20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION HONORS GENERAL WILLIAM LYON FOR HIS 20 YEAR COMMITMENT TO PROJECT PLAYHOUSE AND GROSSES $511,500 FOR HOMEAID OC

Irvine, CA – 11.11.11 proved to be a lucky date for HomeAid OC, a nonprofit organization benefiting homeless families in Southern California. The sold out 20th Anniversary Celebration raised $511,500 for HomeAid OC.


Since its debut two decades ago, Project Playhoue has captivated millions of visitors, raised a total of $6.3 million and enlisted more than 10,000 volunteers. The result — 48 housing developments and 1,050 beds, providing 4.2 million bed nights over the last 22 years and 386,535 bed nights in 2010 serving victims of domestic violence, abused children and homeless families.

450 guests arrived to bid on this year’s playhouses from Project Playhouse®, the signature annual fundraiser benefitting HomeAid OC. The 2011 collection of fantasy playhouses, which had been open to the public to tour for over a month at the Irvine Spectrum Center, were built and donated by generous home builders, Nicholson Companies, Shea Homes, and William Lyon Homes.

“It’s has been amazing to see how the Orange County community has come together for the last 20 years to inspire hope and build homes that can change the lives for the homeless ” said John Racunas, standing with his Project Playhouse Committee Co-Chair, Brandi Uehli.

HomeAid OC board president Sonia Lister and board member Robert Grimm, helped guide the tribute to General William Lyon for his 20 years of dedication to HomeAid OC, as a video highlighted the 20 playhouses he built for Project Playhouse. While he was center stage, he learned of a special gift delivered in his honor. One of the playhouses William Lyon Homes built in the past was donated back to HomeAid and gifted to Ryan, a 6 year old girl whose wish through Make-A-Wish Foundation was to have a playhouse. The family got up on stage to thank him for his generosity to HomeAid OC and to let him know that the joy and laughter they hear coming out of the playhouse is irreplaceable.

“General William Lyon’s consistent commitment to HomeAid OC for the last 20 years is nothing more than inspiring.” Gina Scott, HomeAid OC Director of Development. “Under his leadership, the team at William Lyon Homes has been side by side HomeAid building hope and changing lives for homeless families and individuals.”

The Over the Rainbow Cottage playhouse team thanked the room as they accepted the People's Choice award, which was voted favorite by the public. Guests also enjoyed the spirited live auction, fine dining, and silent auction, as well as danced until midnight to Super Diamond, the ever-popular Neil Diamond cover band. The winner was also announced for HomeAid’s Extreme Kitchen Makeover’s opportunity drawing, valued at $33,000, which includes KitchenAid Stainless Steel Appliances donated by Ferguson Bath, Kitchen and Lighting Gallery, Custom Cabinetry by Hartmark Cabinet Design and Manufacturing and Countertops by Famosa Tile and installation by Epic Stone.

This year’s top sponsors, include: Hayes Martin Associates, Bank of America, PCV Murcor, The Russ and Kathy Van Cleve Foundation, Province Group, Lyon Communities, Jackson DeMarco Tidus & Peckenpaugh, Fidelity National Title Insurance Company, Hampton Products International, imortgage, Lifescapes International, Surterrre Properties and Darren Lang Family Foundation.

Live auction items were a highlight of the evening and included donations from the Anaheim Ducks, Black, Starr & Frost, Corum, and Ferrari/Masterai of Newport Beach, Pelican Hill and Sunseeker Yacht Group.

ABOUT HOMEAID OC
HomeAid Orange County is a non-profit organization founded in 1989 by the Orange County Chapter of the Building Industry Association of Southern California, with a mission to build and maintain dignified housing where homeless men, women and children can rebuild their lives.

Since 1989, HomeAid OC has raised millions of dollars and created partnerships between residential builders and county service providers to achieve a common goal. The total project value of HomeAid OC is an estimated $57,643,176 and three new developments are currently in progress with an estimated value of $9,020,260. The mission continues and HomeAid remains committed to changing lives and inspiring hope in those who need it most. For more information, please visit http://www.homeaidoc.org/  or http://www.projectplayhouse.org/.

