ORANGE, Calif., Oct. 12, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canyon Acres Children and Family Services, a Southern California charity organization committed to providing homes, care, treatment and supportive services for abused, neglected and emotionally troubled children and their families, today reported 'An Evening Under the Stars' netted more than $110,000. The yearly fundraiser is hosted by I Padrini d'Antonello, a group of businessmen who privately support children's causes. More than 250 guests attended the event on October 4th at Antonello Ristorante. Proceeds will benefit Canyon Acres and other children's charities.
"An Evening Under the Stars is one of the agency's most important fundraisers, and this year's event will go a long way in supporting our cutting-edge programs like Creating Family Connections," said Clete Menke, President of Canyon Acres. "We are especially grateful to I Padrini, Antonello Ristorante and all of the corporate and individual donors who helped make this year's dinner such a huge success(especially at a time when government funding for our programs is less consistent."
At the event, guests enjoyed world-renowned cuisine under a canopy of evening stars outside Antonello Ristorante. Highlights included a live auction featuring a trip to Italy and a set of magnum bottles of wine, opportunity prizes, and dancing to the rhythms of band Soul Shadows. Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens and Chapman University President Jim Doti attended the event along with many other distinguished guests.
In addition, I Padrini honored Antonio Cagnolo, owner of Antonello Ristorante, with its second annual Shining Star Award for philanthropic efforts in the community. Sponsors included Troy Group, Inc., Gemini Industries, A Gary Anderson Family Foundation, California Sunset Escrow, Coast Magazine, Antonello Ristorante, Overnite Express, SA Recycling, Chapman University, Lyon Capital Ventures, LLC, Marconi Foundation, US Capital and Bock Communications. Canyon Acres Board members Windell Stout and Erin Lastinger co-chaired.
"Programs like Creating Family Connections will be the first to benefit from funds raised at An Evening Under the Stars," said Stout, who is also President of I Padrini d'Antonello. "Helping children find long-lost family members is critical in delivering on the agency's mission to providing hope, love and care to the children who need it most."
For more information please visit www.canyonacres.org.
ABOUT CANYON ACRES
Canyon Acres Children and Family Services 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. Canyon Acres gives children nurturing, treatment, and opportunities that they need to grow up in safe, loving, and stable families. For more information about Canyon Acres Children and Family Services, contact Bock Communications at + 1-714-540-1030 or canyonacres@bockpr.com or visit the Canyon Acres Children and Family Services web site at www.canyonacres.org.