The Friends of Dorothy Guild, supporting AIDS Services Foundation Orange County, raised a record $70,000 at its Haunted Halloween at the Village Crean Costume Party, Dinner & Auction. This brings the Dorothys’ total fundraising efforts for ASF to $622,782 since the group’s 2007 founding..
“This Halloween, we exceeded every goal – the décor was over the top. Supporters were generous beyond our dreams and the costumes were fantastic. The event was sold out, we felt badly we had to turn people away,” said Guild Founder and Chair Barbara Venezia.
The legendary Crean estate was filled to capacity with 250 partygoers bedecked, bedazzled and ghoulishly costumed, all opening their hearts and hands to support AIDS Services Foundation.
These services include food, transportation, housing, emergency financial assistance, family support programs, mental health counseling, support groups, and HIV education and prevention.
Dorothy Guild Member Mark Eskander was among the generous donors and presented Venezia with a check for $10,000 from the Louise Mandel Charitable Trust.
Other underwriters who offered in-kind support so the maximum gift could be made to ASF were: Barefoot Wine & Bubbly; Billy’s Naked Chicken for the dinner; D.J. Golden Mike and his pal Elvis Presley, AKA Gary Anderson. Ellie Shoes provided the signature shoe awards and Pat Kennedy led the decorating team. The Newport Beach Explorers, Spirit Halloween Store and Classic Party Rentals all donated time and services.
Desserts were donated by Caroline Soaks, Diva Cakes and Everything Bundt Cakes in Costa Mesa.
ASF Board President Maria Marquez and Executive Director Phil Yaeger and were also on hand to welcome the colorful throng. They introduced the Dorothys’ signature Shoe Awards presentation, where donors and in-kind supporters receive sparkling high-heeled shoes in various colors to recognize their in commitment to ASF and, in particular, the Friends of Dorothy Guild.
For more information, visit friendsofdorothy.org.
Photos by Doug Gifford
- Susan and Tom Neas.
- Kergan Edwards-Stout and Russ Noe.
