People’s Choice Award, Beachside Cabana built by Waterpointe Homes with Patterson Construction Corporations. Photo credit: David Heath.

IRVINE, Calif. (Oct. 21, 2008) – A crowd of more than 400 people cheered as professional auctioneer Chuck Dreyer yelled “Sold” after a top bid was reached for each playhouse at HomeAid Orange County’s 17th Annual Project Playhouse® Auction Party at Fashion Island® in Newport Beach. The live public auction of the whimsical cottages, which have been on display at Fashion Island, is the culmination of HomeAid’s signature fundraiser Project Playhouse. The five week long event raised more than $365,000 to help HomeAid as they work to fulfill their mission to build dignified housing where homeless families and individuals can rebuild their lives.

Caterer Annie Morgan of Backstage-A-Fare/Tastebuds Restaurant created an exquisite Italian themed evening of music, pasta and wine to entertain the guests and enthusiastic playhouse bidders.

Special guest Ron Yary, member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and a USC legend motivated USC loyalists to bid on William Lyon Homes’ playhouse entry Lyon’s Little Greek House, a 2008 USC team autographed football, Ronnie Lott autographed jersey and the ultimate USC fan “must have” a four-seater, street legal, electric golf car. Generous USC fans helped raise $47,800 to help build housing for homeless families in Orange County.

Annually, playhouse builders anxiously await the announcement of the People’s Choice Award. This year the adorable Beachside Cabana built by first time playhouse builder, Waterpointe Homes with General Contractor Patterson Construction Corporations received the prestigious award. Bucilla Group Architecture, Inc. and interior designs by Ver Designs designed this popular beach house. Conceptual Design & Planning Co. designed the landscape.

Honors also went to State Street for generously returning for the fifth year as the auction party Title Sponsor. First time Event Presenting Sponsor Bank of America was recognized for their overwhelming support of HomeAid and many organizations in Orange County.

“For HomeAid Orange County and many non-profit organizations, Bank of America is a hidden jewel in our community. Its commitment and generous contribution to Orange County have aided numerous organizations, strengthening their abilities to significantly bring positive change in thousands of lives,” said Scott Larson, Executive Director, HomeAid Orange County.

Project Playhouse debuted in 1992 and has been hosted by Fashion Island for the entire 17 years. It is estimated over 3 million people visit the fantasy villages during the five week long event. In 2009, Project Playhouse will move to The Irvine Spectrum. Dates will be announced soon.

From L to R: Garrett Calacci, Andy McKenzie, Andrew Patterson, Shannon Patterson and Erica Klaer Waterpointe Homes builders of the People’s Choice Award – Beachside Cabana. Photo credit: Robert Rooks

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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. With two projects currently in development, to date the organization has completed 43 housing developments that serve victims of domestic violence, pregnant homeless women, abused and abandoned children, homeless adults living with HIV/AIDS and homeless families. www.homeaidoc.org