Since its debut two decades ago, Project Playhoue has captivated millions of visitors, raised a total of $6.3 million and enlisted more than 10,000 volunteers. The result — 48 housing developments and 1,050 beds, providing 4.2 million bed nights over the last 22 years and 386,535 bed nights in 2010 serving victims of domestic violence, abused children and homeless families.
450 guests arrived to bid on this year’s playhouses from Project Playhouse®, the signature annual fundraiser benefitting HomeAid OC. The 2011 collection of fantasy playhouses, which had been open to the public to tour for over a month at the Irvine Spectrum Center, were built and donated by generous home builders, Nicholson Companies, Shea Homes, and William Lyon Homes.
“It’s has been amazing to see how the Orange County community has come together for the last 20 years to inspire hope and build homes that can change the lives for the homeless ” said John Racunas, standing with his Project Playhouse Committee Co-Chair, Brandi Uehli.
The Over the Rainbow Cottage playhouse team thanked the room as they accepted the People's Choice award, which was voted favorite by the public. Guests also enjoyed the spirited live auction, fine dining, and silent auction, as well as danced until midnight to Super Diamond, the ever-popular Neil Diamond cover band. The winner was also announced for HomeAid’s Extreme Kitchen Makeover’s opportunity drawing, valued at $33,000, which includes KitchenAid Stainless Steel Appliances donated by Ferguson Bath, Kitchen and Lighting Gallery, Custom Cabinetry by Hartmark Cabinet Design and Manufacturing and Countertops by Famosa Tile and installation by Epic Stone.
This year’s top sponsors, include: Hayes Martin Associates, Bank of America, PCV Murcor, The Russ and Kathy Van Cleve Foundation, Province Group, Lyon Communities, Jackson DeMarco Tidus & Peckenpaugh, Fidelity National Title Insurance Company, Hampton Products International, imortgage, Lifescapes International, Surterrre Properties and Darren Lang Family Foundation.
Live auction items were a highlight of the evening and included donations from the Anaheim Ducks, Black, Starr & Frost, Corum, and Ferrari/Masterai of Newport Beach, Pelican Hill and Sunseeker Yacht Group.
ABOUT HOMEAID OC
HomeAid Orange County is a non-profit organization founded in 1989 by the Orange County Chapter of the Building Industry Association of Southern California, with a mission to build and maintain dignified housing where homeless men, women and children can rebuild their lives.
Since 1989, HomeAid OC has raised millions of dollars and created partnerships between residential builders and county service providers to achieve a common goal. The total project value of HomeAid OC is an estimated $57,643,176 and three new developments are currently in progress with an estimated value of $9,020,260. The mission continues and HomeAid remains committed to changing lives and inspiring hope in those who need it most. For more information, please visit http://www.homeaidoc.org/ or http://www.projectplayhouse.org/.