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Featured Event
Hollywood Gala for Hope is our first event of its kind here in Bastrop, Texas, marking an exciting new chapter for the community. While Galas themselves are not new to Bastrop, our goal is to bring not only the glamorous and captivating Hollywood vibe but also to create a meaningful gathering that unites people from surrounding cities and neighboring communities. This special Gala is dedicated to addressing and actively helping to reduce the negative consequences caused by bullying and domestic violence. At the same time, it aims to offer hope, healing, and support to those who may feel overwhelmed, isolated, or are struggling to hold on to the precious gift of life that we all cherish so deeply.
VIP, General and Table
Our Services
Anti Bullying for Elementary schools
Economics, Suicide and Goal setting for High Schools
Gala’s and Speaker for Suicide/ Bullying/ Domestic Violence
Speakers for the Gala
David Chokachi
From riding waves to lighting up the screen, David Chokachi has built a career rooted in action, authenticity, and heart. He first rose to fame as lifeguard Cody Madison on Baywatch, one of the most-watched television series in the world. That breakout role launched a decades-long career that spans over 50 film and TV credits, including Witchblade, Beyond the Break, Soul Surfer, Lois & Clark, and more.
With a natural blend of physical presence and grounded charisma, David has taken on everything from high-intensity dramas to lighthearted family films—often channeling his real-life love of adventure and the outdoors. His performances reflect a deep connection to nature, integrity, and storytelling that resonates across genres.
Now, more than 25 years into his career, David shows no signs of slowing down. With seven new projects currently filming or set to release this year—including Married Alive and the powerful WWII-era drama Black Panthers of WWII—he continues to bring energy, versatility, and depth to every role.
Whether he’s commanding a scene or catching a wave, David remains committed to telling stories that matter—and doing the work with heart.
Emilio Rivera
Emilio Rivera has discovered that turning your life around is the key to making dreams come true. His acting credentials have allowed him to top the list of successful Latino actors. His resume continues to grow with starring roles in films such as High Crimes with Ashley Judd and Morgan Freeman and the much anticipated film Confessions of a Dangerous Mind starring George Clooney and Julia Roberts. Emilio was born in San Antonio, Texas as the oldest child of four brothers and three sisters. When Emilio was a young boy his family moved to an area of Los Angeles nicknamed Frog Town and Emilio continued to seek the attention of those around him. His first experience with acting was in his third grade production of "Rumpelstiltskin". Emilio admits his childhood was not easy growing up as a minority in a poor section of town.
Underneath the exterior Emilio's passion for acting thrived and after much soul searching Emilio decided to take his biggest risk and pursue acting. The training, discipline and extensive hours of studying changed Emilio life forever. Those around him were amazed at the positive yet radical change in Emilio and realized he had found his true passion in life. In between his time studying Emilio worked as a mechanical engineer.
His first feature role was in the TV series Renegade with Lorenzo Lamas. He left his day job behind after he landed a role in the feature film Con Air co-starring Nicolas Cage. Emilio has appeared in countless commercials, television programs and feature films including Traffic, The Cable Guy, NYPD Blue, Beverly Hills, 90210, Walker, Texas Ranger, JAG, and ER.
Mark Anthony Baca
MarkAnthony Lenard Baca was born in Clovis, NM in 1971. Was first introduced to fil in 1992 right out of high school on a feature film called "Kick Boxer 4". MarkAnthony was a successful combative sport athlete at the time in Martial Arts, Boxing and Kickboxing. This is what grabbed his attention in becoming a action star. Throughout the years he would work on a film set here and their but his passion has always ben helping others with his Martial arts studios and his Ani-Bullying Campaign. Since 2011 MarkAnthony has taken a more serious approach to acting and stunts and made it his full time job to achieve these goals. Thought-out the years since 1992 he has been behind the scenes making action films but the past decade has taken a more front seat role in the film industry and finally starred in his first leading role in Evan Allens "6 Wheels from Hell" Filmed outside of Las Vegas NV MarkAnthony not only starred as the Mother Trucker the psychotic Killer Trucker from Hell he also was in charge of all stunts and helped set dressed for the feature film. since then MarkAnthony has co-starred with John Schneider yes the John Schneider from Dukes of Hazards in his recent Patriotic film called "To Die For". Working close with john as his nemesis in the film he gained a-lot of traction from his appearance in John Schneider's film.
