When Candy Spelling downsized from her legendary 57,000-square -foot home to a 17,000- square-foot apartment, it was an event. In fact, her relocation was the subject of a highly rated reality series on HGTV. She and her family lived in her former mansion for 10 years before she hosted a party for anyone outside her most-intimate circle, so the opportunity to get a first glimpse at her brand-new penthouse apartment was highly coveted.
So what did Spelling do with this precious commodity?
She gave it away.
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By selling tickets to the housewarming to a select crowd of elite real-estate professionals, highly curious high-net-worth individuals and supportive personal friends, Spelling raised more than $20,000 for LA's BEST After School Enrichment Program. They wandered the art- filled hallways, gazed into the two-story shoe closet, peered at the skyline from the “rose room” and peered down upon the entire 20th Century Fox movie studio from the living room. Million-dollar homes look like toys from this vantage point. The giddy crowd paid $500 apiece for the privilege. None appeared disappointed by the experience. And the charity seemed more than pleased itself.
Spelling sits on the board of LA's BEST and therefore has first-hand knowledge of the challenge that non-profits face as government funding declines, corporate giving tightens and individual charitable giving continues to be anemic.
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“Non-profits have to find new ways to raise awareness and raise money to provide the services society tends to take for granted,” says Carla Sanger, President and CEO of LA's BEST. The organization is celebrating its 25th anniversary in a black-tie gala at the Beverly Hilton on June 22, hosted by NBA superstar Chris Paul.
Although the gala is a staple of fund-raising, the auction items the organization is offering are another example of“thinking way, way outside the box,” said spokesman Belma Michael Johnson. “These days, there is no box. At one point, we seriously considered auctioning off a board member's horse. The only reason we didn't do it was because of the liability. Instead, we're auctioning a puppy.”
The pure-bred German Shepherd will actually attend the black-tie gala in order to melt the hearts of prospective owners in-person and hopefully create a bidding war among the tuxedoed supporters – all for the benefit of the charity.
Meanwhile, the NBA's reigning All-Star Game MVP, Chris Paul, will auction off his talent – agreeing to teach basketball fundamentals in a private basketball clinic for one lucky winner and up to nine friends. Or perhaps a donor would prefer to be personally styled like a cover girl (or boy) by Lubov and Max Azria, founders of BCBGMAXAZRIA and recipients of the highest award at the LA's BEST HONORS ceremony at the Beverly Hilton.
LA's BEST auction items vary from a week with servants at a Tuscany villa to a night at the Hollywood Bowl in a coveted pool circle box.
They’re offering a personalized voice mail message by Doris Roberts (“Everybody Loves Raymond”), plus a signed copy of a “Raymond” script, as well as the winning bidder’s choice of a cup of tea or glass of wine with the TV legend.
Cosmetic services from a prominent plastic surgeon. A Fender guitar signed by Tom Petty. A customized version of a Hot Wheel car with your kid's picture on the vehicle, as the centerpiece of an exclusive birthday-party. And of course sports memorabilia, including autographs from athletes that enthusiasts know as CP3, RGB, and the Big 3.
All for a good cause. Contributors can log on at http://www.biddingforgood.com/lasbest to preview the items on Jan. 14. Bidding opens June 17 and closes on June 23. Or one can bid in- person at the gala on June 22. The auction opens at 6:30 p.m., with a few items to be auctioned during the dinner.
LA's BEST provides after school services to 28,000 children in 189 schools in the neighborhoods with the highest needs around Los Angeles. The program was conceived and founded by Mayor Tom Bradley in 1988 and has continued through every Mayoral administration since. Mayor-Elect Eric Garcetti has supported LA’s BEST for years as a member of the Los Angeles City Council.
“Times are tough,” Sanger says. “So we just have to work harder and smarter. We serve children, so the future is literally at stake. We must find a way. And we will.”
LA's BEST After School Enrichment Program CONTACT:
Belma Michael Johnson
VP, Communications & Public Affairs
(213) 978-0801 Belma.Johnson@lacity.org
Media RSVP CONTACT:
Monica Busby (323) 381-0000 Monica@qle-pr.com
Mariesha Richard (626) 622-7268 Mariesha@qle-pr.com
