Mary Cleveland and Family at the Torch Awards

As the spotlight turned toward the balcony, Mary and her eight children stood in recognition. The seven girls and one boy, ranging from 1 year of age to eleven, stood proudly. The Legacy Ladies recognized the needs of the family and supported them by presenting Mary with a set of keys to a new 12 passenger van, a microwave oven, a refrigerator, a stove, washer and dryer, prepaid gas cards and made it possible for them to have a home by paying the first month rent and deposit on a 3 bedroom house with a finished basement! (Yes, Mary and her family were on the verge of being homeless.) The family was also presented with two computers, technical training and software package from Sam Knowledge and a family package to Disneyland presented by the Walt Disney Company. To make this day even more special for the family, the children received a new wardrobe and shoes for the event. Mary received a facial compliments of the "Ladies," a couture gown designed especially for Mary, compliments of Pol Atteu of Beverly Hills and hair styling compliments of Elgin Charles of Beverly Hills. Mary tried to tell her story at the Torch Awards, but as you can imagine, it was an overwhelming experience. If you would like to know more about Mary and her family, please refer to the "Community Projects - 2006 Adopt-A-Family."

Christmas with the Cleveland Family

2006 was not a White Christmas in Los Angeles, but it was a lot sweeter for the Cleveland family this year. The Legacy Ladies delivered a van load of Christmas toys and books for the eight children, in addition to much needed furniture. Mary also received a new laptop computer and printer to pursue her goal of taking classes on line for a degree in Forensic Science.