ANAHEIM HILLS, Calif., Oct. 12, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Canyon Acres Children and Family Services, a non profit organization committed to providing homes, care, treatment and supportive services for abused, neglected and emotionally troubled children and their families, netted $135,000 at An Evening Under the Stars, a benefit held at Antonello Ristorante. The event, co-hosted by I Padrini D'Antonello, took place on October 8 and raised money for immediate and ongoing children's expenses and programs.
The event is part of Canyon Acres' 25th Anniversary Campaign which has set a goal of raising $5.5 million to allow the agency to reconcile rising costs with a plateau in governmental support. The campaign will enable the agency to continue delivering on current and future promises to children in need.
"It was an absolute perfect night for Canyon Acres and our guests. The proceeds from An Evening Under the Stars will go directly to programs for the children and helped bring our Campaign up to $2.5 million toward our $5.5 million goal," said Erin Lastinger, General Chair of the Canyon Acres 25th Anniversary Campaign and CEO of the A. Gary Anderson Family Foundation.
The benefit featured a cocktail reception, dinner, program, live auction, and dancing to the sounds of the Frank Wright Band. Gemini Industries, Troy Group Inc., the A. Gary Anderson Family Foundation, Wells Fargo, Antonello Ristorante, and Orange Coast magazine sponsored the evening. The final guest count for the event was 230 attendees.
"We've received so much support from the community," said Clete Menke, Executive Director of Canyon Acres. "It's been a tremendous encouragement that our work here is really valued by those who recognize the responsibility to rescue our children. An Evening Under the Stars has been a success in so many ways. We've received an outpouring of support from community and business leaders both financially and from their presence at the event. It has truly brought attention to our cause and we are very thankful."
"It is such a joy to see the community rally behind Canyon Acres -- such a worthwhile organization and it does so much to help children who really need it," said S. Paul Musco, member of Canyon Acres Board of Directors and Founder and Chairman of Gemini Industries. "By doing this event, I Padrini has changed the lives of some very special children," added Windell Stout, President of I Padrini D'Antonello.
ABOUT CANYON ACRES
Canyon Acres Children and Family Services is the only facility in Orange County or the surrounding counties serving the most severely abused and emotionally troubled children between the ages of 6-17. Since 1980, Canyon Acres has been providing the highest level of care, therapeutic treatment and most importantly a home, to children throughout Southern California who suffer from a variety of emotional and psychological disorders. Canyon Acres gives children nurturing, treatment, and opportunities that they need to grow up in safe, loving, and stable families. For more information about Canyon Acres Children and Family Services, visit the Canyon Acres Web site at www.canyonacres.org or contact Bock Communications at +1-714-540-1030 or mjack@bockpr.com.