Stars of THE FOSTERS, Mario Lopez and More Among The Actors Fund's 2015 Looking Ahead Honorees; Ceremony Tonight!

The 2015 Looking Ahead Awards will honor leaders in the current and former young performer community on Thursday, December 3 at the beautiful Taglyan Cultural Complex in Hollywood, California. Hosted by Disney Channel's "Austin & Ally" star Calum Worthy, the gala raises awareness and financial support for The Actors Fund's Looking Ahead Program.

"Young performers are an important part of Hollywood's future," said Keith McNutt, Director of The Actors Fund's Western Region. "As children and teenagers, they face a unique challenge in balancing auditions, work, school, friends and family. Their development, health and well-being are the responsibility of everyone in this industry, and we are so proud to be such a proactive part of that effort through Looking Ahead."

The Actors Fund's Looking Ahead Program was created in 2003 in partnership with SAF-AFTRA to work with youth between the ages of 9 and 18, helping them develop the values, skills and confidence they need to make successful transitions to fulfilling adult lives. Now in it's second consecutive year, The Looking Ahead Awards shines the spotlight on performers who inspire the world by living the program's core values of growth, education, leadership and community service with the presentation of five awards: The Looking Ahead Award for Social Awareness, The Looking Ahead Award for Community Service, The Looking Ahead Award for Education, The Shirley Temple Award, and the Judy and Hilary Swank Award for Parenting.

The 2015 Looking Ahead Awards honorees are:

Hayden Byerly, Noah Centineo, Maia Mitchell and Cierra Ramirez from ABC Family's "The Fosters" - The Looking Ahead Award for Social Awareness honoring a current young performer (or cast) who is raising awareness about an important societal issue through a current roleThe cast of "The Fosters" will be honored for their distinguished work in raising awareness about adoption, diversity, same-sex parenting and other important issues affecting American families today.

Mario Lopez - The Looking Ahead Award for Community Service honoring a former young performer who exemplifies giving back to the communityMario Lopez will be recognized for his significant leadership role in the Latino and youth communities, and his advocacy work and support of numerous health, education, immigration and environmental charities. Mario rose to fame as "A.C. Slater" on NBC's "Saved By The Bell" and is currently the host of "Extra," 2014 Emmy Winner for Outstanding Entertainment News Program.

Tatyana Ali - The Looking Ahead Award for Education honoring a former young performer who has made education a priority in their lifeTatyana Ali is a Broadway-trained actress, recording artist, producer and graduate of Harvard University where she received her Bachelor's Degree in African American studies and government. Tatyana is best known to millions worldwide from her role as "Ashley Banks" on NBC's "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air."

Rose Marie - The Shirley Temple Award honoring an early pioneer for his/her legacy in paving the way for other young performersA star of stage, screen and television, Rose Marie began her career at the age of 3 and has had one of the longest and most fascinating careers in entertainment history. She starred in some of the earliest talking films and became a household name as the quick-witted comedy writer Sally Rogers on "The Dick Van Dyke Show."

The 2015 Looking Ahead Awards is generously sponsored by Disney Channel, Disney XD, SAG-AFTRA, US Bank, The Osbrink Agency, Cynthia Bain's Young Actors Studio, Sextant Wine, Devotion Vodka, HINT Water and Flourishing Arts.

Individual tickets are $150 per person. Sponsorship packages are available beginning at $2,500 and include multiple press/branding opportunities as well as VIP tickets for the Looking Ahead Awards. To purchase tickets or inquire about sponsorship opportunities visit www.actorsfund.org/LookingAheadAwards or contact Kathleen Cahill at 323-933-9244 or kcahill@actorsfund.org. The awards will be held at Taglyan Cultural Complex, 1201 Vine StreetHollywood, CA 90038.

The Actors Fund is a national human services organization that helps everyone -- performers and those behind the scenes -- who works in performing arts and entertainment, helping more than 21,000 people directly each year, and hundreds of thousands online. Serving professionals in film, theatre, television, music, opera, radio and dance, The Fund's programs include social services and emergency financial assistance, health care and insurance counseling, housing, and employment and training services. With offices in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, The Actors Fund has -- for nearly 133 years -- been a safety net for those in need, crisis or transition. Visit www.actorsfund.org.

The Actors Fund's Looking Ahead program was created in 2003 in partnership with SAG-AFTRA to work with youth between the ages of 9 and 18, helping them develop the values, skills and confidence they need to make successful transitions to fulfilling adult lives. Now serving more than 300 youths per year, their families and alumni, the program aims to Create a nurturing environment where young performers get support through individual, family and education counseling, leadership development, community service and social events. Looking Ahead is guided by an Advisory Committee of professionals in youth development and youth-related entertainment, which is co-chaired by actor, director and producer Fred Savage and freelance casting director and former head of casting at Nickelodeon Sharon Lieblein.

*The honoree for the Judy and Hilary Swank Award, honoring the parent(s) of a former young performer, will be announced in the coming weeks.

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