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Newsroom
Kids of All Ages Have Fun in the Sun, Raise $1 Million for Pediatric AIDS at A Time for Heroes Celebrity Carnival
6/11/2008
On a sunny, cloudless afternoon in Brentwood, California, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation hosted the A Time for Heroes Celebrity Carnival, presented by Disney. The June 8 carnival was a huge success, providing a day of family fun and raising nearly $1 million to help support the Foundation’s lifesaving programs for children and families. The carnival has been a tradition in Los Angeles since Elizabeth Glaser and her two friends, Susie Zeegen and Susan DeLaurentis, started the Foundation nearly 20 years ago.
Ticket-holders knew they were in for a treat before they even arrived: A massive Ferris wheel emblazoned with the Foundation’s logo was visible for miles. But that was just the beginning. The carnival offered a dizzying array of activities — games, crafts, food, musical performances, and dozens of celebrity “heroes” who attended the carnival to help fight pediatric AIDS and have some fun of their own.
Robin Williams entertains guests at Wonderland of Stories. |
“The Elizabeth Glaser Foundation is just so special because they have improved the lives of millions of children who have been sent on this medical journey,” said actor Henry Winkler.
The Disney activities were clustered under a grove of shady trees, where actors Robin Williams and Blair Underwood dueled against young warriors with foam-rubber swords in Disney’s Voyage to Narnia, and actor Seth Green and Survivor host Jeff Probst read to children at Wonderland of Stories. Courteney Cox, David Arquette, and Marcia Cross hung out at Pixie Hollow, where children (and a few adults) designed their own fairy wings and wands.
Blair Underwood battles an opponent at Voyage to Narnia. |
David Arquette and Courteney Cox pose for photos at Pixie Hollow. |
Nicole Richie and Joel Madden stroll the carnival grounds.
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Guests with green thumbs had several activities to choose from: decorating bamboo pots at the “Grow Green, Grow Strong With Biolage” booth, staffed by several stars of the reality TV phenomenon, The Hills, or making T-shirts and planting trees at Alternative’s Green Forest with actress Denise Richards and photographer Nigel Barker. Toddlers had a ball at the Sprouts Preschool Playzone, where they could pal around with Barney, design a card for a child in Africa, or practice yoga.
Sports-minded kids raced Hot Wheels and putted golf balls at the Mattel Playground with Nicole Richie, musician Joel Madden, and Olympic figure skater Michelle Kwan, among others. The athletically inclined could also shoot hoops with L.A. Clippers star Cuttino Mobley or play quarterback with Shawne Merriman of the San Diego Chargers.
Lauren Conrad (left), Whitney Port (center), and Lauren "Lo" Bosworth (right) decorate pots at the Biolage booth. |
Michelle Kwan plays Barbie. |
Throughout the day, DJ Nate and his team from Radio Disney entertained the crowd on the main stage. Carnival attendees also had the chance to meet several children and young adults living with HIV, who spoke on stage about their experiences. “I consider myself lucky to be alive,” said 17-year-old Alee Meredith, who was born with HIV. “One thing I’ve learned from my parents is that we can all get involved and make a difference. Elizabeth Glaser is proof of that. Everyone here is proof of that.”
After playing hard, it was time to chow down. Thanks to participating restaurants such as Drago, Paperfish, BLD, and many others, there were selections for every palate: fresh fruit and salads, hot dogs overflowing with chili, tasty ravioli, refreshing frozen coffee drinks, seafood paella, and desserts galore.
Pam Barnes introduces Mickey Mouse. |
When the fun and games began to wind down, teen heart throb Mitchel Musso performed several songs before Foundation President and CEO Pam Barnes took the stage with a special guest – Mickey Mouse. Pam thanked everyone for another great year and introduced Foundation co-founder Susie Zeegen, who marveled at how far the Foundation has come since the first carnival 19 years ago. Next to take the stage was Marty Mitchell, whose 27-year-old son, Brett, recently passed away due to AIDS.
“Today’s infected children have so much more hope because of the efforts of the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation,” said Marty, who was attending the carnival for the first time without her son. “I know that if we keep working together in the spirit of Brett and Elizabeth and so many others, we will see a day when every child has the chance to grow up as a healthy, happy adult.”
Jake Glaser, Elizabeth Glaser’s son, was the final speaker of the day. Jake encouraged each person in attendance to perform one act of kindness each day. “Everything you see today started with one person. One act of kindness,” Jake told the crowd. “Now I look out at you and see hundreds, which could turn into thousands…We can change the world.”
The afternoon ended with a rousing performance from Disney Channel sensations The Cheetah Girls, who sang a new rendition of an old favorite — “Route 66” — which both the youngest and oldest fans enjoyed. The 19th A Time for Heroes then entered the history books, leaving fans wondering what the 20th year will bring.
Jake Glaser delivers the final speech of the day. |
The Cheetah Girls perform the carnival finale. |
Don’t miss the Foundation’s next carnival — the 2008 Kids for Kids Family Carnival in New York City on September 20!
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