By Jasmine Abrams, 2L

On Sept. 12, The Brent Shapiro Foundation for Drug and Alcohol Awareness held a charity event in Hollywood.

The Brent Shapiro Foundation was established by Robert Shapiro, O.J. Simpson’s defense attorney. In 2005, Shapiro’s son, Brent, following a life-long battle with alcohol and drug addiction, died at the age of 25. The Foundation has become “the national leader in the fight against drug and alcohol dependence” by educating parents and schools on how to communicate with students and identify any problems before they escalate.

In 2007, The Brent Shapiro Foundation held a live concert called Sober Day USA in New York to raise awareness about drug use and attracted swarms of people. The event served to shed light on a different approach to drug treatment and educate the general public.

The recent charity event, held at a private home, included celebrity supporters Larry King, Jessica Alba, Sean Combs, Denzel Washington, Barry Bonds, Rod Stewart, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell, among others.

Drug and alcohol addiction has become an issue that affects not only celebrities in Hollywood but thousands of people across the United States. The Foundation provides an opportunity to raise awareness about drug and alcohol addiction and means of preventing its occurrence.

The organization is always seeking volunteers in various positions. Visit http://www.brentshapiro.org/ for more information and to get involved.