Concert and Pet Show Benefit Teen Shelter

Kids, critters and film characters converged on a CBS Studio Center back lot Sunday for “Kids ‘n Critters,” a family concert and pet show to benefit a center for homeless teens called My Friend’s Place.

The event, which attracted about 1,000 participants and raised $22,000, included a crafts fair where children painted animal masks, made animal-ear headbands and decorated hats.

Youngsters were encouraged to take better care of their pets by representatives from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Los Angeles Zoo, veterinarians, obedience trainers and pet-adoption programs.

Featured performers Craig ‘n Co. and Jessica Harper whipped the kids into a frenzy during a kiddie rock concert with upbeat tunes about junky rooms and growing up.

Perdita, the canine character actor from Disney’s “101 Dalmatians,” pranced across the concert stage to the delight of her young fans.

“My daughter is only 1 1/2, but she’s a big fan of Perdita’s. She got to see her, and that’s a really big deal,” Christine Hendricks of Studio City said.

Although a scheduled appearance by Perdita prompted her to bring her daughter, Kyra, to the event, Hendricks said, “I knew I would be helping out a good cause.”

Steve Le Pore, executive director of My Friend’s Place, told the crowd, “This is the first time we have ever had a fund-raiser with so many little people. I know I will never see any of these kids [at the center] because you care, and you are here.”

Le Pore estimated there are 4,000 to 6,000 homeless or runaway youngsters living in Los Angeles. Many of them arrived seeking fame, he said.

My Friend’s Place, based in Hollywood, offers services in individual case management, substance-abuse counseling, on-site medical treatment, HIV testing, dental- and eye-care referrals, shelter referrals, legal aid, meals, hygiene supplies and clothing distribution.

Homeless teens can also receive computer training, high school diploma equivalency assistance, job referrals, ID cards and mail and telephone services.

Le Pore said that because the event was underwritten by corporate sponsors, all of the money raised will go directly to the nonprofit agency.