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15th Annual Dream Halloween®
By Jonathan Freeman-Anderson
The 15th Annual Dream Halloween, hosted by Jamie Lee Curtis, and honoring special guest Jada Pinkett Smith and her daughter Willow, raised over a million dollars for the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation. CAAF President Cathy Brown said, "The event is literally a dream for the kids and families involved. They are so ecstatic and happy. It's truly a special event for the kids."
The event featured celebrity appearances by Wilmer Valderrama, Jason Priestley, Kim Fields, Victoria Justice, Josh Hutcherson, and was presented at the Barker Hangar, in the Santa Monica Airport. Valderrama said, "It's an amazing event for everyone involved. I'm honored that I have been asked to be here and design a toy to be auctioned for this incredible charity." Josh Hutcherson, (Journey to the Center of the Earth, The Bridge to Terabithia, Zathura) said, "I feel this event is important because it goes to a very specific, and worthwhile cause. If I had a choice, I would spend the money on research and equipment to help more children affected by AIDS."
Some of the activities at the event included a costume contest, toy auction sponsored by Mattel, and various games setup to give candy and prizes. The kids would haunt LA-themed locations set up in the hangar like Holly-Weird, Mali-Boo, 9021-Uh-Oh and Bel-Scare Estates. The LA Scene-themed Los Angeles landmark towns featured trick-or-treating for toys, costume characters, games, arts and crafts and delicious food from Blue Velvet, Chaya, Citrus at Social, Dessert Alert, Drago Ristorante, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Roy's of Woodland Hills, Global Cuisine by Gary Arabia, Law Firm of Keesal, Young & Logan, Lucky Strike Lanes, New Zealand Natural Premium Ice Cream, Pastries by Edie, Roy's Woodland Hills, Sashi Sushi & Sake Lounge, Tanino Ristorante and Universal Studios Hollywood. When the guests arrived they got a pillowcase for candy, a camera, and a guest badge. When the parents returned the badge at the end of the night, they received a gift bag full of expensive goodies.
The auction featured toys designed by the celebrity guests including a hot wheels car that Wilmer Valderrama modeled after the car Sylvester Stallone drove in the 80s action film, Cobra, and included a miniature action figure based on Valderrama's likeness. Also, Jada Pinkett Smith and Willow designed exclusive Barbie Doll's made in their likeness. Also, various Batman action figures and a toy motorcycle from the new 'Dark Knight' sold individually for thousands.
Jerry Storch, Chairman and CEO, Toys"R"Us, Inc. received the foundation's Ribbon of Dreams ® Award in the Children's Advocate Award Category and Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker, LLP was honored in the Industry Award Category for their work in helping the organization achieve its mission.
The entire event was catered for kids in mind with hot dogs and hamburgers as the main course and various kid friendly hors d'oeuvres, as mom and dad enjoyed the VIP bar.
The event was dedicated to children in the U.S., Latin America and the Caribbean who are affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Ultim-ately, the event was a success with a large turnout and decent return. All the celebrities on hand had a good time. Jamie Lee Curtis, dressed as Uncle Sam, said "she loved seeing the smiles on the faces of kids and the families."
www.caaf4kids.org