Producer/director J.J. Abrams and Irish actress Katie McGrath will host a fundraiser for Marqueece Harris-Dawson, a Los Angeles City Council candidate for the 8th District seat of termed-out Bernard Parks on

Friday at Mr. Abrams’s Bad Robot offices, Santa Monica, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

Ticket prices range from $250 to $700.  Special guests include U.S. Rep. Karen Bass (D-Culver City-Los Angeles).

She founded the Community Coalition, where Mr. Harris-Dawson is president and CEO.

The Community Coalition is a civil rights group in South L.A. that advocates for better schools, safer neighborhoods, an equitable share of services and a local government that I responds to the people.

Mr. Abrams and Ms. McGrath have been strong philanthropic supporters of the Community Coalition, particularly its work around education reform.

“Having known Marqueece for many years through his work with the Community Coalition, we have seen his dedication to this city first-hand,” the couple said.  “We know he will be an asset to our city’s leadership.”

See www.Marqueece.com / facebook.com/mhd2015 / @marq4cd8

Ms. Lane may be contacted at karrenlane@gmail.com