Playground of Dreams (POD), a new innovative non-profit mentoring program that teams entertainment industry influencers with children to help foster their creativity, confidence, leadership skills and unique purpose in the world is proud to announce that its first-ever “Coolest Variety Show on Earth” raised $30,000 in funds for the charity.
The donations from the benefit will flow directly to the Los Angeles-based organization in bringing in a new team of children, advancing its current team into their community service initiative, growing their national presence, and make it possible for the maximum number of children to participate and realize their dreams.
For its first-ever full-scale benefit, POD saw an overwhelming amount of support from the community. More than 500 people attended the sold out “Coolest Variety Show on Earth,” including a slew of celebrities such as actress Vanessa Williams, actress Frances Fisher, E! News correspondent Catt Sadler, actors Aldis and Edwin Hodge, NBA great Joe Smith, actor Ernie Hudson, actress Sharon Lawrence, actor Dash Mihok, actor Martin Kove, and actress Erin Cahill.
The main event at the benefit was an impressive variety showcase starring the children of Playground of Dreams expressing their number one passions through song, dance, science, spoken word poetry and other talents.
“I have never seen so many standing ovations in one place in my life,” says Brian Larrabee, Co-Founder of Playground of Dreams." “What was intended to be a day of our Playground of Dreams kids expressing and fulfilling their dreams, turned into a celebration of everybody in the theatre experiencing what it is like to live the life of their dreams.”
Special performances by The School of Rock, actor Dash Mihok, actor Travis Van Winkle, actress Sharon Pierre-Louis, international recording artist Kandace Lindsey, bands COED and Mosaic also wowed the crowd. In addition to the live acts, the event included a “Dream Panel,” featuring Catt Sadler, Sharon Lawrence, Frances Fisher, Martin Kove, two time Oscar-winning sound engineer Ron Judkins, and talent manager Michael Greenwald. The event also included interactive “dream clinics” such as a build-your-own-superhero station, “Michael The Baker” baking station, E! News hosting clinic by Women Like Us foundation, an artistry station with live music and painting and hosted by World Peace Project 24 Peaces.
“Our sincerest gratitude and thanks for the contributions of all of our sponsors, kids, volunteers and attendees – all of which made this possible,” says Anna Herbert, Playground of Dreams Co-Founder. “Everyone was 100% invested in creating this magnificent event, and we really appreciate their commitment, patience, giving, and love. We are excited to work with all of them in the future!”
Event attendees enjoyed food, drinks and prizes donated by sponsors including Lacoste, Village Pizzeria, Level 3 Design Group, Sweet Crush Ice Bar, Duff Goldman’s Cake Mix, EarthBar, Hint Water, Ice Link, KB Covers, Chef Richie Million, Cinema Secrets, Blue Ice Vodka, Corozon Maya Tequila and Kickin’ Foods.
Source: PRWeb.com
