Surrounded by friends and family, film/tv actress/singer 17-year-old Scarlett Pomers had a lot to be proud of kicking off her Arch-Angels fund and releasing a multi-single CD, Project Chains, on behalf of eating disorders at B.B. Kings Blues Club on May 18th.
The REBA star looked poise, healthy and radiant dressed in a flowing gypsy blouse and black bell-bottom pants. Pomers smiled and posed for photographers upon the red carpet before making her entrance inside to host this event. The event was inspired by Pomers’ own struggle with anorexia. Pomers says she wants to give back to others who desperately need the help. Helping others has helped Pomers heal herself and get back to a normal life.
Joining forces with the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) as it's newest ambassador has aided in this effort. Lynn S.Grefe, CEO of NEDA, was on hand to commend Pomer’s work in that regard, offering support and inspiring her to go on. "Scarlett Pomers has dedication, passion, and has now shown a genuine commitment to make a difference in the lives of those affected by eating disorders, said Grefe. "Her event at BB Kings was a great success as she launched her Arch-Angels Fund within the National Eating Disorders Association (www.nationaleatingdisorders.org) that will assist in funding education, awareness, advocacy and research. We are proud to have her on our team."
Jessica Wiener, also an ambassador for NEDA, was there as well. Weiner is the author of "Do I Look Fat in This?" and "A Very Hungry Girl." Other guests included young actors, actresses and musicians such as Ashley Benson (Days of our Lives), Ashley and Bobby Edner (Spy Kids 3); Shawn Pyfrom of Desperate Housewives; Antonio Pontarelli (America's Most Talented Kids); Folio, and Mitch Holleman who plays Scarlett’s younger brother on REBA. Emerging deaf film producer/director Darren Denison rounded out this list in attendance. A rousing performance by Jak Paris and his band including lead guitarist Jason Juadines, bassist Brian Swett, on drums Henry Soriano and Mary Kryah on backing vocals, started the night off on a high-energy note. Paris is Pomers' uncle as well as her musical collaborator on the Maxi Single CD to raise money for Arch-Angels.
Original material ("Overrated," "Rest of My Life," "Losing Faith" "Happy Now," "Seasons Change" and "Alone") from Paris’ latest CD, "Electric Revolution: Overrated," comprised this set. Concluding the night’s musical entertainment was a finale of a heavier, metal version of Fleetwood Mac’s "The Chain" performed by Pomers and Paris. This number was emotionally charged, as it was poignantly moving. Also available on the Maxi Single is "Valentine," a song co-written by Pomers with Johnny Mead and is available on The Project Chains CD.
Paris, who used mostly Minarik guitars on his CD, as well as plays them on the road when he tours, along with Pomers, was responsible for getting the company to donate a guitar for an Ebay auction. The Special Edition Goddess Guitar was autographed by Scarlett Pomers, Steve Nicks, Reba McEntire; Sara Evans; Rob Zombie; Motorhead, Lit and Hoobastak; drummer Josh Freese; Italy's Lacuna Coil, Teri Nunn & Berlin. All proceeds go to Arch-Angels. Paris believes music fanatics will be excited to have this guitar and the best part, in his opinion, is that it goes to charity. He says they are the best guitars in modern rock for every sound and they never go out of tune.
The idea for the charity CD was the result of Scarlett’s downtime following her intensive treatment for eating disorders back in November. Another way to stay tapped into her potential was to have Pomers record music again. Being productive and creative, Paris said was something positive for his niece during her recovery and pursuing something she really loves. He also felt their voices blended well together and leant themselves perfectly to "The Chain." "This song is about relationships but it could also be about people sticking together and looking out for one another such as our family is doing with Scarlett," Paris added. "This bond has been constricted by this disease and changed Scarlett’s life." She also made a big impact on other young women including an 11-year-old girl who wrote Scarlett a letter saying what a great inspiration she was to her because she got the courage to tell her parents she had an eating disorder. “Kids feel they need t be accepted and adopted the super-skinny model image, but now Scarlett is saying this is not the way to be, Paris explained. “Don't compromise your health to be an unrealistic size. "She counteracts that image."
