Emily Shane Foundation Hosts Butterfly Magic Fundraiser

MALIBU, CA — The Emily Shane Foundation will host its annual Butterfly Magic Fundraiser on Sunday at Pepperdine University’s Alumni Park.

The foundation is named for Emily Shane, a 13-year-old girl who was fatally hit by a car while crossing Pacific Coast Highway in 2010. To honor her memory, the foundation created a Successful Education Achievement program that pairs college tutors with struggling middle school students at low-income schools in Los Angeles and Ventura counties who benefit from extra mentorship and support.

This year’s event will feature TV reporter Deborah Zara Kobylt as emcee, a magic show by magician Lex Schwartz, music from the Malibu Middle and High School choirs, sculptures by Ann Krasner, a taco and sweet shack food truck, a silent auction, a kid’s activity table, and the signature event: the release of several monarch butterflies into the air.

While the list of attractions has varied each year, it has almost always featured butterflies, which according to Emily’s mother Ellen were her favorite creature, and represent transformation: either from a struggling to a successful student, or a family transforming their grief into a positive change.

The outdoor event will go from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free, but a $10 Butterfly Sponsorship is encouraged.

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