The event seeks to draw attention to the disease of epilepsy as national awareness month begins.
The event seeks to draw attention to the disease of epilepsy as national awareness month begins. Credit: createdigital.org

IE Voice Staff |

To mark the beginning of the National Epilepsy Awareness Month, the Legacy Bridges Foundation, Inc. will bring together the Inland Empire’s most influential business, political, faith-based and community leaders at its Bridging the Gap Awards Celebration and Fundraising Gala on Thursday, November 3, 2022 at 6:30p.m. 

The event at the Jessie Turner Health and Fitness Community Center in Fontana seeks to draw attention to the disease of epilepsy during its nationally recognized month as the foundation celebrates the exceptional work and achievements of its most dedicated supporters, individuals and organizations who have made legacy driven impacts in service to Inland Empire communities.

The Foundation will be honoring City of Fontana Mayor Acquanetta Warren for her achievements in civic leadership. “We are thrilled and looking forward to honoring Mayor Warren, a pillar in the community that leverages collaboration, inclusiveness, innovation and civic engagement to address issues and foster change,” said Executive Director Melanee Stovall.

Also to be honored are Kimberly Anthony-Morrow, who will receive the Bridging the Gap in Academic Achievement Award, Sheri Bogh with the Bridging the Gap Community Hero Award, Alton L. Garrett Jr., with the Founders Choice Award, Nykauni Tademy, with Bridging the Gap Community Empowerment Award and  Miles Levin, who will receive  the Bridging the Gap in Media Excellence Award.

“We are bursting with excitement to celebrate the tremendous work that each of our honorees contributes to bridging the gap in providing our communities with a better way of life,” Ms. Stovall said. 

 The Legacy Bridges Foundation, Inc. is a California 501(c)3 nonprofit public benefit corporation founded to support individuals and families who suffer from epilepsy and other seizure related disorders. It seeks to help those affected by epilepsy, whom it refers to as champions, live a sustainable life through participation of essential supportive programs and services.

 The impact of Epilepsy

According to the Epilepsy Foundation, epilepsy affects one out of every 26 individuals – which translates to 3.4 million people nationwide and more than 65 million people globally. 150,000 new cases are diagnosed in the United States each year.

Melanee Stovall, the Executive Director of Legacy Bridges Foundation, Inc., which  supports individuals and families who suffer from epilepsy and other seizure related disorders.(Courtesy  Legacy Bridges Foundation, Inc.)

“The proceeds of the fundraiser will go toward the purchase of a van equipped to transport the foundation’s disabled champions to and from medical appointments, social outings, and more,” said Executive Assistant Denise Loiacano. “We encourage you to participate in this trailblazing opportunity to support an underserved and unrecognized community.”

The Legacy Bridges Foundation, Inc. has been recognized by San Bernardino County 5th District Supervisor Joe Baca Jr., Riverside County 5th District Supervisor Jeff Hewitt, Mayor Warren, Mayor of Rialto Deborah Robertson, 64th District Assemblymember Mike Gipson, 47th District Assemblymember and Majority Leader Eloise Reyes Gomez, and 36th District Congressman Raul Ruiz; for the work they are doing to raise awareness of epilepsy and other seizure related disorders and for supporting those suffering. For tickets, sponsorship, and advertising visit www.legacybridgesfoundation.org/galaregistration or call (951)374-0933 for more information. To support the foundation’s efforts to support the epilepsy and seizure disorder community, visit www.givebutter.com/LegacyBridgesFoundation-Donations. All contributions are fully tax deductible.