politicians, community leaders, and others may be given special awards. Through multiple organizations, including the media, this tribute to the arts and culture of LA will provide the opportunity for the creative community and many businesses to honor Los Angeles.
EVENT WOULD BE SUBSTANTIALLY SELF-FUNDED (Back to Top)
Main Event Sponsor. An initial sponsor is needed to assure event organization, event place, and payment for awards, promotional material, public relations and press releases.
Additional Sponsors. It is expected that numerous city, state, public service, media, and many members of the vast creative community of Los Angeles will get involved because of the nature of the event. Components of the event will be funded by additional sponsorship. There could be sponsors for a event program, awards banquet, and memorial for the City, photographs of recipients, special wards and gifts for the Top Ten, or for needy individuals or organizations.
TYING IN TO EXISTING EVENT (Back to Top)
An Event Bonus.
Awards may be provided at existing events in a manner that compliments
the event and provides an event bonus. Depending upon the number of awards
given, a booth, table or other appropriate setting for the awards can be
established where the recipient receives the award and has a picture taken
with a community, event, or organization leader. There may be a place in
the event where it is appropriate to introduce or announce certain special
recipients.
Involving Many Organizations. Providing a vehicle for
many organizations to present awards at a unique or special event creates
greater community involvement and awareness of the event. Organizations
tend to support awards to members of the organization or people they
nominate.
This condensed event proposal is merely designed to present an overview of the potential event involvement and a sponsorship and public relations opportunity. The coordination of a series of event will help to position those involved and any sponsors to maximize the public relation opportunity. Since there is not standard for success as long as there is a proclamation, some form of permanent memorial, and some awards there can be no failure. The salute to Los Angeles should create momentum and could snowball into opportunities that permit success on a grand scale. The idea has drawing power and it is believed that many organizations and members of the creative community will welcome the opportunity to be involved in a tribute to Los Angeles. The general concepts presented herein may be refined, improved, and expanded upon. More detailed will be provided upon request.
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OFFICIAL PROCLAMATION. We hereby make this special salute to the City of Los Angeles and hereby officially proclaim that Los Angeles is the “Creative Capital of the World©.” We “Salute Los Angeles©” in honor of its art, culture, history, and people. You have and will inspire the world forever because of your unique trend setting achievements and creativity. WHEREAS, Los Angeles hosts a diverse array of creative industries, covering music, television, film, dance, entertainment, publishing, art galleries, fashion, theatres and many others. WHEREAS, Los Angeles is a city which is consistently on the cutting edge of unfettered entrepreneurship and imagination. WHEREAS, Los Angeles is a melting pot of cultural diversity rich with creative talent and unlimited potential.. WHEREAS, Los Angeles is a world symbol of creativity and innovation providing an inspiration to the world. WHEREAS, Los Angeles is truly a star unto itself and a guiding light - the dream maker that keeps the dream alive. WHEREAS, Los Angeles is a creative, cultural and communications capital of the world. NOW, THEREFORE, IN VIEW OF THE CONTRIBUTIONS BY THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES TO THE WORLD, THE IDEAS AND GLORY FOR WHICH IT STANDS, AND ITS UNIQUE PLACE AS A WORLD TREND SETTER, IT IS HEREBY PROCLAIMED THAT LOS ANGELES IS,
THERE'S A WINNER IN YOU |
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The Salute America Campaign -
www.saluteamerica.org - 1(800)
308-2776
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dated January 2, 2004
CITY OF
LOS ANGELES TO BE HONORED AS THE
“CREATIVE CAPITAL OF THE WORLD”
LOS ANGELES – In a pre-Memorial Day statement, former Olympian and world record holder, Sharrieffa Barksdale-Blair, President of Salute America and Dr. Sally T. Acosta, Commissioner on Aging for the State of California and Senior Senator J. “Pasqual” Bettio (Co-Chairs of the Salute Los Angeles Campaign), announced there will be a special 2004 salute to the City of Los Angeles as the “Creative Capital of the World.”
The salute will involve a series of events in Los Angeles that will include an official proclamation that Los Angeles is “The Creative Capital of the World,” presentation to the City of a permanent memorial, and numerous awards to members of the creative community of Los Angeles for their contributions to the art, culture and humanities. Mayor Jim Hahn will be urged to declare a “Salute Los Angeles Day” to encourage all to honor LA’s history and contribution to the world. Fourth District City Councilman Tom LaBonge is expected to support the event.
According to Acosta, “We are furthering the lead of
Mayor Hahn who has stated ‘Los
Angeles is undisputedly the creative capital of the world.’ We feel the
time to pay tribute to the City of Los Angeles is long overdue. As the
home to the world's most cutting-edge companies, people, and trends we
want to help celebrate
Los Angeles for all it has achieved.”
Senator Bettio added, “As a lifetime devotee to the arts and
culture of Los
Angeles I am proud to be part of this special series of events honoring
Los Angeles City. To us it is about LA pride and unity. This is our way of
saying, Los Angeles, ‘There’s a Winner in You.’”
Two time Academy Award Nominee singer/songwriter Carol Connors
inspiring song entitled “There’s a Winner in You” will be a theme song for
the tribute. Connors sends a powerful message to LA and the world
confidently urging all to "take your place, that's what winners do."
