Dinner By the Bay, The Reef in Long Beach Ca.

A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity of attending and photographing the yearly fund raiser for the Project Cuddle Organization. Like in years past the host and spokes person, John Stamos was in attendance. The Project cuddle organization is an amazing group who of people who help abandoned babies and mothers in crisis.

How It All Began

Project Cuddle™ is the result of one woman's crusade to help prevent infants from being abandoned. Debbe Magnusen fostered over 30 drug-exposed babies, while raising two biological children. Eventually five of those beautiful little ones were adopted and became part of the Magnusen Family.

The Project Cuddle™ crisis line was actually formed from the living room of Debbe's home, with the hope of ending baby abandonment. Within 12 hours of opening the 24 hour crisis-line, Project Cuddle got its first crisis call. A frightened woman that had hidden her pregnancy from everyone she knew, was due to deliver any and had no prenatal care. There was no time to waste. Debbe had only days to orchestrate a safe and legal alternative to abandonment, Project Cuddle™ was able to retain an attorney, a family wanting to rescue and adopt the baby, as well as an obstetrician, hospital and social counselor, Debbe Magnusen coached this woman through the delivery of a beautiful baby girl. After the baby was delivered into the arms of the adoptive parents, the birth mother said to Debbe. "I feel like I've done something good for the first time." The woman did not break the law, the baby was safe and a rescue couple was overjoyed at having a new daughter in their lives.

Statistics indicate that 57
children are abandoned everyday
Tragically, babies are being abandoned across the nation on a daily basis. Since its inception, Project Cuddle™ has saved over 600 of babies across the country and into Canada from the fate of being abandoned, or worse. John Stamos is the National Spokesperson for the organization. With John's help, the charity has been able to create a school video to educate students on the importance of calling for help instead of abandoning your baby. Oprah and John Surprised Debbe and Project Cuddle™ by being featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show.
Project Cuddle™ was incorporated as a 501 (c)(3) non-profit charity in 1994. A volunteer Board of Directors oversees the organization, which Debbe runs on a day-to-day basis with the assistance of volunteers and a minimally-paid staff. Your generous donations are always appreciated and help us to save the lives of more babies from the fate of abandonment.

On Saturday I had the pleasure of shooting the ever so great "Dinner by the bay event" at The Reef in Long Beach, California. This year was extra special because not only was it sold out, but several celebrities showed up and helped raise thousands of dollars at the event. There were silent auctions, Live auctions and for the first time, you were able to make a flat donation of $2,500 to save a baby. It costs project cuddle approximately $2,500 to save each baby. The project cuddle president Frank Lozano asked every who would like to save a baby by donating $2,500 to come up to the stage with in 5 min the entire stage was full. Great Job Frank!
The celebrities that were in attendance were John Stamos, Scott Grimes from E.R. along with the rest of the er cast. Jillian Barberie was also in attendance. The event was great as usual I had an amazing time covering the event. Debbe, Thank you for allowing me to take part in this amazing event.