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An enchanted evening of fundraising for the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games
by Justine Sgalio
What could be more exciting than a glitzy Hollywood-like affair complete with a silver carpet walk, fine dining and celebrity entertainment? It doesn't get much better that that, but on 6 September 2007, it did.
The star-studded fundraising event, "Share the Magic," cast its allure on Boise, Idaho, USA, to honor and celebrate Special Olympics athletes and help raise funds to host the 3,000 athletes and 85 delegations expected to attend the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games.
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Actor and director Henry Winkler (right) and newswoman and community volunteer Chantal Westerman (left) introduce guests as they walk down the silver carpet. |
All eyes were on the honored guests and athletes as they walked a silver carpet leading into the elegantly garnished lobby of the Boise Centre on the Grove. Upon entering, guests were treated to a glass of champagne and a flurry of fresh snowflakes falling from overhead, creating a winter wonderland on the warm summer evening.
Inside the ballroom, sheer, white fabric draped from the ballroom ceiling and a sea of ivory bathed the elegantly decorated tables. Illuminated snowflakes danced on the walls as actor and director Henry Winkler and NBC Apprentice contestant Troy McClain hosted some 500 guests in attendance, including Special Olympics athletes and Global Messengers, celebrities and dignitaries.
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Special Olympics Idaho athletes Evelyn Martinez (left) Kirk Grogan (right), who is also a 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games Board Member, as they walk down the silver carpet. |
Host Henry Winkler, along with guests, watch a Special Olympics video at the beginning of the program. |
Special guests included actor Scott Glenn, Hollywood producer Gary Smith, Grammy Award winner Jennifer Holliday, musicians Jimmy and Donnie Demers, Idaho Governor Butch Otter and First Lady Lori Otter, and Special Olympics Chairman Timothy Shriver.
The program was packed with nonstop entertainment from four different stages spread out across the lavish ballroom. Despite being fancy and elaborate down to the very last detail, the heart of the event centered on the true stars of the show—the athletes. As they paraded in, making their way to the stage, the 23 Special Olympics athletes were given a rousing ovation by the packed house.
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Co-chairs of the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games, Pirie (left) and Jim (right) Grossman speak to guests. |
Hosts Troy McClain (left) and Henry Winkler (second from right) greet Special Olympics athletes being introduced as they walk across the stage. |
The evening was filled with courageous and inspirational stories from Special Olympics athletes Evelyn Martinez, Kirk Grogan and International Global Messenger Dustin Plunkett, as well as moving videos from celebrities, including Paula Abdul, Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore, Mark Hamill and Judith Light, all encouraging guests to step up and “Be a fan.”
The fundraiser grossed nearly $1.5 million for the Games, led by the $500,000 donations contributed by the Micron Foundation and an anonymous Texan’s generosity. An energetic live auction hosted by Winkler, McClain and local auctioneer Tom Hennessey featured five intangibles, as well as athlete and delegation sponsorships, which brought in more than $195,000 for the organization. Funds also were secured from ticket sales and donations, all of which will help Idaho, USA, welcome the world from February 6-13 in 2009.
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Idaho Governor Butch Otter and First Lady Lori Otter. |
Grammy Award winner Jennifer Holliday wows the crowd with her performance. |
Photos courtesy: Steve Conner Photography
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