They May Be Small, But These Playhouses Will Open 'Doorways For Hope' For Orange County's Homeless

Top Quote HomeAid OC's Beloved 'Project Playhouse® Fundraiser Debuts at South Coast Plaza Sept. 1; Event Coincides With Festival of Children ® and National Child Awareness Month. End Quote
  • (1888PressRelease) August 14, 2012 - "Doorways for Hope" is the theme for HomeAid Orange County's 21st Annual Project Playhouse, a cherished tradition that brings children's fantasies to life while raising major funding to assist homeless women, men and children.

    For the first time in the history of Project Playhouse, the beautiful and whimsical playhouses will be displayed at South Coast Plaza from Sept. 1 to Sept. 30, outside Macy's valet and in Jewel Court. The playhouses will be auctioned during a gala event on Oct. 5 at the Balboa Bay Club.

    This year's month-long display of the playhouses is being held in conjunction with the 11th annual Festival of Children. Sponsored by the national Festival of Children Foundation, the Festival, also located at South Coast Plaza, will feature free weekend activities, celebrity appearances, live performances and more than 75 charities that serve children. The Festival of Children Foundation was founded in 2002 with the mission of improving children's lives by strengthening the charities that serve them. September is National Child Awareness Month.

    Visitors to South Coast Plaza will be able to peer through the doors and windows of the playhouses from noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays during September. Visitors won't be permitted to actually enter them, however, in order to preserve their quality for their future owners. Interested parties who wish to bid on a playhouse can arrange a private tour by contacting HomeAid at 949-553-9510.

    "Each year, tens of thousands of visitors marvel at the imagination, creativity and detail that go into these remarkable playhouses," said Scott Larson, executive director of HomeAid Orange County. "Importantly, while the playhouses amaze and delight, they also increase the public's awareness of the critical issue of homelessness in Orange County, and inspire many to join us in building new doorways for hope for children and families."

    Project Playhouse debuted in 1992 and has become HomeAid Orange County's signature fundraiser. For the past 21 years, homebuilders, trades, architects and designers have donated their talents and resources to create these whimsical playhouses. With names like Tugboat Annie, Ginger Dreams, River Belle, Tom Sawyer's River House and The Enchanted Treehouse, the playhouses are a tangible symbol of compassionate efforts to help the homeless restore dignity and regain financial independence. This year's playhouse builders include entries from the BIAOC's Next Gen, Shea Homes, Team HomeAid and William Lyon Homes.

    Since its founding, the unique event has raised more than $6.3 million to help the 23-year-old non-profit organization complete 49 housing developments, which were gifted to 25 service providers who provide aid and shelter to homeless men, women and children.

    For all ticket and auction bidder information, please visit www.projectplayhouse.org

    About HomeAid Orange County
    HomeAid Orange County is the founding chapter of a national non-profit organization with the mission to build dignified housing where homeless families and individuals can rebuild their lives. Founded in 1989 by the Orange County Chapter of the Building Industry Association of Southern California, HomeAid acts as the housing developer and liaison between service providers, community volunteers, builders and specialty contractors. To date, the organization has completed 49 housing developments that serve victims of

    domestic violence, pregnant homeless women, abused and abandoned children. Developments range from small renovations to multi-million dollar projects located throughout Orange County. For more information, please visit www.homeaidoc.org.

    About The Festival of Children Foundation
    Festival of Children Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization that serves to bring together and coordinate the efforts of charities, companies and individuals who actively work to improve the lives of children. Festival of Children Foundation gives a voice, guidance and support. 100% of the administrative costs are covered by designated funding, allowing donations to go further in direct support of programs and services that improve the lives of children. For more information, please visit www.festivalofchildren.org.

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