Welcome to the Emerald City….
CARE 2009 is
goin’ GREEN. Well, not that kind of green…Emerald City Green!
BizParentz used the Wizard of Oz theme to highlight how our industry
has morphed though time. The classic Oz books gave way to a Broadway
show, to timeless film and now to the updated version in Wicked. Our
industry is constantly changing as well, but the history is valuable,
and so much stays the same!
Attendees
enjoyed a perfect California day and they headed off to Universal
Studios Hollywood via a private entrance. Since this year’s awardees
came from at least 14 states and Canada, we were thankful for the
beautiful weather! The 100 yard red carpet was buzzing with media as
each of the awardees struck a pose for the cameras and gave interviews.
Even Glinda and Elphaba, the witches of Oz, made an appearance, giving
the guests outside a glimpse of what was to come.
Inside,
awardees were presented with bags containing kid-centric gifts from our
sponsors. Everything from acting classes and industry books, DVDs and
CDs, toys and candy to indoor skydiving was included! The Universal
Studios backpacks were bulging with gifts worth more than $400. For a
list of our gift bag sponsors, please click here: See our sponsors!
As the
attendees entered the Globe Theatre, the theme became obvious: we’re
traveling to Oz! The green silk tablecloths were laden with gifts of
edible “bedazzled” emerald bonbons, collectible programs, and sparkling
centerpieces. Each guest was also treated to a special surprise: a
unique collectible pin designed by art winner and CARE 2009 awardee,
Avery Hatch. The pin was designed for use with the lanyards and “Defy
Gravity” event passes each guest received as they came through the
gates of the event. The pins’ message: “A Parent’s Love, A Child’s
Dreams”.
The catered
luncheon was served buffet style as each awardee got to see their
headshot on the giant screens at either side of the room. The ceremony
began when the “good witch” and the “bad witch” welcomed everyone to
their world, and introduced hosts Anne Henry and Paula Dorn from
BizParentz Foundation, and emcee Justin Shenkarow, former child actor
and National Chair of the Screen Actors’ Guild Young Performers
Committee.
The awardees
were called up by table number and received their trophy and photo op
with Glenda and Elphaba. Special recognition was given for winners of
the art component of the CARE application where awardees were asked to
design a logo about what the industry means to them and their families.
Brian Vermiere and Kristina Hughes of Holdon Log presented gift
packages to the winners that included goodies from Holdon Log, Joy
Theatre, and Disney Studios.
There were more
surprise winners as well! As part of their CARE applications, each
awardee wrote an essay answering the question, “If you could travel
anywhere, real or imagined, where would you go and why?”. The answers
the kids’ gave were amazing, including travel to foreign countries,
heaven, and a host of imaginary places. Blair and Brian from Casting
About presented six awardees with special awards, and they each
received a custom gift package from Breakdown Services, Laurel Springs
and Disney Studios.
Our big winner,
Savannah Lathem was presented with a gift package by Laurel Springs
School director Marilyn Moseley. Savannah’s award included a $2000
scholarship from Laurel Springs, collectibles from Disney Studios,
acting classes from Diane Christiansen for her prize package.
An inspirational message was shared by adult awardee Stanley Livingston (My Three Sons). Mr. Livingston has enjoyed a 53 year career in the entertainment industry and is now a producer. His most recent project is “The Actors Journey for Kids”.
The party
continued with performances that “Defy Gravity”. The audience was
wowed by Team Tempest who gave us a taste of their performances in
Twilight, Paul Blart Mall Cop and many other features (tempestfreerunning.com).
They introduced us all to the new sport of Free Running. Our guests
were also treated to a laser show compliments of RPI Entertainment.
Finally,
awardees were brought up on stage for a huge group pictures and the
nearly 150 professional child actors were showered with green and
silver streamers. Families then headed off down the yellow brick road
to spend the rest of their day in Universal Studios Themepark.
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