Nancy Cartwright
2009 Humanitarian Award

Emmy Award-winning actress Nancy Cartwright is best known as the voice of spike-headed underachiever Bart Simpson, but also gives voice to Ralph Wiggum, Nelson Muntz, Todd Flanders and various others in the town of Springfield. Her most recent film role embracing these characters is in the worldwide smash hit THE SIMPSONS MOVIE, released July 27, 2007.

In addition to her work on THE SIMPSONS, Cartwright portrays "Rufus the Naked Mole Rat" in the Disney series "Kim Possible" as well as Tod Daring in the cable series "The Replacements". With over two decades at the mic, Cartwright has lent her voice to characters on various other animated series, including "Chuckie" in the cable series "Rugrats," "Richie Rich," "Animaniacs," "Pinky and the Brain," "The Critic," "God, The Devil and Bob" and "Mike, Lu & Og," as well as Chuck Jones’ final work, "Timberwolf."

Also known for her on-camera work, Cartwright has had numerous roles in television series and movies, including "Fame," "Empty Nest," "Cheers," "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," "Twilight Zone: The Movie" and "Godzilla" as well as the lead in the TV movie "Marian Rose White."

Cartwright received an Emmy Award and an Annie Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Voice-Over Performance as Bart Simpson, as well as Emmys for "Animaniacs" and "Pinky, Elmyra & the Brain" and a DramaLogue Award for her one-woman play, "In Search of Fellini."

Cartwright actively supports many nonprofit organizations that help children, including Famous Fone Friends, Make-a-Wish Foundation, The Way to Happiness Foundation and World Literacy Crusade, in addition to her own non-profit organization, Happy House. She is a member of Women in Film, ASIFA – The International Animation Society, Women in Animation and The Chouinard Foundation.

Raini Rodriguez
2009 Rising Star Award

With her expected birth to be on the "Fourth of July"...Raini made her own fireworks display 3 days early, by making her debut into the world on July 1st, 1993 in Bryan, Texas.

Raini has always known her destiny was to become an actress and singer. In January 2005, at the age of 11, Raini attended a talent convention held in Los Angeles, California, where she won numerous awards and caught the eye of talent manager Susan Osser. Raini learned quickly that Los Angeles was the place she needed to be. 

One month later in February 2005, Raini packed up along with her Mom and younger brother, and they made the move to California. Being a daddy's girl and having to be away from her Dad just made Raini all the more determined to make her dreams come true in Los Angeles. Raini is an "old soul", having an understanding of life and a confidence beyond her years.

Raini booked her 1st job for a Health Net Infomercial geared towards the Spanish viewers. Next came a Co-Star role in Showtime's "Huff" followed by a Guest-Star in ABC'S Pilot "Family of the Year". Most recently, Raini had a lot of fun playing the role of "Betsy" in Disney's "The Suite Life of Zach and Cody" "Sleepover Suite" episode. Raini also worked on two short films titled "Parker" and "The No-Sit List" and lent out her voice on a Co-Star role for Playhouse Disney's' show "Handy Manny". 

Now at the age of 15, Raini has gained such great experiences through her passion for acting and singing. Raini had the time of her life filming in Boston playing Kevin James' daughter "Maya Blart" in the huge hit "Paul Blart Mall Cop". Most recently, Raini recorded for Marc Williams of Indasoul Entertainment and filmed the movie "Gordita" playing the role of "Tatiana." The destiny that Raini knew she would follow as a little girl is well on its way.