20TH ANNIVERSARY PROJECT PLAYHOUSE® AWARD WIINERS ANNOUNCED

Irvine, CA -- Project Playhouse®, the signature annual fundraiser benefitting HomeAid OC, a nonprofit organization benefiting homeless families in Southern California, has announced this year’s award winning playhouses for 2011.  The 20th Anniversary fantasy playhouses are currently on display at the Edwards Court at Irvine Spectrum Center® through November 11. Project Playhouse Village is open Fridays 12-4, Saturday and Sunday 12-6. Tickets for these dates are $2, children 3 and under are free. www.projectplayhouse.org.

Little Diamond Head by Nicholson Companies -WINNER, GRAND AWARD – BEST IN SHOW. BEST INTERIOR DESIGN AND THE KERMIT DORIUS AWARD – BEST ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

Sir Lyon’s Castle by William Lyon Homes – WINNER, THE IMAGINATION AWARD


Tradepartners® Tribute in honor of Chuck Dreyer by Shea Homes – WINNER, GRAND AWARD RUNNER UP AND BEST CRAFTSMAN AWARD


Over the Rainbow Cottage by Team HomeAid – WINNER, BEST LANDSCAPE DESIGN


For a chance to take a playhouse home, tickets for the 20th Anniversary Celebration, held on November 11 beginning at 6 p.m. at the Balboa Bay Club, are $275 per person and can be purchased online at projectplayhouse.org. Guests will enjoy the spirited live auction, fine dining, and silent auction as well as a performance by Super Diamond, the ever-popular Neil Diamond cover band. The evening will also be a tribute to General William Lyon for his 20 years of dedication to HomeAid.

Pre-bidding for the playhouses will be hosted at www.FRE.com/HomeAid  beginning on October 7 at 5 pm through November 11 at 12 noon. Pictures and complete descriptions of each of the award winning entries are also available on the website.

Visitors to the Project Playhouse village throughout the month of October will also have a chance to purchase tickets for an opportunity drawing to win HomeAid’s Extreme Kitchen Makeover. The opportunity drawing package, valued at $33,000, includes KitchenAid Stainless Steel Appliances donated by Ferguson Bath, Kitchen and Lighting Gallery, Custom Cabinetry by Hartmark Cabinet Design and Manufacturing and Countertops by Famosa Tile and installation by Epic Stone. Tickets to enter the opportunity drawing can be purchased for $5 each. The winner will be announced at the 20th Anniversary Project Playhouse Celebration. Entrants do not need to be present to win.

Since its debut nearly two decades ago, Project Playhouse has captivated millions of visitors, raised a total of $5.8 million and enlisted more than 10,000 volunteers. The result — 47 housing developments and 1,000 beds, providing 4.2 million bed nights over the last 22 years and 386,535 bed nights in 2010 serving victims of domestic violence, abused children and homeless families.

ABOUT HOMEAID OC
HomeAid Orange County is a non-profit organization founded in 1989 by the Orange County Chapter of the Building Industry Association of Southern California, with a mission to build and maintain dignified housing where homeless men, women and children can rebuild their lives.

Since 1989, HomeAid OC has raised millions of dollars and created partnerships between residential builders and county service providers to achieve a common goal. The total project value of HomeAid OC is an estimated $57,643,176 and three new developments are currently in progress with an estimated value of $9,020,260. The mission continues and HomeAid remains committed to changing lives and inspiring hope in those who need it most. For more information, please visit http://www.homeaidoc.org/.

20TH ANNIVERSARY PROJECT PLAYHOUSE® VILLAGE TO OPEN ON OCTOBER 8



A KID-SIZE BEACH COTTAGE, CASTLE, FARMHOUSE AND TUSCAN VILLA
FOR AUCTION

Visitors to Project Playhouse® Village Located at Irvine Spectrum Center® Edwards Court Can Enter to Win HomeAid’s Extreme Kitchen Makeover Opportunity Drawing

Irvine, CA -- Project Playhouse®, the signature annual fundraiser benefitting HomeAid OC, a nonprofit organization benefiting homeless families in Southern California, is set to celebrate its 20th Anniversary by unveiling the 2011 collection of fantasy playhouses at the Open House on Saturday, October 8 between 12noon-6pm at the Edwards Court at Irvine Spectrum Center®. www.projectplayhouse.org.

On October 8 only, visitors to the Project Playhouse® Village will have the opportunity to go inside the playhouses, receive goodies bags, samples from Rubio’s and experience the creative and inspiring kid-size homes first hand along with face painters and balloon twisters. Tickets are $10, children 3 and under are free. Following the Open House, the playhouse village will be on display and available to tour on Fridays 12-4, Saturday and Sunday 12-6 through November 11. Tickets for these dates are $2, children 3 and under are free.

