Steady dose of hope
Erin Park
MEDIA DISTRICT WEST - As an eighth-grader, she sold lemonade and
cookies to raise money for guide dogs for the blind.
In college, she volunteered at soup kitchens and juvenile hall.
And now, Musette Buckley, vice president of production services for
Warner Bros., devotes her free time to helping homeless mothers and their
children.
In June, Buckley’s dedication to her volunteer work earned her
recognition by Time Warner, Warner Bros.’ parent company, with the 2000
Andrew Heiskell Community Service Award.
Buckley was one of 10 Time Warner employees in the nation to receive
the honor, which is given out annually and is the company’s most
prestigious award for employees active in community service. Award
recipients are given a $5,000 prize, $3,000 of which goes to their
charity.
Buckley does most of her work with Planet Hope, a nonprofit
organization based in Studio City founded by Kelly Stone and her sister,
actress Sharon Stone. Moved by her involvement the organization, Buckley
opened her home to a homeless mother, Gracie Preciado, and her three
children.
Buckley and Preciado met in 1998 at Camp Planet Hope, a four-day
retreat in Malibu that offers medical and dental care, seminars on child
care and employment opportunities, as well as traditional camp activities
for children. Women are given help with their resumes and even make-overs
to build self-esteem.
“The first day of camp was one of the most touching days of my life,”
Buckley said.
Though 50 mothers and 120 children attended the camp that year,
Buckley said Preciado and her kids made an impression.
“I heard from others that [Preciado] was at her rope’s end,” Buckley
said.
After the long weekend, instead of returning to the shelter, Preciado
and her children were invited to stay with Buckley in her home.
“During that week, I learned that I can trust a total stranger to be
good to my kids and me and not want anything in return,” Preciado said.
At the other end of the partnership, Buckley had a different
perspective.
“I learned that a total stranger would actually let me help her,” she
said.
The day after coming to stay with Buckley, Preciado received a call
from Planet Hope for a job interview. Preciado has worked as the office
coordinator for the organization for almost two years and was set up in a
furnished apartment by Planet Hope.
Buckley has convinced many in her office to join Planet Hope programs.
Her friend and co-worker Richard Franceschini, the manager of production
resources for Warner Bros., took note of her efforts and nominated
Buckley for the award. “She has a way of making volunteer work fun and
enjoyable. She’s a great leader,” Franceschini said.
Preciado said she’s not surprised by Buckley’s success working with
families.
“Musette is a child magnet,” she said.
THE BUCKLEY FILE
HOMETOWN: San Francisco.
HOME: Hollywood Hills.
AGE: 37.
OCCUPATION: Vice president of production services for Warner Bros.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in business from the University San
Francisco; studied film at Loyola Marymount University.
HOBBY: Participating in charity golf tournaments.