ORANGE, Calif., Oct. 17, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canyon Acres Children and Family Services, a Southern California charity organization committed to providing homes, care, treatment and supportive services for abused, neglected and emotionally troubled children and their families, and Speech and Language Development Center (SLDC), a school and therapy center for children and young adults with special needs, today announced the annual 'An Evening Under the Stars' fundraiser netted $170,000. More than 350 guests attended the event on Sunday, October 9th at Antonello Ristorante.
Proceeds will benefit Canyon Acres, SLDC and other children's charities sponsored by philanthropist group I Padrini di Antonello. In addition, every year at the event I Padrini honors individuals with its Shining Star award for philanthropic efforts in the community. This year's recipients were distinguished Orange County benefactors Pat and Mary Dirk.
Highlights of the event included a fabulous dinner of Osso Buco, paired with exquisite wines, and dancing under the stars to the band Soul Seven. Top auction items included a four-day, eight-person, private-wine tour of Napa and an Exclusive Resorts vacation package. Each lot sold for $7,000.
Erin Lastinger of the A. Gary Anderson Family Foundation and Windell Stout, President of I Padrini, co-chaired the event. Major sponsors included Gemini Industries, TROY Group Inc., Harker Campbell & Sage, LLP, Yard House Restaurants, A. Gary Anderson Family Foundation, California Sunset Escrow and Antonello Ristorante.
"Canyon Acres and SLDC are incredibly grateful for such generous support from I Padrini and from this year's donors and sponsors," said Linda Denton, Acting President of Canyon Acres. "'An Evening Under the Stars' is always one of our most popular events. It also provides tremendous help to the children and families in our care."
"It is so impressive and gratifying to see this group of people come together, ready to meet the needs of the children and young adults in our community. The members of I Padrini are generous not only with their time and money, but also with their hearts. They are dedicated to making the difference for children and young adults who can benefit from their help. We are so lucky to be a part of this wonderful event," said Dawn O'Connor, CEO/Principal of Speech and Language Development Center.
For more information, please visit www.canyonacres.org.
About I Padrini
I Padrini di Antonello is a group of businessmen who privately support children's causes and who have chosen to sponsor Canyon Acres and SLDC.
About Antonello Ristorante
Highly rated in the noted Zagat Guide for several years, Antonello Ristorante has earned a sterling reputation for having served luminaries the world over including presidents, foreign dignitaries, movie stars, entertainers, industrialists and other leaders. Proprietor Antonio Cagnolo is a multiple winner of the Golden Scepter Award and Circle of Fame Awards, two of the most prestigious honors a restaurateur can receive. In addition, his devotion and time-honored commitment to charitable concerns have been recognized numerous times. Antonello Ristorante is located at 3800 Plaza Drive, at South Coast Plaza Village. Call (714) 751-7153 for reservations and visit www.antonello.com for more information.
About SLDC
With a high staff-to-student ratio, on-campus therapeutic services and an experienced and highly trained staff, SLDC enables students to succeed. A multi-faceted approach, accented by a philosophy of acceptance and flexibility, provides an appropriate 'growth-medium' for students aged six months to 21 years.
About Canyon Acres
Canyon Acres Children and Family Services is dedicated to strengthening individuals and families through specialized treatment programs and services that support safe and healthy environments for youth. Since 1980, Canyon Acres has been serving children throughout Southern California, providing the highest level of care and therapeutic treatment to children who suffer from a variety of emotional and psychological disorders. Canyon Acres gives children the nurturing, treatment and opportunities they need to grow up in safe, loving, and stable families.