ORANGE, Calif., Oct. 15, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- I Padrini di Antonello, a philanthropic group committed to supporting children's causes in Orange County, today announced the 7th annual 'An Evening Under the Stars' fundraiser netted over $140,000. More than 350 guests attended the event on Sunday, October 7h at Antonello Ristorante at South Coast Plaza Village.
Proceeds will benefit Kinship Center-Canyon Acres, a nonprofit agency that creates and supports permanent families for children, and Speech and Language Development Center (SLDC), a school and therapy center for children and young adults with special needs and other children's charities sponsored by 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 Jim and Ilene Harker.
Highlights of the event included a fabulous dinner of short ribs, paired with exquisite wines, and dancing under the stars to the sounds of Tino and his band. Top auction items included a four-day, eight-person, private-wine tour of Napa and wine lots including limited release wines.
Erin Lastinger of the A. Gary Anderson Family Foundation and Windell Stout, President of I Padrini, co-chaired the event. Event sponsors included Gemini Industries, TROY Group Inc., Harker, Campbell & Sage, LLP, Marconi Foundation for Kids, Yard House Restaurants, A. Gary Anderson Family Foundation, California Sunset Escrow and Antonello Ristorante. Honored guests included Senator Marian Bergeson, Rt'd, professional football star Vince Ferragamo and previous Shining Star award recipients, Lula Halfacre, Antonio Cagnolo, Dick Marconi and Patrick and Mary Dirk.
"A very special thank you to the steering committee and all who attended to make this event such a success," expressed Windell Stout, President of I Padrini. "Because of everyone involved, I Padrini will be able to change many children's lives over the next year."
"It is so impressive and gratifying to see this group of people come together, ready to meet the needs of the children in our community," stated Erin Lastinger, event co-chair and Kinship Center board member. "The members of I Padrini are generous not only with their time and treasure, but also with their hearts. They are dedicated to making a difference in children's lives in lasting, meaningful ways and we are most grateful for their support."
For more information, please visit www.kinshipcenter.org www.sldc.net
About I Padrini
I Padrini di Antonello is a group of businessmen who privately support children's causes and who have chosen to sponsor Kinship Center-Canyon Acres and SLDC.
About Antonello Ristorante
Celebrating its 33rd anniversary and recently voted Best Italian Food in Orange County by Golden Foodies, 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 Speech and Language Development Center
With a high staff-to-student ratio, on-campus therapeutic services and an experienced and highly trained staff, Speech and Language Development Center 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 Kinship Center-Canyon Acres
Canyon Acres has been serving children throughout Southern California since 1980, providing the highest level of care and therapeutic treatment to children who suffer from a variety of emotional and psychological disorders. Since 1984 Kinship Center has helped build and strengthen families for thousands of children through family-centered education, training, and tools for success in dealing with the complex issues surrounding adoption, foster care, and kinship care.
The Kinship Center-Canyon Acres logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=15177