With a "Hollywood" theme, Special Olympics Southern California staged its annual Pier del Sol fundraiser at the Santa Monica Pier at Pacific Park on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2014
This year’s event included a VIP brunch with spectacular cuisine from nearly 35 of LA’s top restaurants, including Chef Michael Cimarusti of Providence, Chef Olivier Rousselle of On Sunset, Chef Tanino Drago of Tanino Ristorante, and Chef Ermando Robles of Porto Via.
The event featured music, entertainment, all the rides and games of Pacific Park with game booth prizes. Attendees had their chance to win fabulous silent auction prize packages from shopping sprees to local entertainment. Participants also enjoy arts and crafts and karaoke.
“Pier del Sol is a fun day at the pier that the whole family can enjoy, while making a difference in the lives of Special Olympics athletes,” said Bill Shumard, President and CEO of Special Olympics Southern California. “Each year, we bring out an entertaining new theme, and we hope the public will continue to come out and enjoy the wonderful cuisine, live music, and games on the historic Santa Monica Pier at Pacific Park.”
At this year’s fundraiser, Special Olympics honored The Coca-Cola Company. The Coca-Cola Company has been an Official Global Partner of Special Olympics for 46 years, and has had significant impact on the Southern California program through financial support, budget relieving Coca-Cola products, leadership engagement on SOSC’s Board of Directors, marketing and promotional support of our competitions, and a loyal and passionate team of volunteers. In 2015, that support will extend to the 7,000 athletes competing in the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles.
“The Coca-Cola Company has proven to be a very valuable partner to Special Olympics,” said Shumard. “We couldn’t be prouder to honor them at this high-level event.”
Handfuls of celebrities and sports figures visited the pier for the fundraiser, with Maria Shriver and Los Angeles County Supervisor candidate Bobby Shriver attended as honorary chairs. Since 1997, Pier del Sol has raised nearly $8 million, benefiting and changing the lives of more than 17,000 Special Olympic Southern California athletes.
Founded in 1969 by Olympic decathlon gold medalist Rafer Johnson, Special Olympics Southern California offers opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities to participate in year-round sports training and competition. More than 17,000 athletes and 15,000 coaches and volunteers take part in 12 Olympic-style sports.
