The Stars Come Out
For Olive Crest Black & White Ball
Actor Benjamin Bratt Master of Ceremonies

Olive Crest Homes and Services for Children hosted the prestigious annual Black & White Ball, “Desert Nights: Creating an Oasis for the Children”, at the Hyaat Regency Irvine. The evening is always filled with celebreties and high-level entertainment and this year was no exception. Benjamin Bratt, Liuetenant James Tisnewski on the new series “E-Ring” for NBC, was the delightful and entertaining master of ceremonies. The talented and lively KIDS NEXT DOOR and Grammy award-winning musician Solomon Burke, “The King of Classic Soul Music”, provided other entertainment Stephanie Byerly and John Melbon co-chaired this spectacular celebrity fundraiser. The event also featured a silent and live auction, cocktail reception and a delicious gourmet dinner. Over $300,000 was raised at the event, which was attended by 650 guests. The proceeds will help Olive Crest continue to provide care for children involved in the agency’s programs.

The evening began with the silent auction which was held in an elaborately decorated Moroccan bazaar area. The KIDS NEXT DOOR, one of Southern California’s most talented, young song and dance esembles, entertained the guest while they perused the “marketplace.” The 28 children ranging from 15 to 18 years of age, dressed in Arabian costumes, sang and danced through the crown. They were dressed as snake charmers, harem dancers street vendors and other Aladdin characters. When the dinner chimes rang, the performes led the guests into the ballroom and performed a medley of songs, which included an original song written specifically for Olive Crest, “I Still Believe in Miracles.” The song was written by David Green, Executive Director of the California Conservatory of the Arts.
Co-chair Stephanie Byerly thanked the performers and welcomed the guests. She introduced Casey Reinhardt who received the Chair for Youth Awards for her support of children’s causes. For many years, Reinhardt has visited the Olive Crest homes, read to the children and been a motivational speaker encouraging the children to stay in school and build a successful future for themselves. She has also made several significant contributions to the programs at Olive Crest throught her C.A.S.E.Y. Foundation.

Children’s Alliance for the Success and Education of Youth in need. She established the foundation because of her longtime passion for helping children with self-esteem, education and staying focused on academics and extracurricular activities.
Next Byerly thanked her committee members and recognized the Founders of Olive Crest Dr. Donald and Mrs. Lois Verleur, the Olive Crest Trustees, Board of Directors and Board of Governors for all their support. Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for, Byerly introduced Benjamin Bratt, the master of ceremonies. Bratt spoke passionately regarding his involvement with Olive Crest and his concern for the children. The he introduced honorees David and Marcy McKenna who founden the Lighthouse Guild of Olive Crest. The Lighthouse Guild has been instrumental is sponsoring numerous foundraisers to support the progrmas at Olive Crest.
Sheriff Michael Carona joined Bratt and explained the value of the educational programs at Olive Crest, Two young Olive Crest girls then told their special stories regarding how they valued the education they received. Auctioneer Chuck Dreyer asked the guests to help contribute to the educational program by donating to the scholarship fund. To everyone’s delight, Bratt made the first donation of $5,000. Next, it was auctioneer Chuck Dreyer’s turn to get the guests excited about the live auction items and some fast and furious bidding resulted. The evening ended with the guestes dancing until mindninght to Solomon Burke. For more information regarding Olive Crest, please call (714) 543 – 5437.