Event Raises Money For Families in Crises

The red carpet rolled out, the paparazzi cameras were flashing and Gina "Seacrest" Vitamati was interviewing attendees of the star-studded Stars of the Valley event.

The gala, which happened Saturday at Wilson Creek Winery, aimed to raise money for two local families in need.

Guests of the event dressed in award show-style attire, with ladies floated in satin, silk, sequins and beads while the men donned tuxedos and stylish suits.

The idea of the event was the brainchild of longtime Temecula resident Charity Prestifilippo. Several years ago, she and a group of her close friends decided they wanted to give back to local people in need in a meaningful way. Charity for Charity was born.

The board is comprised of seven women who work hard all year gathering donations, choosing beneficiaries, spreading the word and planning the event.

“We have a great time doing this together,” Vitamati said amidst flashing cameras from the red carpet.

“This is our second year attending the event. We love that it gives back to people in our community by showing the beneficiaries love and support," said Libby Wilson-Johns, another attendee.

Each year, the board of directors picks two beneficiaries - a child and an adult - from Temecula to help out. This year, Haily Maree Gee and Brian Klein were chosen. 

First grader Haily was born with epidermolysis bullosa, a painful disease characterized by blister formation after minor trauma to the skin. She has the most severe type of EB. People with this recessive condition are given life expectancy not much more than 20 years. 

Klein, who recently lost his family business, Fitwize, and their home, found out last year that he has stage-four colon cancer that has now spread to other parts of his body, meaning more expensive medical treatments.

Brian is unable to work and although his wife, Bobbi, found work, her income isn't enough to cover their mounting medical expenses let alone basic household needs. 

Celebrities attended in hopes of drawing attention - and donations - to the event.

"This is my first time at this event.  Anything I can do to bring awareness and help people in need, I'm there," said former NFL football player Lance Zeno.

Tamra Barney and Peggy Tanous of Bravo's highly rated show, Real Housewives of Orange County, came to show their support as well.

"When Peggy told me about this important event, I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of and bring awareness to," Barney said. 

President of Charity for Charity, Prestifilippo is well known in the community for her and her husband's restaurants Gourmet Italia and Spuntinos Pizzeria. 

“The beneficiaries, Hailey and Brian, were the Stars of the show. They were honored with love and support from those in attendance representing their entire community," she said. "They were presented with many blessings before the event such as thousands of dollars in gift cards, make-overs and dresses and tuxedos for the night, limo transportation, amusement park passes and more.”

Prestifilippo added, “at the event they were presented with housecleaning for a year, shopping sprees and both were ecstatic to receive a seven-day Disney cruise on the new ship, Dream, traveling to the Mexico Riviera along with spending money.”

Now that the 2011 event is over, the board of directors is now onto preparing for next year's Stars of the Valley.

For more information visit www.charityforcharity.com