New York, NY – On Tuesday, May 27, 2014, WPA will present awards to Orange is the New Black’s Alysia Reiner and KiraKira for advancing critical conversation around women within the criminal justice system. Matt McGorry of Orange is the New Black will be the event’s Master of Ceremonies.
Alysia Reiner is an award winning actress, producer, mother, and humanitarian. She is currently shooting her second season on the critically acclaimed Netflix series, Orange is the New Black, playing powerhouse assistant warden, Natalie “Fig” Figueroa. Ms. Reiner is the recipient of the Women’s Prison Association’s 2014 Sarah Powell Huntington Leadership Award for her collaboration with Suz Somersall, founder of KiraKira, to produce the limited edition WPA locket. The award recognizes individuals who exhibit vision, compassion, and initiative in their professional and personal lives and have demonstrated a deep commitment to public welfare and social justice.
Suz Somersall is designer and founder of KiraKira, a handcrafted jewelry company established in 2006. KiraKira is the recipient of the Women’s Prison Association’s 2014 Corporate Appreciation Award. The award recognizes socially conscious corporations who demonstrate a commitment to public welfare and social justice in both vision and practice.
The WPA Limited Edition Locket: In 2013, Alysia Reiner and Suz Somersall partnered to create the limited edition celestial inspired pave sapphire locket. The locket bears the sentiments of WPA’s tagline, “Strengthen Empower Connect,” and is a beautiful, creative representation of WPA’s work with women. The locket has been featured online, in print, and on national television. It continues to raise visibility and funding for WPA’s programs. WPA is grateful to receive 100% of the profits from this beautiful collaboration. Lockets will be for sale at the event.
The Second Chances Campaign: Launching at the event, WPA’s Second Chances Campaign upholds the idea that everyone can relate to receiving a chance. The campaign seeks to highlight this common ground we all share and to expand the base of interest and support for WPA’s work with criminal justice-involved women. The campaign features a “2nd Chance” video series featuring clients, staff, and Orange is the New Black cast members. It also includes a series of Charity Buzz auctions including lunch with Piper Kerman and Taylor Schilling.
“I’m honored and excited to be hosting WPA’s Cocktails for a Cause event and to be involved with an organization that assists more than 1,500 women and their families in developing the confidence and practical skills they need to change their lives,” said the evening’s Master of Ceremonies, Matt McGorry.
“The WPA locket is a creative and timeless representation of WPA’s work. It is a true conversation piece, elevating the dialogue necessary to create change for criminal justice-involved women and their families. We are thrilled to honor the time and talent Alysia and KiraKira have dedicated to its creation and to increasing awareness of the cause it symbolizes,” said WPA’s Executive Director, Georgia Lerner.
Cocktails for a Cause will be held at The Loeb Boathouse Central Park at 6 p.m. Orange is the New Black cast members will be in attendance. The evening will conclude with a special musical performance by The Shaves at 8pm.
To request a press pass, please contact Diana McHugh at dmchugh@wpaonline.org.