Visitors to the Project Playhouse village throughout the month of October will also have a chance to purchase tickets for an opportunity drawing to win HomeAid’s Extreme Kitchen Makeover. The opportunity drawing package, valued at $33,000, includes KitchenAid Stainless Steel Appliances donated by Ferguson Bath, Kitchen and Lighting Gallery, Custom Cabinetry by Hartmark Cabinet Design and Manufacturing and Countertops by Famosa Tile and installation by Epic Stone. Tickets to enter the opportunity drawing can be purchased for $5 each. The winner will be announced at the 20th Anniversary Project Playhouse Celebration. Entrants do not need to be present to win.

Dedicated home builders throughout Orange County have donated their talents and resources to construct these imaginative playhouses with working electrical systems, flat screen televisions, and state-of-the-art video game systems. The 2011Project Playhouse® Village will include:

Little Diamond Head by Nicholson Companies
Aloha! Step into the style of Hawaii and let stories of wind, waves and adventure inspire the spirit of your Keiki (child). Bright and beachy within, your keiki is sure to be entertained with images of the surf and sand. Complete with an accompanying deck to enjoy lazy days hangin’ in the hammock and Tiki torches to excite the night. Features include: Disappearing Walls of Pocketing Glass Doors, Hardwood Flooring, Beamed Ceiling, Built-In Entertainment Wall, Flat Screen TV, DVD Player, Grass Cloth Covered Walls, Black Walnut Hanging lamp, Custom Designer Furnishings, and Removable Exterior Decking.

Tradepartners® Tribute in honor of Chuck Dreyer by Shea Homes
Get a little taste of Italy with this lovely Tuscan style playhouse built by Shea Homes in partnership with Tradepartners. The playhouse is a tribute to Chuck Dryer who was our auctioneer for many years and passed away in December 2010. Let your kids curl up next to a warm stone fireplace with a mug of hot cocoa in hand. The little home also has a porch where children can play games or just sit and relax. Features include: open beam ceilings, wood floors, granite countertops, and a tile roof.

Over the Rainbow Cottage by Team HomeAid
Captivate yourself in the Land of Oz from the outside in with this magical playhouse inspired by the famous farmhouse that fell on the Wicked Witch of the East. Designed and crafted to be a comfortable retreat for your friends made out of tin, straw or fur, this playhouse features a loft, table and chairs, custom window seat, hand painted mural, window treatments, games, books and costumes so everyone can play out their favorite fantasy. The exterior siding is reclaimed barn wood from the Midwest, perhaps even Kansas, with three porches and a rooster weathervane.

Sir Lyon’s Castle by William Lyon Homes
Once upon a time, in a land far far away, there was a mighty fortress big enough to protect and shelter an entire kingdom…. Inspired by the castle lore of yester year, William Lyon Homes, Inc. has designed a playhouse that will captivate children and adults with the essence of royalty. Every little detail embraces the stately atmosphere within. It’s the ultimate space for your budding knights and princesses. Features include: elegant counter tops, a working sink with an attractive rustic faucet, dynamic wood beam ceilings, enchanting light fixtures and charming custom crafted woodwork and cabinetry. A Flat screen TV with DVD and an indoor/outdoor speaker system provide hours of entertainment, while the majestic thrones and electric fireplace invite the young royals to unwind. William Lyon Homes is proud to be participating in its 20th Annual Project Playhouse.

For a chance to take a playhouse home, tickets for the 20th Anniversary Celebration, held on November 11 beginning at 6 p.m. at the Balboa Bay Club, are $275 per person and can be purchased online at projectplayhouse.org. Guests will enjoy the spirited live auction, fine dining, and silent auction as well as a performance by Super Diamond, the ever-popular Neil Diamond cover band. The evening will also be a tribute to General William Lyon for his 20 years of dedication to HomeAid.

Pre-bidding for the playhouses will be hosted at www.FRE.com/HomeAid beginning on October 7 at 5 pm through November 11 at 12 noon.

Since its debut nearly two decades ago, Project Playhouse has captivated millions of visitors, raised a total of $5.8 million and enlisted more than 10,000 volunteers. The result — 47 housing developments and 1,000 beds, providing 4.2 million bed nights over the last 22 years and 386,535 bed nights in 2010 serving victims of domestic violence, abused children and homeless families.