Sunday, August 22, 2004
AUG 22: EVENT REVIEW: Kids-n-Pets First Fundraiser
(August 22, 2004: Hollywood, CA) What do pets, bowling and vodka have in common? Mix with love and fun, and they can raise money to help children -- which is exactly what happened when Lucky Strike Lanes hosted the first official fundraiser for Kids-n-Pets.
For one (very reasonable) donation, the evening included an array of free activities, nourishing for body, soul and stomach. Guests packed the specially-reserved lanes and VIP area, where they were bowled over by the bowling, food (tasty pizza and salads), Stockholm Kristall Vodka drinks (or soft drinks for the numerous kids in attendance), celebrity team captains, silent auction, pet-themed goodie bags and fun prizes.
Celebrities supporting the cause included Niecy Nash (of Clean House and Comedy Central’s Reno 911), Carlos Alazraqui (also from Reno 911, and the voice of the most famous chihuahua in TV history, that Taco Bell minipooch), Mark Burnette (Style Network’s Clean House), Patrika Darbo (Days of our Lives), Amy Bruckner (Rage Control, Disney’s Phil of the Future), Chris Pontuis (MTV’s Wild Boyz), Lisa Ann Walter (Shall We Dance), Steve Truitt (Reporter NBC), Nzinga Blake (Cartoon Network’s Friday’s), Greg Cipes (Gilmore Girls), and EG Daily (Babe & Rugrats).
The night-time fundraiser for KIDS-N-PETS celebrated the launch of their non-profit, and created awareness of their program for children, especially those in under-privileged areas of Los Angeles. Founded in 2004, Kids-n-Pets is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, which utilizes the bond children have with animals to provide life skills education, literacy programs, and therapeutic services to youngsters throughout L.A. County. Their motto is "Teach a child, build the future". For more info about their organization -- or to inquire about their next events (September 26th LA Pet Bazaar at Kids-n-Pets, and a giant garage sale October 9-10 at 7165 Hollywood Blvd) -- call 323-969-8881, or email them at info@kidsnpets.org , or visit www.kidsnpets.com .
Special thanks to Nicole Landers at Landers PR for her assistance on this event.
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Don Rose is an L.A.-based freelance writer, specializing in entertainment, the arts and technology. He writes The Rose Review, an online magazine and blog (www.therosereview.com). Dr. Rose is available for writing projects and consulting; he may be reached at (310) 729 1683 or at ddrose@aol.com.
