Winner:                         emad

Winning Submission:  " Cancer Fight Inspires Revival of Venice Beach Landmark An individual’s reaction to a life threatening diagnosis is a very subjective thing. Some people can retreat from society with a feeling of helplessness or grief. Some may panic or go into denial. Others, like Debbi Singer, confront it head on and emerge a better, more inspired person because of the ordeal. Debbi has been the owner and operator of C&O Trattoria since 1992. After a devastating diagnosis of ovarian cancer in 2009, she went into fighting mode. Fortunately, she was successful in her fight, but she inevitably found herself re-evaluating her priorities--a common reaction to such a traumatic event. What is not so common is how Debbi was able to take action on the new priorities her reflections led her to. Though it would make sense if Debbi were worn out from her ordeal, she actually felt energized. You see, re-evaluating her priorities resulted in a renewed passion for her business and her artistic expression. She knew her restaurant, a Venice Beach landmark since 1969, was in need of a renovation, and she was ready to spruce things up. However, instead of hiring artists and designers to revamp her restaurant, she did something most people wouldn’t even consider-- she donned her overalls, grabbed a paint brush, and did it herself! Just as her cancer ordeal was a journey, so was the renovation. Debbi found the time she spent immersing herself in the project therapeutic. She professes, “The joy of a much needed ‘remodel recreation’ was a part of my healing and rebirth.” This can also be said of C&O Trattoria. That spark of energy and artistic expression that pushed Debbi through the revival of her business is evident throughout the restaurant. The Northern Italian concept of C&O (Cheese and Olive) Trattoria is unique to the Los Angeles area. Debbi’s hope is that local customers who may have forgotten about the restaurant or are unaware of the remodel will take notice and return to enjoy all it has to offer. She even has a wonderful website with plenty of information, including what’s on the menu; catering & party information; address and hours, and contact information. There is even a page on the history of the restaurant. Check it out at: www.cotrattoria.com. Debbi Singer emerged from her cancer battle re-energized to take on life and the changes she felt she needed to make. She channeled her renewed energy through artistic expression using her restaurant as a canvas. By taking on the renovation herself, the restaurant doesn’t just have a fresh coat of paint. The walls of C&O Trattoria now reflect the spirit of hope and the passion for life. "

Award amount:             $ 50.00