Starring in several other feature films and now producing films with MGI productions. MarkAnthony is stay busy with stunt work and his acting carrier. Now about to launch his very own reality tv show spring of 2024. The new TV show is called "Last Stuntman Standing". Mark Anthony has teamed up with a very powerful production company. In development at the moment, watch out for Mark Anthony and his Stunt Company Extreme Force Hollywood Stunts and Film.
Mental Health Professional
T. J. Finn, M.Ed., C-NPT, LPC-A is a dedicated and compassionate Licensed Professional Counselor Associate with a strong foundation in trauma-informed care, neuropsychological practices, and culturally responsive counseling. Holding a Master of Education in Human Development and Counseling, T. J. integrates evidence-based practices with empathy and insight to support individuals navigating complex mental health challenges.
T. J. is certified as a Neuropsychological Trauma Practitioner (C-NPT), with specialized training in brain-based approaches to healing trauma, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation. Their clinical experience includes working with diverse populations in community mental health, crisis intervention, and school-based settings. With a person-centered and integrative theoretical orientation, T. J. emphasizes resilience, relational safety, and strengths-based empowerment in the therapeutic process. T. J. is a doctoral student at GCU working towards a PHd. in Counselor Education and Supervision.
T. J. serves as the visionary CEO and Executive Director of Keep Us Strong, LLC, a mission-driven organization based in Bastrop, Texas, dedicated to nurturing mental wellness, reducing stigma, and strengthening rural communities through innovative workshops, creative media, and advocacy initiatives. A passionate advocate for social justice, T. J. is committed to creating affirming, inclusive spaces for clients from historically marginalized communities. They are particularly skilled in working with adolescents, emerging adults, and trauma survivors, blending cognitive, somatic, and mindfulness-based strategies to promote long-term healing and personal growth.
T. J. is the author of both adult-focused self-help books and a children’s mental health series designed to bridge therapeutic concepts across age groups. Her 2023 release, The Glass is Refillable, offers adults a guided exploration into transforming inner dialogue through a cognitive‑behavioral framework adapted from Ellis’s ABC model, supported by the companion workbook Journey into You (tjfinnauthor.com). Concurrently, her children’s series The Grand Adventures of Liam the Lamb utilizes charming animal characters and zoo-based settings to gently address topics such as grief, anxiety, jealousy, and empathy. Each volume includes a section for parents that provides practical mental health guidance and additional resources to support meaningful conversations with their children.
T. J. practices under the supervision of a board-approved LPC-S and continues to pursue advanced training in multicultural counseling, and neurobiological interventions. With a collaborative, warm, and client-centered approach, T. J. strives to foster meaningful therapeutic relationships that promote self-understanding, empowerment, and holistic wellness.
Best Regards,
T.J. Finn, M.Ed., C-NPT, LPC-Associate
Certified Neuro-Psychotherapist
Supervised by Dr. Joy-Del Snook, Ph.D., LPC-S,
Therapist - Smithville Community Clinic
www.smithvillecommunityclinic.org
Executive Director - Keep Us Strong, LLC
About our event
The Gala will be a semi-formal occasion thoughtfully designed to bring together influential leaders from our local community as well as neighboring cities. In recent years, we have witnessed a troubling and significant rise in suicide rates, now exceeding those recorded in previous decades. Our mission is to foster meaningful opportunities and build strong connections related to mental health, with the ultimate aim of reducing the heartbreaking number of fatalities among both our youth and adults. This is not just a local issue but a global crisis that demands urgent recognition, open discussion, and dedicated action. Every single life we can help preserve through awareness, support, and intervention is truly invaluable.
In addition to serving as a platform for awareness, the Gala will also act as a critical fundraising event to support the production of impactful content. These projects include short films, music videos, and feature-length films that authentically portray true stories surrounding mental health challenges. Such content has the potential to educate, inspire, and ultimately save lives by breaking down stigma and fostering empathy. Of the funds raised during the event, half will be allocated to support the Rural Whole Health Coalition based in Smithville, Texas, an organization committed to serving four counties with vital mental health resources and services. Together, through awareness, connection, and action, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of many.
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