Hollywood auction set to roll out the red carpet

By LIANE M. ROTH Valley Life Editor

The glitzy gala of the season begins with a red carpet walk at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Poppy Pavilion on the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds, 2551 West Ave. H.

This year's festivities to benefit the Children's Center of the Antelope Valley will feature an array of star-studded happenings, including a performance by members of Extensions Dance Studio as they showcase the smooth steps of silver screen stars such as Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers and Gene Kelly.

The Tony Capko Big Band will belt out show tunes and movie scores throughout the evening to keep guests on their toes and moving to the rhythms and sounds of their big band show.

Returning to the event is the Heartsounds Mashed Potato Martini Bar where vintage cocktails will be served with flair while guests peruse the silent and live auction offerings.

A multi-course gourmet dinner featuring Cornish game hen, roasted red potatoes and a decadent dessert will be served as guests listen to a short program about the Children's Center.

Winners of a special "head table" auctioned off the previous year, Jeff and Angela Hiatt of Hiatt Termite Professionals, will get the star treatment.

The Hiatts and their guests will feast on a "Breakfast at Tiffany's"-style menu featuring lobster tails, grilled prawns, all the trimmings and a delightful dessert of Double D Supper Club cupcakes with salted caramel frosting presented on chocolate- and caramel-drizzled-plates accompanied by fresh berries and sprinkled with edible gold dust.

A "Champagne at Tiffany's" jewelry raffle will take place, with 200 champagne glasses sold at $50 each for a chance to win an 18-karat white gold, diamond-encrusted pendant with a total weight of 1.25 carats, donated by Mohammad Hoghoughi, owner of William Jewelers.

Specially designed by one of the gem artisans at the Palmdale jewelry store, the heart-shaped sparkler is valued at $4,000.

Every glass comes with a complimentary beverage, and one glass will be marked as the winner.

Tickets are available in advance at the center or at William Jewelers, 39522 10th St. West, Suite E.

The winner need not be present.

In keeping with the Hollywood theme, the venue will be decorated with star-studded accoutrements, including four ensembles worn by Hollywood legend Mae West.

A gown from the 1944 movie "Catherine the Great" and a negligee and peignoir worn by West for a 1969 cover of Life magazine will be among the outfits featured.

Bidders at the live auction will vie for an array of gift packages including a complete back yard makeover; a television-themed package featuring audience tickets to the "Dr. Phil Show," "The Doctors," Jay Leno and Jimmy Kimmel; a Universal Studios tour and Hollywood memorabilia; an Aeronautical Thrills package

featuring a private tour via

limousine of the FAA facility, a helicopter ride donated by Mark Norris of Professional Pipeline Contractors and other surprises; a week's stay in a luxurious cabin in Big Bear; and a chauffeured limousine ride to a dinner, show and private tour of the Magic Castle in Hollywood.

Dozens of prizes will be available for silent auction as well.

Theme dressing is encouraged.

Daisy's Costumes, 660 West Lancaster Blvd., will give ticket holders a 10% discount on outfits, with a huge selection of celebrities available.

Julie Sutton Photography will provide professional photo mementos for an additional fee.

Individual and business sponsorships are still available. They will support a variety of programs at the center.

For sponsorship details, call the Children's Center at (661) 949-1206, Ext. 272.

The Children's Center of the Antelope Valley was established in 1990 in response to the need for services in the areas of physical and psychological treatment of children who have been sexually or physically abused.

Admission to the event is $100 per person or $800 for a table for eight.

Complimentary valet parking is included. The deadline for dinner reservations is today.

For details, call (661) 949-1206, Ext. 272.

lroth@avpress.com