The Salute Los Angeles Campaign will urge all of Los Angeles to unite with pride for their city. Any individuals, organizations, media, or events that would like to participate or nominate a recipient for an award should contact the salute organizers.
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People Already
Involved
(Back
to Top)
ABOUT SHARRIEFFA BARKSDALE-BLAIR
Mrs. Blair was on the United States Olympic Team (1984 – Los Angeles) as a member of the women's Olympic medley relay team and was a member of the team which currently holds a world record in the event. She is a former American record holder in the 400m hurdles and was an outstanding member of the University of Tennessee track team for four years. She is presently the Head Track Coach (Women) and Assistant Track Coach (Men) for Kentucky State University and a former assistant track coach for Florida A&M. Ms Blair was appointed to the Board of the NCAA in June of 2002. Ms. Blair was recently selected to be the 2004 USA Track and Field Asst. Coach for The Junior World Championship, which will be held in Italy.
ABOUT DR SALLY T. ACOSTA
Dr. Acosta is one of the nation’s leading advocates for senior causes with over 30 years public and community service. She currently sits as a Commissioner for the California Commission on Aging - appointed by Governor Gray Davis. In addition, she is a Sr. Assemblywoman on her 7th term for the California Senior Legislature. She has received many awards for her dedicated service to the community. Among them, she was given the 1999 United Nations International Year of the Older Person Award. She is a past President of the Los Angeles Council on Aging. Dr. Acosta was conferred doctor of humanities by the Philippine Women’s University in Manila in April 2004.
ABOUT J "PASQUAL" BETTIO
Mr. Bettio is a Senior Senator for the California Senior Legislature, a
member of the Hollywood Arts Council, founder of Sharing Friends of the
Arts Hollywood International (SFAHI), Founder Park LaBrea Arts Council,
Eye on the Arts Magazine, Chair of Park LaBrea’s 2004 7th
Annual Art in the Park Art Fair and Festival, and is a fellow of the Royal
Photographic Society of Great Britain. Mr. Bettio is the Director of the
Hollywood Senior World Expo to be held in Los Angeles in 2004.
ABOUT CAROL CONNORS
Carol Connors has been nominated for 10 major music awards, including, 5 Emmys, 1 Grammy, 2 Golden Globes, and 2 Oscars..... one for co-writing the theme from Rocky "Gonna Fly Now." She has also received numerous Gold and Platinum records and has been recognized by The John F. Kennedy University with an Honorary Doctorate in Fine Arts and Public Service. She sang the National Anthem at the Military Ball for President George Bush's inauguration in 2000 and now makes public appearances at appropriate events. She wrote the inspiring song using Douglas Young’s theme title "There's a Winner in You" which is the theme song for the Salute America Campaign.
PRESS RELEASE
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POTENTIAL ORGANIZATIONS
The following is a list of potential organizations that may participate in the "Coalition for the Arts" organizing committee.
Miracle Mile Coalition
Hollywood Arts Council
Los Angeles Times
Sister City Festival
Los Angeles County Fair
AARP
United Way
American Cancer Association
California Senior Legislature, Arts and Humanities
Los Angeles County Museum
Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce
Miracle Mile Chamber of Commerce
Wilshire Chamber of Commerce
Hollywood Chamber of Commerce
Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department
Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks
The Rotary
Boy Scouts of America
Girl Scouts of America
YMCA, YWCA
UCLA, USC
United Way, American Society
Los Angeles Bureau of Tourism
LAPD and LAFD
CBS – NBC - ABC
Recording Companies
Microsoft
Dell Computer
Film Companies
MGM Studios – Paramount Studios – Warner Bros. – Disney
Farmers Market
Salute America
And others
All of the above organizations listed above and more will be contacted.
POTENTIAL ORGANIZATIONS
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· July 4, 2004 - City 4th of July Celebration
o What. Coordinated public relations announcement and press event concerning the a June salute to the City of Los Angeles, the proclamation of Los Angeles as the “Creative Capital of the World,” proposed permanent memorial, 222nd Birthday of LA, Sister Cities Program, and (potentially) the awards which may be given at one or more events.
o Where. At a 4th of July event sponsored by or involving the City of Los Angeles.
o Who. Representatives from the involved events and appropriate City officials.
· September 1, 2004 - The 222nd Birthday of Los Angeles Celebration
o What. Proclamation that Los Angeles is the “Creative Capital of the World”
o Where. At The 222nd Birthday of Los Angeles Celebration
o Who. Representatives from the involved events and appropriate City officials.
· Mid-September – Sister Cities Festival
o What. Dedication of permanent memorial to City as the Creative Capital of the World. (Or a presentation of appropriate plaque, trophy, statute, or other item to the Mayor and/or members of City Council.
o Where. At the Sister Cities Festival.
o Who. Representatives from the involved events and appropriate City officials.
· Mid-September – Awards event.
o What. Presentation of awards at a break, luncheon, dinner or other setting depending upon sponsorship and event tie in.
o Where. At or after the Sister Cities Festival at a location to be determined.
o Who. Representatives from the involved events and appropriate City officials.
TIMETABLE
[1] All alterations to Los Angeles City property must be approved by the Cultural Affairs Department.