NEWPORT BEACH, CALIF (October 24, 2005) HomeAid Orange County, the Building Industry Association's non-profit organization that builds and renovates temporary residences for homeless men, women, and children recently announced proceeds in excess of $525,000 garnered from its annual fundraiser, Project Playhouse 2005. The Children and Families Commission of Orange County stepped up as the presenting sponsor for Project Playhouse for the third consecutive year with State Street Corporation a second-time sponsor partnering with HomeAid as the Auction Party presenter.

"Project Playhouse continues to be more exciting and the playhouses more astonishing with every passing year," said Gina Economakos, HomeAid Orange County's director of development. "Throughout the 14 year history of this event it has always been our dream to hit the half million mark," said Economakos, who went on to say that they had been close a couple of times. "And this year - thanks to the hard work and generosity of the Orange County Building Industry and the hundreds of volunteers from the community - we hit our mark!"

A spectacular African royalty-inspired foyer serving as the 'green room' for VIPs and playhouse bidders made its Project Playhouse debut this year. Designed by Marta Gallahair of MG Interior Design and furnished by Home Expressions coordinated by John Pham, this spectacular addition garnered rave reviews by the more than 600 attending guests.

The evening themed African Safari complete with gorillas, lions, and elephants was made even more authentic by the talents of the brightly clad Addawee dance troop, a group of lively African dancers, drummers and vocal performers that brought the house down with their tribal gyrations.

Baseball great, Angels' heavy hitter Garrett Anderson joined a current shelter resident and former soap opera actress stunning Nadia Bjorlin (Chloe on "Days of our Lives") to draw the winning Opportunity Prize ticket for a replica of the Angels' dugout built by Taylor Woodrow Homes with design inspired by Extreme Make Over: Home Edition star, Paul DiMeo.

The event took a spontaneous turn when Bjorlin offered boyfriend, James Stevenson (currently starring in Sex, Love & Secrets on UPN) up for auction. Stevenson returned the favor and put Nadia on the auction block, resulting in two lucky winners paying a total of $11,500 for dinner dates with these generous celebs whose appearance added a touch of glam to the popular fundraiser.

The night culminated in a bidding war for nine elaborate playhouses, most of which came complete with flat-screen plasma TVs, surround-sound systems, game boxes and running water. The playhouse selling prices ranged from $7,000 to $45,000 with a median price of about $20,000.

Awards of excellence were presented at a separate event held prior to the auction. Those recipients are:

The Grand Award: - (Best in Show) -
"Tropical Tree House," by Richmond American Homes with architect, Bloodgood Sharp Buster

The Grand Award" - 1st Place
"The Spirit of New Orleans," by K. Hovnanian Homes with architect, Scheurer Architects

The Grand Award 2nd Place: - Tie
"Tradepartners Chalet," by Shea Homes, with architect, Wesseln Construction
"Angels in the Dugout" by Taylor Woodrow Homes, with architect, JZMK Partners

The California Award: (Best depiction of' California Lifestyle)
"Beachside Drive-In," by Pulte Homes with architect Urban Arena Landscape Architecture & Planning

The Craftsman (Best builder/craftsman)
"The Tropical Tree House by Richmond American Homes with architect, Scheurer Architects

The Criterion Award: (Most Ingenious within Guidelines)
"Little Tyke Bike Shop," by William Lyon Homes with architect, Lind & Associates

The Designer Award: (Best Interior Design) - Tie
"Tradepartners Chalet," by Shea Homes with architect, Wesseln Construction-Interior Designer, Interior Lifestyles

Kermit Dorius Award: (Best Architectural Design)
"Make Hale" by KTGY Group, Inc., Interior Designer, Interior Design Concepts

"The Frog & the Princes," by The Orange County Sheriff's Department with architect, Lind & Associates The Imagination Award: (Most Creative& Unique)
"Angels in the Dugout," by Taylor Woodrow Homes with JZMK Partners

The Mirror Image Award: (Most Authentic Design)
"Jack & Jill 's Playhouse, " by Pardee Homes with architect, Bassenian/Lagoni Architects The Playful Award: (Most fun & User Friendly)
"Angels in the Dugout" by Taylor Woodrow Homes with architect, JZMK Partners

The Rainbow Award: (Most Colorful)
"Tradepartners Chalet," by Shea Homes with architect, Wesseln Construction

The Secret Garden Award: (Best Landscape Design)
"Tropical Tree House," by Richmond American Homes with Scheurer Architects

The Spirit Award: (Best Example of Community Involvement)
"Spirit of New Orleans," by K. Hovnanian Homes with architect, Bloodgood Sharp Buster

The Peoples Choice Award, based on the votes of the general public, distinguished The Spirit of New Orleans as the most popular playhouse in 2005! The playhouse builder, K. Hovnanian settled on a New Orleans theme prior to the Katrina tragedy. After the disaster the generous builder arranged to match the sale price and donate the money to HomeAid's Gulf Coast Rebuilding Fund. The playhouse not only was the People's favorite it went for the highest price of the night!

In addition to the builder teams' participation, Project Playhouse relies heavily on its sponsorships to raise funds for the HomeAid shelter development program.

This year's top sponsors included:

Affluent Publications BCI Framing & Drywall Bragg Crane Churm Publishing Coast Magazine Countrywide Home Loans Cox Communications Daily Pilot Digital Dimension Three Fashion Island HomeBuyers Guide K. Hovnanian Homes

O'Connell Landscape Orange Coast Magazine Orange County Home Magazine Orange County Reprographics Quick Loan Funding Peninsula Publishing PennySaver Ravo Media Riviera Magazine Southern California Builder Magazine The Irvine Company

To date, HomeAid Orange County has completed 37 shelter developments with three projects in various stages of planning and development. The temporarily homeless served by HomeAid include women in crisis pregnancy; victims of domestic violence; the mentally challenged; adults living with HIV/AIDS; homeless youths; and those who find themselves homeless as a result of job loss or catastrophic illness.

For information call (949) 553-9510 or click www.homeaidoc.org