“Tributes, Stories and Song” Entertains and Inspires
Supporters nationwide gathered for an evening of community and music, including the debut of our signature song, “This Is Your Show.”
Dec 10, 2020
Carmen Ruby Floyd singing “This Is Your Show”
Traditionally, Compassion & Choices holds an annual gala event in Oregon for fundraising and to bring our supporters together. Given the COVID-19 pandemic, we couldn’t gather in person this year. So we pivoted to both host the occasion virtually and expand it to a global audience. Over 1,000 people RSVP’d from across 46 states, Canada and Poland for an evening that paid tribute to loved ones we’ve lost and celebrated the expansion of better options.
The engaging Dr. Jeff Gardere, better known from television as “America’s Psychologist,” emceed the December 8 event. Speakers included Compassion & Choices President and CEO Kim Callinan, actor James Naughton, California State Senator Bill Monning, advocates Dan Winter and John Forsgren, National Latino Outreach Manager Maria Otero, and David Cook and Rev. Madison Shockley — the chair and vice chair of our board of directors.
The evening also featured the exciting debut of our signature song, “This is Your Show.” Written by composers and Broadway veterans Andrew Beall and Evan McCormack, the song — a celebration in itself of autonomy and empowerment — was sung by actress and vocalist Carmen Ruby Floyd and the renowned Harlem Gospel Choir.
The event’s finale brought a stunning exclusive jazz performance by critically acclaimed multi-instrumentalist and composer Julius Rodriguez, who closed with this inspiring sentiment: “As a musician who studied jazz music, I strongly believe in social justice, and I’ve worked on these issues my entire life. There is no question that all who live in America should have the right to conduct their lives without intrusion or harassment from the government, either federal, state or local. And that dignity and right to self-determination extends to our entire life, including the choices that we make at the end. Compassion & Choices is fighting to minimize suffering and maximize the quality of life, and I am honored to be here to support that cause.”
Read more about the event and watch for a recording to be posted soon here.
