The People Concern to Host ‘Community Night’ at The Draycott

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

The People Concern will host a “community night” Happy Hour with CEO John Maceri at The Draycott on Friday, August 18, between 2:30 and 5:30 p.m.

“Come chat with John while treating yourself to delectable cocktails and appetizers,” read an email about the event. “Supporters of The People Concern can enjoy The Draycott’s tasty Happy Hour selection while supporting lasting solutions for housing some of Los Angeles’ most vulnerable.”

The Draycott—owned and operated by Palisadians Matt and Marissa Hermer—and The People Concern have partnered for the month of August, with the Palisades Village eatery donating 10% of its Happy Hour proceeds to the organization.

“I first learned about The People Concern through my godmother Kim Clary and her late husband Dave Morena,” Marissa said to the Palisadian-Post. “For years, longtime Palisadians Dave and Kim have worked tirelessly, running the Homeless Count alongside The People Concern—so it is with great honor that we can also support this cause that is so near and dear to both my godmother Kim and also to Dave.”

The People Concern now acts as Pacific Palisades Task Force on Homelessness’ fiscal sponsor—which first reported plans of restructuring and repositioning in March—and will continue providing professional homeless outreach to the Palisades, as long as funding is available, according to a letter from PPTFH dated August 1.

“One of Los Angeles County’s largest social services agencies, The People Concern was formed in 2016 in a merger of two trusted social service organizations based in Los Angeles County, OPCC and Lamp Community,” according to its website. “Informed by more than 58 years of work in the community, The People Concern is a leading provider of, and advocate for, evidence-based solutions to the multi-faceted challenges inherent in homelessness and domestic violence.”

Part of PPTFH’s restructuring included the dissolving of its 501(c)(3), and, per its original agreement with The People Concern, transferring the remaining funds to The People Concern. PPTFH reported that it had secured the necessary approvals from the California Attorney General’s Office and Secretary of State to complete its restructuring.

“Together, we can make a lasting impact,” the email about the upcoming Happy Hour event concluded. “Invite friends and family to elevate Happy Hour for a cause we all believe in.”

The Draycott is located at 15255 Palisades Village Lane.