Arnold Schwarzenegger and Westime Raise $1.15MM to support After-School Programs

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Westime Raise $1.15MM to support After-School Programs

Adrienne Faurote
By Adrienne Faurote June 20, 2016

Over the weekend, former Governor of California and legendary action star Arnold Schwarzenegger helped raise $1,153,000 at a recent charity event at his home with the help of his non-profit organization After-School All-Stars (ASAS) and Westime. All the money raised will go to support after-school programs for underserved youth. This marks the fourth year that Schwarzenegger has hosted the event, and is its most successful year yet.

ASAS CEO Ben Paul, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Westime founder John Simonian
ASAS CEO Ben Paul, ASAS founder Arnold Schwarzenegger and Westime founder John Simonian

Founded by Schwarzenegger in 1992, ASAS provides year-round, comprehensive after-school programs to students in low-income communities. The impactful program benefits more than 70,000 children in 17 of America’s most vulnerable regions.

The event’s other host, Westime is the premier retail destination for fine watches and jewelry, with locations in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, La Jolla and Malibu. The world-renowned line of boutiques offer more than 50 of the most prestigous brands across the world of haute horlogerie.

“Our Annual Charity Night has become a tremendous success over the past four years thanks to the incredible leadership of our founder and host, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who’s been a fierce advocate for the after-school cause; our co-host John Simonian and his incredible team at Westime, whose commitment to after-school programing can’t be overstated, as well as the many sponsors that continue to support us each year.   Demand for quality after-school programing is higher than ever before and every dollar that we raise helps us reach more kids and impact more lives, said ASAS CEO Ben Paul.

Arnold Schwarzenegger John Simonian
Arnold Schwarzenegger and John Simonian

“I can honestly say that After-School All-Stars saved my life,” said Ni’Quille Bell, an ASAS alum that brought the room to tears when he shared his emotional life story during the event. “All-Stars kept me off the streets and gave me opportunity; opportunity to learn, to grow, to see new things, to experience new things, and to become a leader.”

“We are so pleased to once again support this fantastic event, it’s an annual tradition we love to be a part of.  Giving back to our community is something that is deeply important to us, and we are proud to be a part of the work that After-School All-Stars is doing with our youth,” said John Simonian, founder of Westime.