Wendy Ellis
California Love Drop

When the pandemic hit, many entertainment industry professionals were laid off and seeking new opportunities and ways to help those in need. Wendy Ellis couldn’t sit back and wait out the pandemic, so she Co-Founded California Love Drop along with a core team of philanthropists, including Wing Lam from Wahoo’s, Eric Morley from Blue-C Advertising, Melissa Luna from YogurtLand, and Charles Antis from Antis Roofing & Waterproofing. In April of 2020, they launched California Love Drop to fuel healthcare workers and first responders by providing meals, beverages, treats, and supplies. Wendy, who has been on hiatus from 955KLOS FM as Director of Marketing, Strategic and Creative Partnerships since the pandemic started, utilized her industry relationships, coupled with her event production prowess, to help launch the grassroots organization. Wendy and the team started by delivering 300 meals to HOAG Hospital in Irvine, CA, and are now celebrating their 1-Year Anniversary, providing nearly 20,000 meals and over 230 drops to frontline workers, volunteers and people in need.

In addition to Love Drops, Wendy and the team coordinated Toy Drive’s during December, collecting truckloads of donations for children in need. Wendy is unbelievably generous in donating her time, knowledge and connecting people with an incredible spirit that has brightened so many lives during the pandemic.

Along with the California Love Drop team, Wendy provides smiles and much-needed relief to many hardworking Californians. California Love Drop continues to inspire and impact the SoCal community, led by volunteers. Click the link to read about some of the press they have garnered - California Love Drop News.

Kelly Levell-Taylor

Kelly Lovell-Taylor is the marketing and PR officer for the Tempe Center for the Arts received the 2022 Impact Award for her positive influence and contributions within the community.

Chanell Thomas

This year’s Impact Award recipient is Chanell Thomas for her positive influence and commitment to mentorship which has made a genuine difference in the lives of students seeking careers in the entertainment industry.  Thomas developed EVMC’s LEAD program, a professional mentorship and collegiate support platform, particularly for those from underrepresented backgrounds. She has volunteered to devote her time to the LEAD program, which has helped many students secure internships, jobs, and representation in the industry.  Additionally, Thomas volunteers on the EVMC DEI committee and serves as the Assistant VP of Sponsorship.  Thomas is the Director of Marketing and Sales for the Colonial Life Arena and a trailblazer within the live entertainment industry.  

Brian Kitts

This year’s Impact Award recipient was Brian Kitts, Co-Founder of You Can Play Project. Kitts was honored for his advocacy for LGBTQ+ and ally issues in sports, striving to ensure safety, and inclusion for all participants and helping to reshape the landscape of sports to one of respect, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.