Croquet for a Cause: CeCe

By Victoria Ullman

The definition of the word Charity is the voluntary giving of help to those in need, an organization set up to provide help and raise money and awareness for those in need.  Ladies, I don’t own or trumpet nor do I know how to play one, but consider this your call to action!   

About a year ago I found myself taking a serious look at the business and artistic landscape in Hollywood.  What I saw, I didn’t like. Why were all of the vistas and seemingly insurmountable mountaintops mostly dotted with men? Why aren’t there more women in executive positions in studios?  Why aren’t there more films made/directed by women? Why aren’t there more female writers in this industry?  I knew I had to do something about it. 

....So, over a bottle of wine one night, I decided to start a charity called CeCe: Croquet for a Cause with my friend and co-founder, Lily.  Unlike other charities, we knew this one had to be different.  It had to be fun and informational but above all else strive to make a serious impact for younger women in this highly competitive industry.  We wanted to focus on supporting one another rather than being competitive (we all know there is enough of that out there!)  And we wanted to shine a light on all of the amazing, inspirational women that we know.  

We also realized that an amazing organization already existed that shared our qualities, Women in Film. They bring support to a whole new level with their Mentoring Circles.  Having been an actress in this highly competitive town for a few years now, makes the idea of a place where I can be nurtured and supported really appealing.  My Mentoring Circle has been such an amazing experience where I meet with 9 other women in this industry, in all fields from editing to producing, writing to directing, and hosting to acting. We are led by 2 amazing mentors that have been in this industry for a long time and know the “ins and outs” of it all. There is a level of understanding that is unique to mentoring, that Lily and I found was important to share.  

CeCe will be hosting their inaugural one-day charity croquet tournament/garden party in conjunction with Women in Film on October the 19th, 2013 at Culver Studios from 1pm-5pm. Parking is free and the price of admission is $75.  If you register now though, you can use promo code CECE48 to get discounted tickets for $50.  It will be a day of cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, networking and, of course, croquet, all working towards bringing awareness to the Women in Film Foundation's Mentorship Program. Mentoring is such a huge part of shaping one's career and in this male dominated business it is so important to support each other as women.  Our website is http://www.croquetforacause.com if you would like to take a closer look.   

I hope to see all of you there!

Victoria Ullmann is Austrian/American. She graduated from Emerson College with a BFA in Acting. She is dedicated to giving women a voice in the global media market and through that, giving women all over the world, in all walks of life, a chance to be heard. In founding CeCe, Victoria seeks to draw attention to women everywhere, illustrating once and for all, that we are not second-class citizens, that we are in fact equal to men in all aspects (except maybe when it comes to American Ninja Warrior) and that we are able to have as much impact on this world as men do. While she thinks men are an invaluable part of the human race, she also believes that women are just as smart as men and sometimes even better problem solvers. Especially when it comes to croquet.