ABOUT THE SOUL POINTS FUND

At The Soul Points Fund, we’re all about bringing big companies, celebrities, and everyday people together to make a real difference.  Our goal is to create a strong network of support that crosses all kinds of boundaries.  We believe in building a culture of giving where no family in need gets left behind, and generosity and kindness drive positive change in our communities.

MEET THE MAGICIANS!

Raised on the island of Maui, David Kuraya is one of Hawaii’s foremost experts in sleight-of-hand magic.  For over a decade, he has captivated audiences with his polished one-man shows, performing across the country in venues ranging from casinos to universities.  You may have caught his incredible performances at the world-famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, Marvin’s Magic Theater, or the legendary Warren & Annabelle’s Magic on Maui.  Before pursuing a full-time career as an entertainer, David spent 12 years as a beloved band teacher. He continues to follow his passion for teaching while also embracing creative ventures on stage.  David is also a published author of Ginóskó: Tricks & Collected Wisdom from a Magician & His Mentors, a successful work reflecting his journey through magic.  David and his wife reside full-time in Maui, where the recent wildfires tragically impacted Warren & Annabelle’s, the theater where he honed his craft under the guidance of world-class magicians.  Now, through his Maui Kuraya Gifts, David brings the magic of hope to those in need, with proceeds supporting the local community.  www.davidkuraya.com

Johnny Ace Palmer is the first close-up magician to be awarded the title, World Champion Magician, from the International Federation of Magic Societies.  Johnny is a six-time award winner at The Magic Castle in Hollywood, including Close-up Magician of Year.  He has performed all over the world in a variety of venues for many clients.  His television credits include the Late Show with David Letterman and Masters of Illusion.  Johnny's greatest accomplishments happened when he and his wife magically made their two wonderful daughters appear.  He definitely believes he was put on this earth to do magic. www.johnnyacepalmer.com

Nelson Lee has been performing Magic for 12 years.  At 24 years old, he has established himself as a rising star in Magic where he has performed in Los Angeles, New York, Europe, and Asia. Notable events he has worked consist of The Golden Globe Awards, The LA Philharmonic, The LA Chargers, and was also featured on NBC’s The Today Show.  Additionally, Nelson is a Headliner at The World Famous Magic Castle and is even the champion of The Magic Castle Strolling Olympic Showdown.  Nelson’s lifelong goal is to bring entertainment and wonder to the people and Magic has accomplished so much of that for him and he continues to do so in his daily life.  www.nleemagic.com

Ian Michael Scheller is a magician based in Los Angeles, California.  He is a member of The Academy of Magical Arts, The International Brotherhood of Magicians and Sleight School. He frequently performs at The Magic Castle in Hollywood, a renowned venue for magicians and magic enthusiasts.  Born and raised in a print shop in North Brunswick, New Jersey, Ian's early exposure to visual arts laid the foundation for his diverse artistic pursuits.  Ian's philosophy emphasizes the importance of creative experimentation across disciplines - be it theater, science, music, fine art, literature, and magic - to find profound meanings in our connections to each other and the realities we live in.  He thanks his wife Heidi Jo and son Maxomillion for their incredible support and love.  For more information or to book a performance, visit his official website at ianmichaelscheller.com.  Instagram: @ianmichaelscheller

ABOUT THE TEAM

Mark Duplass is an award-winning actor, filmmaker, and producer known for his diverse work in film and television.  He starred in the Apple+ series The Morning Show, earning Emmy nominations in 2020 and 2024 and a 2022 Golden Globe nomination, and co-created the HBO series Togetherness with his brother Jay.  His notable film credits include The Puffy Chair, Your Sister’s Sister, Safety Not Guaranteed, Bombshell, Paddleton, the Creep franchise, and Biosphere.  Through Duplass Brothers Productions (DBP), Mark, Jay, and Mel Eslyn have created hit HBO series like Room 104 and Somebody Somewhere, along with acclaimed films such as 7 Days and Language Lessons.  In the documentary space, DBP produced the Emmy-winning Wild Wild Country and projects like The Lady and the Dale, Sasquatch, and Tony Hawk: Until the Wheels Fall Off.  Mark is currently starring alongside Ellen Pompeo in the Hulu miniseries Good American Family.  He is a co-founder of The Soul Points Fund.

Katie Aselton is an acclaimed actor and filmmaker.  Katie’s breakout acting role was in the indie darling, THE PUFFY CHAIR, directed by Mark and Jay Duplass.  She has since graced screens both big and small in some of your favorite shows and movies.  She made her directorial debut with the critically acclaimed film, THE FREEBIE.  Katie currently has her fourth and fifth feature films in post-production, MAGIC HOUR with Daveed Diggs and THEIR TOWN starring Ora Duplass and Chosen Jacobs.  She is a co-founder of The Soul Points Fund.

Lauren Moyer is the founder of Simplified by Lauren, LLC, a revered professional organizing and lifestyle company known for transforming spaces with intention and ease.  She is best known as the go-to home organizer for high-profile clients, including celebrities and professional athletes, most notably, members of the L.A. Kings and L.A. Dodgers.  Certified in residential organizing, Lauren also specializes in systems tailored for individuals with brain-based conditions such as ADHD, depression, and OCD.  Prior to launching her organizing business, Lauren founded Clementine Strategy & Consulting, where she built a reputation as a skilled writer, storyteller, and brand strategist.  She previously served as Marketing Director for a boutique investment bank and consulted with over 25 private clients, including Baggy Boy Films, the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, and AllianceBernstein.  Originally from the East Coast, Lauren began her career in Boston with roles at State Street Corporation, Otis & Ahearn, Hill Holliday, and United Way—where she contributed to the national launch of the “Live United” campaign.  She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Theater & Dance from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut.

Jay Lee is an LA based actor, director, occasional adjunct professor at USC, and magician member of the esteemed Magic Castle.  He also serves as both a company and board member of Antaeus Theatre Company.  Recent TV: CSI: Vegas, Looking for Alaska, American Vandal. Recent Theatre: The Importance of Being Earnest, Madwoman of Chaillot, Vieux Carre. Recent Magic: at odd dinners with friends.  He extends his heartfelt gratitude to the many who have contributed their kindness, both small and large, to this event.  And to you, for your support! 

Elizabeth Valenti is an LA based producer, actor, and writer.  This last year she was on the festival circuit for her short Puppy Love that she co-wrote, produced, and starred in.  It won several audience awards.  She also recently attended Cleveland International Film Festival for the short The Music Store, which she produced; there it won the Programmers' Choice award.  She also recently produced the short film Other Other, written/directed by Mohamad El Masri, now on Short of the Week!  She's going into the 2025 festival circuit with films she produced, including Long Pork, starring Lena Headey and Marc Menchaca; Blood Boys, starring Booboo Stewart and Jamie Clayton; and See This, starring Rachel Hilson.  Recent TV: Hacks, The Conners, Minx, and Platonic (upcoming).  Most importantly, thank you all for your kindness and generosity for such an important cause!