The 2nd annual T.H.E. Event to raise money for the school district brought out celebrities, local officials and members of the community for a night of fun, food and music at the Calabasas Tennis & Swim Center Saturday night.
Last year's event raised over $400,000, and T.H.E. President Marc Hernandez expects bigger results this year.
"Just walking in here tonight, thanks to our new online-mobile bidding [which started a week ago], we've already raised more money in our silent auction than we did last year," he said.
Shortly after first the robo-call, voiced by Harrison, went out in May inviting residents to attend, VIP tables and box sponsorships sold out.
"When I went in to record the calls months ago, the first call was 'thank you.' The second call was 'Oh, we're sorry, it's all sold out,'" Harrison said.
"It's inspiring to see how committed people are to our schools," Hernandez said.
Striding the red carpet was returning emcee Chris Harrison (The Bachelor) as well as stars from Band From TV–who provided the evening's entertainment–featuring Greg Grunberg (drummer, vocals) Heroes, Alias; James Denton (guitar) from Desperate Housewives; Bob Guiney (vocals), who appeared on The Bachelor; Adrian Pasdar (guitar) of Heroes, Ultimate Spider-Man and The Lying Game; Scott Grimes (keyboard/vocalist) from American Dad, ER, and NCIS Los Angeles; Stephen Collins from 7th Heaven and all new Devious Maids; and Eddie Matos (percussion) from General Hospital and All My Children.
Throughout the evening, guests feasted at booths presented by local restaurants that included Brent’s Deli, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse, Gladstones, Mastro’s, Roy’s, Umami Burger and sampled wines from such labels as Silver Oak, Bevan Cellars and Tercero.
"We all give what we can," said Harrison. "But to be able to raise money and to know that it's staying home and helping our kids ... I know it's a little selfish, but it's nice to see the fruits of our labor."
Click here for more information about T.H.E. Foundation and how to become involved.
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