Vocational Visions Enchanted Evening Fundraiser Honors Chili's Restaurants and Nets Over $75,000

Vocational Visions popular Enchanted Evening fundraiser held on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at the Irvine Marriot Hotel featured a Rat Pack/Las Vegas theme and recognized Chili’s Restaurants as their Employer of the Year. The lively event, with many dressed in Rat Pack attire, was attended by 325 guests and net proceeds are estimated at more than $75,000 in support of the Mission Viejo-based nonprofit’s seven comprehensive programs that provide employment, adult day programs and community inclusion services to over 500 adults with Intellectual/Developmental and other disabilities.

Chaired by Mission Viejo councilmember and longtime Vocational Visions supporter, Cathy Schlicht, the Enchanted Evening with Las Vegas Legends featured an elaborate silent auction, dinner, live entertainment with the “Rat Pack” and the event highlight – a live performance by Vocational Visions participants.

Chili’s Restaurants in Aliso Viejo, Foothill Ranch and Mission Viejo were recognized as the 2016 Employer of the Year for employing 22 Vocational Visions participants since 2014 through the organization’s Adult Day Program, Pathways to Employment. Vocational Visions participants are supported on the job with one–on-one supervision. Job Developer Debbie Watkins says, “It’s a win-win as the participants at Chili’s and other local businesses are capable, conscientious and extremely grateful for the opportunity to work.”

The fundraiser began with a cocktail reception and silent auction as guests were entertained by saxophonist Vaughn Fahie. Vocational Visions executive director Joan McKinney, board chair Dr. Linda Albers and event chair Cathy Schlicht welcomed attendees, then Clint Hufft took the stage as both emcee and auctioneer.

The pledge opportunity netted $8,300 and top auction items included a Mariah Carey concert at Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas with dinner for two at Guy Fieri’s Las Vegas Kitchen and a two night stay at the Linq Hotel, a Porsche Design luxury Swiss timepiece and an Anaheim Ducks jersey autographed by Corey Perry.

A one-hour show by the Rat Pack featured classics from Fly Me to the Moon to Candy Man featuring Andy DiMino as Dean Martin, Lambus Dean as Sammy Davis Jr and Monty Aidem as Frank Sinatra.

Since 1974, Vocational Visions has provided vocational, economic and social services to Orange County adults with intellectual/developmental and other disabilities. The nonprofit organization has eight comprehensive programs that serve more than 500 men and women by providing pathways to employment, life-long learning, and community inclusion.

For more information, call 949.837.7280 or visit www.vocationalvisions.org.

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