Duran Duran’s John Taylor to receive

2013 Experience, Strength and Hope Award


presented by Robert Downey Jr. Guest host, Ed Begley Jr.

And special performance by

Bobcat Goldthwait

Writers In Treatment with support from New Directions for Women will honor Duran Duran’s founding member and bass player John Taylor with its Experience, Strength and Hope Award on Friday, February 15, 2013 at the Skirball Cultural Center. The Experience, Strength and Hope Awardis given to well-known individuals who have written courageous and honest memoirs about their journey from addiction to recovery. Past honorees include astronaut Buzz Aldrin and Academy Award winning actor Louis Gossett, Jr.

Taylor’s memoir “In the Pleasure Groove: Love, Death & Duran Duran” tells of his upbringing in Birmingham, England, his years with Duran Duran, and his road to recovery. “’I won’t say I went right away [to rehab], I had to hit bottom, which meant going out and getting so f**ked up, so disillusioned by my own inability to control myself, and then surrender. Now it’s been a whole different me, and I wanted to write about that. A lot of people are struggling and a lot of people still don’t believe that sobriety is possible for them.”

The charity event is a celebration of the benefits of clean and sober living and the importance of humor in the recovery process. All proceeds benefit Writers In Treatment’s Jewelle Sturm Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Also appearing, Ione Skye

6th Annual GM Ten - Red Carpet

Past ceremony participants include award-winning actor and activist Ed Begley, Jr., actors Danny Trejo, Tony Denison, Jack McGee, and actress Joanna Cassidy. In addition to comedians, Barry Diamond, Stevie Mack, Wendy Hammers and Mick Bettencourt. This year’s award will be presented by Robert Downey Jr.

The Skirball Cultural Center has established itself as one of the world’s most dynamic cultural institutions and arts venues in Los Angeles. The Skirball features an extraordinary museum, changing exhibitions, engaging music, theater, comedy, film, and more — all in a stunning architectural setting just off the 405. The Skirball Cultural Center is located at 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90049.

Reception 6:30-8:00PM Show 8:00-9:45 Scrumptious hors d’oeuvres with hot and cold beverages served. *Sandwiches and salads available for purchase. Suggested attire: Evening Casual. Men: No tuxes or T-shirts. Women: No gowns or Birkenstocks. FREE PARKING

For more information, go to www.writersintreatment.org or contact Leonard Buschel at (818) 762-0461. This event is expected to sold out.

ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT

Writers In Treatment , a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose primary purpose is to save lives through promoting and providing ‘treatment’ as the best first step solution for addiction, alcoholism and other self-destructive behaviors.