Miracles for Kids' Moroccan bash nets an impressive $505,000 (cont.)
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Kara Foster gave a moving speech about her family's journey since finding their 11-year-old son Garrett had a malignant brain tumor six years ago. Foster told of the grim prognosis after Garrett's eight-hour brain surgery, the years of radiation, chemotherapy and drugs, during which the family became destitute, and the amazing support of friends and literally strangers, who helped them get through those unbelievably trying years. "Because of the miracles around us," Foster said, "we didn't just survive, we thrived." The good news? Garrett, now 17, is a senior at J Serra High School, where he carries a full load of classes and is a varsity golfer. After meeting Greene earlier this year and being introduced to Miracles for Kids, Foster said, "We found a place that my family can help and make a difference."
The evening honored Carl Nolet, Jr., representing the family who owns Ketel One Vodka, with the 2009 Miracle Maker Award. In introducing him, Green said, "Carl has supported Miracles for Kids for years and has never hesitated or wavered with his donations."
The live auction, led by experienced auctioneer Jim Nye, was jam-packed with an amazing number of offerings, and guests did not hold back from bidding. Rudy DePorter won a walk-on part in Tom Arnold's new movie with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis that James Cameron is directing for $11,000. He won a similar item last year and gave it to his son. "This year, it's my turn," DePorter joked. The Costa Rica luxury package in a 7,000 square foot Spanish Colonial manor sold twice for $17,000 each time to Diane and Philo Smith and to Alden Brown. Sapphire Laguna chef/owner Azmin Ghahreman offered a Thanksgiving meal for 12, which sold 12 times at $1,500 a pop, as well as a series of six cooking classes in your home that sold for $12,000 – twice! Ghahreman, a Miracles for Kids board member, said, "I love this charity because the money we raise goes straight to the families who need it." Golf and lunch with Jerry West at the Bel Air Country Club went for $12,000, and the Park City, Utah 10,500 square foot retreat package sold for $11,000.
David Heil just couldn't keep his bidder paddle down. For $8,000, he won tickets to the "Iron Man 2" premiere and entrée to the star-studded cast party following with Robert Downey, Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Gwyneth Paltrow, Mickey Rourke, and Don Cheadle, as well as a three-night stay at the Montage Beverly Hills. But, Heil had to battle to win the Fight Club package at the MGM Grand with ringside seats for the welterweight bout between Manny "Pac Man" Pacquiao andMiguel Cotton, with tickets to see the winner take on Floyd Mayweather, Jr. in 2010. The final bid? $34,000!
Together with the generous auction and Fund-A-Family bidding, some high-power underwriting and an anonymous bidder's check for $100,000, the evening's net proceeds were estimated at an impressive $505,000.
Pssst…Martin Brunekis of Aliso Viejo won the Lugano Diamonds earrings for his elated wife Michala.
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